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Our skeletal system consists of bones of
a variety of different shapes and sizes. It serves many different
functions including providing a framework for the body in which
to support the tissues and protect the vital organs. It
acts as levers, working with the muscles to produce body movement. It
also works to produce red blood cells within the marrow and serves
as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus.
Calcium is one of the primary minerals
required for normal bone formation as well as for many of our
biological functions. As we grow, the body uses calcium
to create new bone. At around the age of around 35, we achieve
peak bone mass. After that, bone mass gradually and steadily
declines and which if left unchecked can cause our bone tissue
to become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis occurs when the
body fails to form enough new bone or when too much calcium is
reabsorbed back into the body to support its necessary biological
functions or both.
Often thought of as a women's disorder,
osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease, a disease
in which the bones become fragile and more likely to break. Many
times individuals who have decreased bone density don't even
know it. Progressing gradually over many years, often times
the first indication of a problem is when a bone suddenly breaks
such as in the hips, wrists or spine. The truth is, any
bone can be affected and activities as insignificant as laughing,
coughing or light lifting can cause a fracture.
There are two different kinds of osteoporosis
Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1
osteoporosis is only found in post-menopausal women and is directly
related to estrogen deficiency.
Type 2
osteoporosis can be found in both men and women and is due to
both aging and a prolonged calcium deficiency. Other causes
of osteoporosis can include Cushing syndrome, hyperthyroidism,
hyperparathyroidism, being confined to bed, bone cancer and a
family history of osteoporosis.
If you smoke, have an eating disorder,
have low body weight, consume a low calcium diet, consume alcohol
in excess, experienced early menopause or are taking certain
medications including steroids and anticonvulsants you may also
be at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is not a new health disorder
and there are a large number of tried and true natural and alternative
health remedies that can be used to prevent or minimize bone
loss.
Recommendations For
Wellness
If you are concerned about your bone health,
talk to your doctor about having a bone density test done, especially
if you are a woman over the age of 50.
Consume a diet of calcium rich foods. Calcium
can be found in all milk products as well as in tofu, salmon,
sardines (with the bones) and dark leafy green vegetables.
Supplement your daily food intake with
supplemental calcium to ensure you are getting the recommended
amount of calcium daily.
Go outside and get some sun. Exposure
to the sun causes our body to produce vitamin D a vitamin
that aids in calcium absorption. If that's not possible,
add a vitamin D supplement to your daily health routine.
Start an exercise program. The best
exercises for bone health are weight-bearing exercises which
force you to work against gravity. Activities such as lifting
weights, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs and dancing
are all excellent for your bones.
Quit smoking, eliminate caffeine and carbonated
soft drinks and reduce your salt intake, each of which enhances
calcium loss from the body.
Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol
use can lead to decreased bone formation.
Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner
about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone
replacement therapy has been shown to help prevent bone loss
and increase bone density.
Some studies indicate that foods such as
spinach, chard, beet greens and chocolate! Contain substances
that can prevent calcium absorption.
Herbs such as horsetail, oat straw and
alfalfa have been traditionally used in North America as effective
remedies for osteoporosis.
Studies suggest that magnesium may help
to improve bone density and assist in calcium absorption. If
blood levels are low, magnesium supplementation may be helpful.
The mineral zinc is required in a number
of biological processes which include the formation of a strong
bone structure. Scientists have discovered that individuals
with osteoporosis often have low zinc levels.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer
http://www.soulhealer.com 2007. All rights reserved.
Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic
Physician, founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics and
the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books "Avoiding
the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within", it is
her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant
that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing
health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com
or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.JustEnergyRadio.com
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