Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (or 'Brittle Bone' disease)will affect 1 in 3 women during their lifetime. We look at the facts, causes and risks.

Bones, like every other part of the body, are continually being rebuilt. They are a structure of protein and collagen, (a kind of intercellular glue) which contains minerals - mainly calcium plus magnesium and phosphorus. There are two types of bone cells : osteoblasts which build new bone, and osteoclasts which break down old bone. The ability to absorb calcium into the bone depends on vitamin D and is assisted by Boron, a trace mineral. Vitamin C makes collagen and zinc helps to make new bone cells.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone"and is a reduction of the total mass of bone with the remaining parts being left fragile or "brittle". Osteoporosis is a slow progressive disease, - after the age of 30, bone mass is no longer made so it is important to maintain bone mass. Osteoporosis can rob up to 25% of the skeleton by the age of 50, and is particularly prevalent in women after menopause increasing the risk of bone fractures which occur in 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men by the age of 70.

WHO IS AT RISK FROM OSTEOPOROSIS?

Women are more at risk than men of developing osteoporosis. The female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone are protective of women's bones, just as in men, testosterone is protective. From the age of 35 women fail to ovulate, decreasing the production of progesterone which is the major hormone for bone strength. Women at most risk of developing osteoporosis are those who have an early menopause either naturally or surgically.

WHAT CAUSES OSTEOPOROSIS?

-female hormone balance:

although conventionally thought that osteoporosis occurred due to little oestrogen production after menopause, and therefore Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is then recommended this is certainly not the whole story!! Oestrogen is important for bone health with it's main role in protecting bone, to stimulate osteoclasts cells to clear out old bone, making spaces available for new bone to be laid down. It is progesterone that stimulates osteoblasts to build new bone, and this is the hormone that is decreased after menopause. HRT raises the oestrogen levels causing other problems, increasing the imbalance of hormones, and the synthetic form of progesterone has a marginal effect on bone mineral density.

-too much protein:

protein is digested in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCL), in the stomach and there is a decline in its production in people over the age of 50. HCL is vital for releasing minerals from food, so low levels can lead to poor absorption of minerals essential for bone health.

Also, protein-rich foods are acid forming which the body needs to neutralise. It does this by using the two main alkaline minerals in the body - sodium and calcium. Therefore calcium is leached from the bones. A lifelong consumption of high animal protein, acid-forming diet may be a primary cause of osteoporosis. Eskimos suffer the highest rates of osteoporosis and have a high protein diet of seal meat and fish, with few fruit and vegetable, which only contain weak amino acids and are easily neutralised by the body.

-too much stress:

every time your body is stressed, the body is on alert, and when this happens calcium is called out of the bones into the blood to help prepare the body for perceived danger. This calcium never finds its way back into the bones and is often disposed of on artery walls, in joint tissues, as kidney stones and in hair. A stressful job, relationships, relying on tea, coffee, chocolate and cigarettes during the day will almost certainly rob the bones of calcium.

DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

Calcium needs a balance of phosphorus and magnesium to build bone effectively. 'Junk food' diets are high in phosphorus which upsets the balance. Dairy produce is rich in calcium but low in magnesium. Magnesium is needed to absorb and utilize calcium properly. Nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables are rich sources of both minerals. Vitamin D, (the sunshine vitamin), is required for absorption of calcium and phosphorus and helps them from being excreted in the urine. Limit alcohol as it interferes with calcium absorption.

-exercise:

Good weight-bearing exercise, such as walking briskly regularly will help keep calcium in the bones.

Is milk a safe and adequate source of calcium? Visit www.notmilk.com and decide for yourself...
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Tuesday, 1 January 2002

© 2002 Bromley Health Management