Posts Tagged ‘Osteoporosis’
Osteoporosis Risk for over 50’s
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Q: I have just turned 50 and my doctor says I am at risk of developing osteoporosis. Should I start eating more dairy on a daily basis?
A: A comprehensive review article published in 2005 showed that getting extra calcium-from milk or anything else-makes no difference to bone density. In fact, dairy products are far from the solution and may even be the cause of the problem. Exercise, however, has a huge positive effect.
For strong bones, you need weight-bearing activity, sunlight, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. And there’s plenty of healthy calcium in greens, beans, and many other foods that avoid milk’s problems. Evidence shows that dairy product consumption can also contribute to obesity, ear infections, constipation, respiratory problems, heart disease, and some cancers.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the fundamental cause of bone disease is due to the close relationship between vata and the bones. Both the vata dosha and the bones are high in the air element. There is an inherent link between the main site of vata in the colon, and the bones. Assimilation and absorption of many nutrients that are essential for healthy bones, takes place in the colon. Hence, weak digestion and poor nutrition are the basic causative factors for the onset of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Over the last decade researchers have learned a great deal about the causes, prevention and management of osteoporosis, an underlying condition responsible for many of the hip, wrist and vertebral fractures in older women. Osteoporosis is a particularly serious problem for our ageing population.
A number of factors contribute to development of the disease, including:
o Aging, especially in post-menopausal women due to estrogen deficiency;
o Decreased mobility or a sedentary life-style is also a factor as weight bearing exercise is essential for bone building activity;
o Hormonal imbalance, or prolonged use of steroid medications (eg Prednisone)
o Calcium, Vitamin D, or Protein deficiency - due to insufficient intake or malabsorption issues;
o Heavy alcohol use;
o Cigarette smoking;
o Small, light bone structure;
o Coeliac disease.
Additional advice / Treatment:
- Preventable with correct diet and lifestyle. Bone requires a constant supply of high quality nutrition and regular weight bearing exercise. Severe cases may be treated with natural measures in conjunction with appropriate medical care;
- Colon cleansing, and elimination of coeliac disease if this is present;
- Encourage growth of ‘good bacteria’ in the colon;
- Non-mucoid forming diet, (eg Vegan, organic, raw/living food);
- Daily massage with organic sesame oil, rich in Calcium, to calm and nourish vata.
Written by: Liz Nagle, ICIM Medics Naturopath
B.A.(BESS), Dip. Ki Mass. Dip. Nat. Dip. Herbs.
To book an appointment with Liz, please click here, or phone the clinic on 045 - 844 819
