Osteoporosis- Calcium might NOT be the answer! 1) Osteoporosis affects an estimated 10 million Americans over the age of 50 years old. 2) 32.9 million afflicted with low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. 3) Osteoporosis is related to 1.2 million fractures in the United States each year (a leading cause of death in the elderly). 4) Most osteoporosis is NOT due to low amounts of calcium in the diet. In fact, the USA consumes the most calcium of any country in the world and also has the highest rates of osteoporosis. Consuming more calcium by eating dairy products or supplementing with cheap calcium (calcium carbonate) are poor choices to remedy this problem. 5) Phosphoric acid (found in high amounts in sodas) pulls calcium out of your bones in order to balance calcium and phosphorus in the blood. 6) Fluoride and sugar decrease calcium absorption (you are not necessarily what you eat, you are what you absorb). 7) People with digestive problems (celiac disease, irritable bowel, etc.) are more susceptible to osteoporosis (again, poor absorption of calcium). 8) Women who are in menopause developed osteoporosis at higher rates. During menopause there is a great decrease in the hormone progesterone, but not estrogen. So why would you take drugs to increase your estrogen levels for osteoporosis (especially since it increases your chances of cancer 9-14 times)? Also, fat cells store estrogen, which can further distort proper hormonal balance of estrogen and progesterone. Balancing your hormonal level naturally through improving health is a much better alternative. 9) Inactivity does not stimulate bone building. Calcium will be stored in other areas, such as tendons (bone spurs) and in arteries (plaque). All the while the bones are becoming weaker. 10) Calcium needs vitamin D for absorption and vitamin K for utilization. People who choose the Standard American Diet (SAD), do not perform outside activities and are sedentary are grossly deficient in vitamin D and vitamin K, as well as susceptible to bone loss. 11) New evidence reveals a strong relationship between bone breakdown and inflammation, free radicals, and gut dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria). All of these are easily treated with natural therapies. What can be done to Avoid Osteoporosis? 1) START EARLY. What we do as kids/teens has a cumulative effect and sets us up for either prone for disease or a healthy life later on. It is never too late to begin, but get anyone and everyone involved in being health conscious ASAP. 2) Genetic testing is available through Dr. Webster to determine your future risk of developing osteoporosis. This can give you a head start if you are susceptible to developing osteoporosis later in life. By taking precautions now you can greatly reduce your risk of osteoporosis even if you have some of the genes that put you at risk. 3) Regularly exercising with weights (three or more times per week) is important for stimulating bone growth. Exercising with weight stresses the bone which causes the bone to replicate, making it stronger and healthier. 4) Improve muscle tone and range of motion to better stimulate bone building (this improves brain function as well!). 5) Eliminate excessive amounts of phosphoric acid in the diet (no more sodas. Seriously, no more sodas), sugar, fluoride exposure (tap water, toothpaste) and high amounts of animal protein (Atkins diet- This will set you up for problems down the road). 6) Improve digestion and overall gut health. Dr. Webster can help identify and correct digestive issues. 7) Normalize hormones through healthy means (loose body fat to decrease estrogen stores, stay away from processed soy products). 8) Stop using inappropriate therapies that could cause other problems. (Eating Tums for calcium, eating ice cream or other dairy products for calcium, supplementing with cheap calcium like calcium carbonate, which is made of the same stuff used for chalk). 9) Use pharmaceutical grade supplements in an appropriate manner. Dr. Webster can recommend appropriate forms and doses of vitamins D & K, as well as natural treatments for gut dysfunction, hormone imbalance, inflammation and free radicals. Everyone is different so everyone requires a unique supplementation plan. Call Dr. Webster for an appointment today! 972-735-0707 Complete Health and Weight Loss 5000 Legacy Dr. #240 Plano, TX 75024 972-735-0707 |