LOVE MY BONES

Did you know that you were meant to have strong, and healthy, bones throughout your lifetime? Unfortunately, about 40 percent, currently, of American women and about 6 percent of American men, over the age of 50, will have a vertebral fracture due to bone mass loss (or osteoporosis).

This disease has, typically, always been more prevalent in women than in men. While many women may have a loss of bone mass, they experience this trend earlier in their lives than men, both genders by the age of 65 to 70 lose bone density at the same rate.

Eating your way to better bone health

Dietary nutrient deficiencies are the single largest contributors leading to bone mass loss. The leading one is getting an insufficient amount of bone strengthening minerals. Of course, everyone knows calcium plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. But, few understand that are several other key minerals, nutrients, and lifestyle factors that, also, play a pivotal role in helping the body, properly, absorb dietary calcium and maintain hard bones and teeth.

You see, most of us do not have any trouble getting enough calcium in our diets. Calcium is present in nearly every whole food that you eat, or water that you drink.

The second most important mineral in the prevention of bone mass loss is magnesium. Getting enough dietary magnesium is a serious problem affecting nearly all of the human population in the U.S., especially those most vulnerable to the disease, which is women.

The partnership between calcium and magnesium is a rather intimate one, and a shortage of either one diminishes the effectiveness of the other. A lack of sufficient dietary magnesium limits new bone growth, while at the same time, it will also prevent calcification (strengthening) of bone mass. Building up strong bones really begins in childhood and adolescence, peaking in our early 30’s.

An ideal calcium to magnesium ratio is harder for us to maintain now, more than ever, due to depletion of magnesium in U.S. soils (mainly due to modern farming practices), the over consumption of processed foods and beverages, fluoridation of drinking water supplies, certain prescription and over the counter drugs, and digestive problems.

Other, less notable, key minerals contributing to bone strength, or loss, are insufficient amounts of potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, boron, and zinc.

A whole food diet is best

Foods to include for their mineral content are raw, or minimally processed, brightly colored whole fruits and vegetables. Add whole grains, nuts, and seeds in moderation, and red meats sparingly. An often overlooked table seasoning can help promote bone strength too.

In his book, "Your Body’s Many Cries For Water", by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D., page 161, is quoted as saying, "salt is a most essential ingredient of the body. In their order of importance, oxygen, water, salt, and potassium rank as the primary elements for survival of the human body. About 27 percent of the salt content of the body is stored in the bones in the form of crystals. It is said that the salt crystals are naturally used to make bones hard. Thus a salt deficiency could also be responsible for the development of osteoporosis".

When drinking your body weight, divided in half in ounces of nothing more than water every day for health benefits, there will, undoubtedly, be a greater loss of sodium due to increased urination output. Dr. B. states, and I emphasize, "the precaution to keep in mind is a loss of salt when water intake is increased and salt is not". Water and salt go together like a hand in glove.

Choose a brand of unbleached, non-heat dried, or chemically treated form of table salt for your home cooking needs. You can easily find them at a health food store. They have more natural minerals available than supermarket brands, but expect them to cost more.

Vitamin D is, technically, more accurately described as a hormone than a vitamin, and it greatly enhances calcium and other mineral absorption. Increasing your calcium, magnesium, and other trace mineral intakes offer very little protection against osteoporosis without it. This micronutrient, also, helps lower bone resorption, or the normal bone breakdown that allows for bone rebuilding (or growth) to occur.

By far, the best source of vitamin D is getting out into the sunshine. Exposing as much of your bare skin, sensibly, as much as possible. Aside from that, dietary sources of this nutrient are hard to come by. You can find it in limited amounts in food sources like, egg yolks (laid by free range chickens, cod liver oil, oily cold water fish, and fortified milk with the vitamin D-3 variety. In winter months supplementation is advisable, when warranted by blood level monitoring.

Most bone health information sources, also, fail to recognize the importance of healthy dietary fats, like omega-3, in the diet. As a culture, we have strayed so far from our native and natural diet. Our ancestors, upon fossil examination, were thought not to have suffered from the modern disease known as osteoporosis.

Lifestyle addictions, habits, and emotions that can contribute

Lifestyle habits and choices such as lack of regular muscle strengthening exercise, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, gastrointestinal diseases, and the over eating of over processed junk food and beverages (especially sodas) all will have some bearing on the possible development of bone density loss.

As with any other degenerative health condition, and osteoporosis is no exception, your genes and gender susceptibility, diet, chemical exposure, and lifestyle factors are all a complicated mix that can contribute to the development, or healing, of any disease.

Another key player, that is often overlooked, is how unresolved emotional issues can contribute to, overall, health and happiness. We can experience less sabotaging emotional behavior that results in more physical pain, short-term illnesses, and long-term diseases if we are shown how.

No two people will need exactly the same combination of different preventive strategy techniques That seems to be the biggest problem in treatment with chemical drugs, or natural treatment alternatives as well. As a species, we like to think there is a, one, special, magic-bullet way that works for all. We are all beginning to find out, however, that it is often times, more than not, a combination of several different things.

It stands to reason, then, that by choosing to adopt a more diverse health care regime in preventiveness, by encompassing a wide variety of many different approaches may work better than just a few. More natural interventions, with much less chemical ones could very well keep one healthy, happy, and strong well into your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and beyond.

Author: Brenda Skidmore

Brenda Skidmore has spent over the last five years actively researching natural health care alternatives. She can attest to the many positive results natural practical cures and preventive strategies bring to human health. Along with the many medical professionals whose published works she has studied, it is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your life visit: http://www.mywater4life.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Skidmore

Popularity: 63% [?]

Technorati Tags: Preventing Bone Density Loss

Disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system are common and range from mild problems, such as gout, to more severe problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The most common symptoms are pain and physical disability, which can have a major impact on people’s lives. Some 30 percent of North Americans have symptoms related to their bones and joints, but people rarely die from these conditions. Treatments for bone and joint disorders include medications, physical therapy, surgery, and nutritional therapy.

Who is at most at risk of bone and joint disorders?

Adult bone mass is determined by the amount of bone formed during childhood, with accumulation (known as peak bone mass) complete by age 35. Bone mass is influenced by a number of factors: up to 80 percent of bone mass is influenced by genetic factors, while about 20-40 percent is environmental.

Diet and lifestyle A life-long diet low in calcium and vitamin D is one of the major risk factors for many bone disorders. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, which are often accompanied by poor nutrition and lack of physical activity, are also associated with low bone density. Gout is often associated with a rich diet and heavy alcohol consumption.

Age Bone and joint disorders are more common among middle-aged and older adults. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis most commonly occurs between ages 40 and 60, and osteoarthritis between ages 60 and 80. Gout most commonly develops between the ages of 40 and 50 in men and over 60 in women. Asian and Caucasian women over age 65 have a particularly high risk of developing osteoporosis. On the other hand, African-American women tend to have a higher bone mass than Caucasians and a lower risk of osteoporosis.

Gender Osteoporosis is more common in women since they have less bone mass than men to begin with. Women who have short intervals between pregnancies or several children are at increased risk of this disease. In addition, because of the levels of estrogen – necessary to retain calcium in the bones – decrease in women after menopause, their risk increases at this stage. Women have twice the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as men. However, gout is twenty times more common in men.

Family history Both osteoporosis and gout are conditions in which a family history increases the risk of developing the disease. A history of a maternal hip fracture after age 50 is also considered a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Treating osteoporosis

One of the most common bone diseases, osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of bone tissue, leaving the bones less dense and more prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is very common in North America, affecting over 45 million people. It is possible to slow the progress of the condition by making changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Take adequate calcium The body does not manufacture calcium, and it is lost from the body every day. It is therefore important to maintain adequate daily intake.

Take adequate vitamin D This vitamin is needed for normal calcium absorption by the body, as well as playing a role in the uptake of calcium into bone. It is important that you get sufficient vitamin D from your diet as well as from exposure to the sun.

Quit smoking Studies have shown that smokers have poorer bone density than nonsmokers. Quitting smoking, even later in life, may help limit bone loss. Research shows that while hormone replacement therapy protects women from bone fractures, this may not be the case in female smokers, as tobacco may have an antiestrogenic effect. In addition, smokers tend to drink more alcohol and exercise less.

Limit alcohol intake Those who drink alcohol heavily are more prone to bone loss and fr4actures, mainly because of poor nutrition but also due to their increased risk of falling.

Exercise regularly Regular physical activity helps increase bone mass and reduce bone loss. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, and weightlifting are best.

Checking bone density

A DEXA scan is currently the most widely used method of measuring bone-mineral density of the spine and extremities. Scanning takes a few minutes and is a sensitive and accurate test of bone density. The report compares your values with those of a young person and with a person of your age with normal bone density (age-related bone loss is normal). You are at risk of osteoporosis if you take medication, such as steroids, that affects your bones; if you have a history of menstrual cycle cessation; if you have inflammatory bowel disease; or if you had early menopause. In such circumstances, ask your doctor about having a baseline bone scan which can be repeated over time.

Preventing and treating osteomalacia and rickets

Osteomalacia and rickets (the name given to osteomalacia when it occurs in babies and children) are caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in the body.

Increasing vitamin D

Deficiency is due to inadequate dietary intake of foods containing vitamin D, or to insufficient sunlight, which is necessary for the conversion of vitamin D in our skin to its active form (a form that the body can use). There are few dietary sources of vitamin D, but many common foods, such as margarine, dairy products, and orange juice, are fortified with the vitamin. Good natural sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, egg yolks, butter, canned salmon and sardines (with bones), herring, green leafy vegetables, and tofu.

If you do not regularly consume dairy products and live in an area where you are not exposed to the sun for certain seasons of the year, you should consider a supplement that supplies at least the DRI for vitamin D (0.005mg per day).

Author: Kevin Lauren

People who choose USANA and USANA Vitamins expect more. If you’re ready to invest in your health, choose "Nutritionals You Can Trust". More info on Vitamins

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Lauren

Popularity: 62% [?]

Technorati Tags: What Are Bone and Joint Disorders?

Osteoporosis is a health condition suffered by many today of which the hallmark is the loss of the normal bone density and the subsequent fragility of the skeletal bones.

Because of the loss of or the reduction in the bone density in the original skeletal structure, the skeletal bones lose their strength putting the osteoporotic bones at a much higher risk for fracture.

But osteoporosis leads to bones that look like a sponge. These bones are abnormally porous and begin in the worst-case situations to look a lot like Swiss cheese. Osteoporosis weakens the entire skeletal system and puts the sufferer at great risk for bone fracture.

The morbidity associated with bone fractures in the aging population is quite high.

The anecdotal stories recalled time and time again of senior citizens failing to ever really recover from a bone fracture seem to point as clear evidence of the high morbidity of skeletal fractures.

With osteoporosis bone fracture easily.

In fact a minor fall or simple injury that in the majority of the population might only cause a bump or bruise, but in a person suffering from osteoporosis it can lead to a severe fracture.

The wrist, hips, and spine are the most common locations of osteoporosis-related bone fractures; however, osteoporosis-related fractures can also develop in almost any skeletal bone area.

Normal bone is composed of the collagen, calcium, and protein. But with osteoporosis these are no longer well represented.

Fractures associated with osteoporosis can be in the form of a collapse such as in the case with a compression fracture of the vertebrae in the spine or it can be a fracture in the form of a crack such as when you see a complete hip fracture.

While treatment options are more readily available, the key to osteoporosis is prevention. Once a break occurs the ramifications of that will be with you for life.

It seems currently that women have a higher incidence of osteoporosis. This is thought to be related to the many hormonal changes experienced by a woman during her lifetime.

Osteoporosis is a preventable disease.

The morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporosis is something that must be taken seriously.

Make sure that you see your health care provider on a yearly basis in order to have a current assessment about the status of your bone density particularly if you are a woman over the age of 35.

Author: Jeff Foster

For more important information on back pain, causes of back pain, back pain relief, and more, visit http://www.0-backpain.com where you’ll find articles and information on what causes and relieving your back pain

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Foster

Popularity: 66% [?]

Technorati Tags: love my bones, Osteoporosis And The Loss Of Bone Density

Many people go about their daily lives not really giving any thought to their bones. Well, it is very important for them to realize that without bones, they would not be able to survive. Bones are what support and protect all of our skin, muscles, and internal organs.

In order to live long, healthy lives, it is very important for people to have their bone density checked once they reach middle age. Although men are also at risk for bone problems such as osteoporosis when they are older, women are much more likely to have osteoporosis. Thus, it is particularly important that women have their bone density checked.

For women, there are three main culprits that affect bone density. The first of these culprits are many pregnancies in a short amount of time. During pregnancy, much of the calcium goes into nourishing the fetus, which is why women take natal supplements to balance the amount of calcium that they get.

The second culprit is a poor diet. Women need to eat a diet that is rich in calcium in order to keep their bones healthy. The last culprit is menopause. As women go through menopause, their body stops menstruating, and the result can be calcium depletion.

The way that bone density is checked is commonly done through a bone scan. Once the scan has been completed, the results will be measured against the body type of the woman. If the woman has a low bone density, she will most likely be given vitamin supplements.

Author: Elisa Cruz

More information on a bone density scan and a body scan doctor in your area is just a click away

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elisa_Cruz

Popularity: 61% [?]

Technorati Tags: Bone Density Importance

Bone Density Linked To Osteoporosis

When the body requires more calcium than we are able to consume, or if we aren’t able to store the calcium we consume adequately it is leached from the spongy mid layer of our bones. They gra…   Read more…

Bone Mineral Density Tests

By then, however, your bones might already be quite weak. Today a bone density test, also called densitometry or DEXA scan, can determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk o…   Read more…

Healthyagain.biz: The pH Miracle – There Is No Disease

I was recently at a compounding pharmacy having my bone mineral density measured to update my health stats. I spotted a poster touting a new drug for osteoporosis. It was written …   Read more…

Popularity: 65% [?]

Technorati Tags: bone density facts online, is my bone desity weak, love my bones

Sports Are 80 Percent Mental: Exercise Wins Again

Learn how sports science, sports psychology and cognitive psychology research can improve athletic performance. For coaches, parents and youth athletes, because practice does make perfect. ….   Read more…

Stress can be toxic to your body | newarkadvocate.com | The Newark …

Muscles and joints: Muscle aches and tension (especially in the neck, shoulders and back), increased risk of reduced bone density. Heart: Faster heartbeat, rise in blood pressure, increased ris…   Read more…

Popularity: 65% [?]

Technorati Tags: bone density improvement, can I improve bone density, improving bone density

How To Preserve Bone Health After Menopause? » Womens Health Zone

Practicing intense strength training routine helps most of the women to regain bone as they build muscle. Studies showed that with strength training routine, women in early post-menopause can gain bone mineral density. …   Read more…

Bone density drugs; do you know someone who was taking one and got …

Can you answer griffinpilot1965’s question about Osteoporosis?: What kind of cancer specifically and specifically, which bone density drug were they.   Read more…

Stem cells could halt osteoporosis, promote bone growth

Bone density tests, comparable to those used to diagnose people with osteoporosis, were conducted. The results revealed that these animals have significantly lower bone mass than their healthy counterparts In addition, their mesenchymal …   Read more…

Popularity: 64% [?]

Technorati Tags: learn about bone density online

e magazine articles » Need for Magnesium supplementation

Intake of calcium supplements daily helps in maintaining bone strength and bone density, and helps in preventing osteoporosis. Magnesium has an essential role in many of the funct…   Read more…

45 Best Health Tips Ever (Part 1) – Diaryster Forums

Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong. Remember that your bone density declines after the age of 30. You…   Read more…

Popularity: 67% [?]

Technorati Tags: best supplements for bone density, does nikken make bone density supplements, nikken bone density supplements, will supplements improve my bone density

Health Tips: 4 Tips to Reach Greater Heights

Tip # 1: Calcium is an important element that helps in the bones to grow. Calcium is perhaps the most important nutrient that is needed for bone strength and to help you grow naturally. …   Read more…

Natural Human Growth Hormone: Hope or Hoax?

Previous research has supported findings that DHEA can improve bone density, muscle mass, strength, skin texture, libido, and erectile function in older people. More and more research is being …   Read more…

Strontium: Breakthrough in Bone Health | Rejuvitality

Vitalin will boost the immune system, give more endurance, aid with sleep, libido, mood, memory, restore skin flexibility, increase muscle mass, improve bone density, reduce weight and much, mu…   Read more…

Popularity: 75% [?]

Technorati Tags: bone density supplements that work, find bone density improvement, nikken bone density pro, proven bone density supplements, supplements inprove bone density, what are the best supplements for bone density

Regular moderate alcohol intake associated with greater bone …

In an epidemiological study of men and post-menopausal women primarily over 60 years of age, regular moderate alcohol intake was associated with greater bone mineral density (BMD). Researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition …   Read more…

Bone density & Being size 12!!! Astonished! – MiniMins.com …

Current Weight: 197lb. Goal Weight: 154lb. Goal Date: 26th May 09. BMI Information: Start BMI: 34.4. Current BMI: 30. Goal BMI: 23.4. Statistics: Total Weight Loss: 29lb. Weight to Lose: 43lb % Lost 12.83%. Bone density & Being size 12! …   Read more…

Drinking Can Help Your Bones, Cheers!

Bone density loss can cause weakening of the bones and can cause people with bone loss to fall more easily leading to increasing injury and loss of mobility. Moderate alcohol consumption can possibly protect against some bone density …   Read more…

Popularity: 100% [?]

Technorati Tags: bone density facts, how can I improve my bone density, nikken and bone density, what can I do to improve my bone density, what supplements will improve my bone density, why is my bone density weak