Osteoporosis

Although the ultimate causes of osteoporosis are not well understood the direct cause is because of the absorption of old bone by osteoclast cells exceeding the deposition of new bone by osteoblast cells. That a lack of progesterone and osteoporosis are connected is supported by the knowledge that oestrogen slows down the action of osteoclasts, whereas progesterone stimulates osteoblast activity (the bone building function).

Hormone imbalances induced by environmental poisons, especially the xeno-oestrogens, are thought by some authorities to be one of the primary causes of osteoporosis.

There is an epidemic of osteoporosis in the West where 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men get it. It barely exists in the third world, as diet and exercise play a major role in preventing it.

Most at risk are those who…

1. exercise excessively (eg. marathon runners and ballet dancers)

2. under exercise

3. anorexics and bulimics

4. smoke

5. drink excessive alcohol

6. are deficient in vitamin D (sunbathing for 30 minutes per day is essential), calcium or magnesium

7. had previously taken or are taking steroids (eg. cortisone and the Pill)

8. had thyroid disease and taken the drug Thyroxin

9. had a loss of menstruation for longer than 6 months

10. eat an acid diet of meat, dairy and refined grains with few vegetables (ie. a typical western diet)

There is now evidence of osteoporosis being found in teenagers.

There is growing evidence of dietary causes of osteoporosis. Most Western diets are very high in protein which causes calcium to be lost from the bones (over 2%/year in some people). Such diets are low in magnesium which is needed by an enzyme before calcium can be deposited in the bones. Taking large quantities of calcium without reducing protein intake will not improve bone density. A high level of calcium in the blood has been implicated in gall and kidney stones, calcification of the arteries and brain and arthritic spurs. Without magnesium and vitamin B6 calcium tends to be deposited in the soft tissues.

It is generally, and mistakenly, believed that one of the causes of osteoporosis in women is due to oestrogen loss beginning at menopause. However, the process of bone loss often starts in women during their mid thirties when they first experience an-ovulatory cycles and therefore cease to produce progesterone in their monthly cycle. At this time they are still making a great deal of oestrogen and are oestrogen dominant. In fact some women have lost 25% of their bone density by the time they reach menopause.

Taking oestrogen to treat this condition is a myth it may slow the loss of bone for up to 5 years, thereafter its benefit declines. Once the oestrogen is stopped the bones are quickly broken down.

Progesterone therapy, however, because of it’s affect on osteoblast cells, is actively involved in the building of bones. Unlike oestrogen, if the treatment is stopped the bones remain strong.

Opinions differ as to the amount of progesterone needed for the prevention and control of osteoporosis. Some specialists recommend as much as 800mg/day. It would seem that the lower doses are adequate if the diet is adjusted.

Treatment and prevention of Osteoporosis

1. Take natural progesterone therapy (Naturone cream applied daily)

1. Get your pH into the alkaline range.

• One should eat no more than 40gm of protein/day, preferably only vegetable sources as animal protein (including dairy products) contains high levels of oestrogenic steroids used for fattening (they also have a very low level of magnesium compared to calcium).

• Eat organically grown salads with every meal which include a variety of green leafy vegetables and herbs, preferably straight out of your garden. Cucumber is one of the most alkalising vegetables

• Avoid all processed foods especially sugar and refined carbohydrates

3. Avoid all…

• steroids, including oestrogen

• coffee and carbonated soft drinks which are full of phosphorus and sugar (both very acid)

• fluoride, even in toothpaste, as several studies have shown that it increases the risk of hip fractures

• the bi-phosphonate drugs as they also result in an increase in fractures

4. Take bone growth stimulating supplements ….Include in the diet Omega 3 essential fatty acid which is involved in the building of bones and connective tissue. It also helps dissolve gall and kidney stones, as do magnesium and vitamin B supplements. Take vitamins C and D and zinc, calcium and strontium

1. Weight bearing (resistance) exercise is essential.