Bones give our bodies structure and make movement possible. But for postmenopausal women in particular, natural changes in bone physiology can put freedom of movement at risk. Unfortunately, there is more to the story. Did you know that there is a higher risk of life-threatening events associated with the complications of Osteoporosis than with breast cancer?
The good news is that bone health challenges are a disease of nutrition, which means that we have the power to heal those challenges! But there is more to bone health than “good calcium”.
Great news! Mt. Sinai Hospital, in Toronto, found that one of the important nutritional interventions for bone health has been shown to reduce risk for breast cancer. Read on . . .
Bone Is Continually Changing.
Contrary to popular notion, bone is a dynamic, living tissue that is constantly undergoing a process called ‘remodeling’.
Remodeling consists of two major phases:
* Bone resorption, is the breakdown of bone. Bone cells, called osteoclasts, remove old and damaged bone tissue.
* Bone formation. Other bone cells called osteoblasts and osteocytes create a new bone matrix (the web-like, micro-architecture of bone), and use calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals to harden the matrix. Did you know that some of the popular new bone drugs actually compromise the health of these vital cells? There has to be another way! Hint: Nutrition.
The Menopausal Effect
From birth until about age 40, bone remodeling occurs in relative balance, building bones that are hard, dense, and strong. But menopause marks a major turning point in a woman’s bone physiology. The steady decline of estrogen combined with a subtle increase of inflammatory markers after menopause may contribute to an increase in bone resorption. Over time, this can make the bone matrix more and more fragile, resulting in an increased risk of fracture.
Why Basic Mineral Supplements May Not Be Enough
Calcium, and magnesium are essential for maintaining bone density and hardness. But even the highest quality minerals may not work as well on a weak bone matrix when other important nutrients and growth factors are not working with them to support all of the aspects of bone health.
A Natural Approach to Healthy Bone Remodeling
Standard approaches to osteoporosis prevention focus on achieving and maintaining peak bone mass or density.
But thanks to science, we now know that a combination of the following nutrients may target the quality of the bone health:
* Bio Available forms of minerals – all forms of minerals are not created equally. There are some forms of minerals that are shown to have a powerful impact on bone health and density.
* Variety of Minerals – there is more to bone health than calcium. Magnesium, manganese, boron, strontium… the list goes on, all work together for optimal bone health.
* Growth Factors – this is the “directional” that tells bone to make bone the way bone naturally makes bone – no funny business.
* Collagen – you know that silica should work, but stomach acid disables regular silica, you need a non-polymerizing form to see results in fine lines in the face and density and flexibility in the bones.
* Vitamin D — the correct and bio available form serves as a vital nutrient in meaningful doses and is necessary for healthy bone formation and bone mineralization.
* Vitamin K – K2 is for bones and heart while K1 is for tissue trauma.
The most effective K2 is the natural form and the one that works longest in the body for optimal support.
Professionals in our area have noticed the success that my patients enjoy with their bone health and this has become a sub-specialty in my practice. Furthermore, patients taking these nutrients do not report serious adverse effects associated with some conventional approaches. One of them has been quoted as saying “she can grow bone in a chicken nugget.” That’s not true, of course, but the dramatic improvements are so predictable at this point that it feels true.
Make Bone Health a Priority!
Bone health is important for men and women at every age, but for postmenopausal women who want to protect their quality of life, it’s crucial. Don’t wait! I made bone health easy to access for patients and the public, because I put the important supplements in packets for easy twice-per-day dosing, even on the go!
My name is Dr. Carrie Louise Daenell, and I am a results-obsessed Naturopathic Doctor. I love what I do. Throughout my career I have also worked on the “raw-materials” side of the nutritional supplement industry. This gives me and my patients the advantage of knowing what works and more importantly, what doesn’t. Our work is targeted, specific and dramatically effective for Metabolism, Hormones, Bones, Digestion and Heart. How fun is that? I have a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, am licensed as a primary care physician in the state of WA, am an author (Better Breast Health for Life!), speaker, frequent guest on PBS health programming and am always in volunteer service to the state, national and educational institutions of Naturopathic Medicine.