Menopause and the Increased
Risk of Osteoporosis
A major health issue that menopausal women
face is Osteoporosis. However, since it takes
many years to actually detect (and feel) the
effects, prevention can get pushed to the back
burner during mid-life changes.
Osteoporosis, a
loss of bone density, can be a result of the
hormone deficiencies. This condition is
potentially devastating to the health of
menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Osteoporosis literally
means "porous bones"; and thinner bones are
more likely to fracture and take longer to heal
in the event there is a break.
Once in menopause, women
are at much greater risk for hip fractures and
other bone breaks. The progression of loss can
cause compression of the spine, which results
in loss of height (sometimes six or eight
inches).
Abnormal curvatures also result, which can
lead to unusual shifting of some internal
organs. Digestive, colon and other organ
disorders may follow.
If you take calcium
supplements daily, are you still at risk
for osteoporosis? All women are potentially at
risk for osteoporosis; however, some factors
can place you into a higher risk category.
Menopause onset is a major factor. Small-boned
and petite women are especially vulnerable.
Ethnicity plays a role; white (caucasion) and
Asian women have an increased risk.
Other risk
factors...
- Have you taken corticosteroid drugs
for extended periods of time?
- Are you in premature menopause due
to surgery or cancer?
- Are you a smoker? A former
smoker?
- Ever had chemotherapy
treatments?
- Is there a history of poor eating
habits throughout most of your adult
life?
What can you do to help
prevent osteoporosis?
Many lifestyle factors can help prevent
brittle bones. Here we will discuss diet,
exercise, nutritional supplements and hormone
balance (achieved by using natural progesterone
cream, supplements or natural hormone
replacement therapy).
Let's begin with diet. With a little
knowledge and effort, we can lower our risk
profile through our daily eating habits.
We have all heard by now that Calcium is
important to bone health. But did you know that
calcium cannot be properly absorbed if certain
other nutrients are not present? Salmon (wild
is preferable to farmed), tuna and egg yolks
all provide Vitamin D, one of the major
minerals required for proper calcium
utilization. Vitamin K appears to offer a great
deal of protection against fractures. It can be
found in the form of green vegetables, such as
lettuce, kale, parsley, turnip greens, spinach
and broccoli.
Magnesium, another mineral needed for proper
calcium balance in the body, may be consumed in
wild rice, peanuts, almonds, tofu, bananas,
lentils/beans and oatmeal. Magnesium
supplementation, with products such as
Natural Calm, is
inexpensive, simple and effective.
Phosphorous is also part of the
mineral profile required for calcium
absorption. However, the American diet happens
to contain this substance in abundance. Women
in menopause, especially, need to make an
effort to reduce consumption of foods that can
contribute to osteoporosis.
It is helpful to limit one's intake of
processed meats, instant soups, boxed mixes,
soft drinks and store-bought breads. Nitrates
and phosphates present in these types of foods
actually cause minerals to leach from the
bones. Check labels for ingredients such as
phosphoric acid and sodium
phosphate. Exercise is
extremely beneficial to bone health.
The simplest, least costly exercise is good
old fashioned walking. Strength training
(use small hand and wrist weights) and
resistance activities (swimming) are also
quite helpful. More strenuous activities
would include kick boxing, aerobics, and
karate. Find something that you enjoy so
that you are more likely to stick with the
routine.
Nutritional
supplements can be a convenient way to
provide support for bone health. Seek out high
quality, proven supplement brands.
(Surprisingly, quality brands don't necessarily
have to cost more.) Many of the top supplement
companies have web sites where you can research
their particular products and manufacturing
processes. Here is a partial listing of
bone-healthy nutrients, minerals and
supplements.
Lastly, it only makes sense that hormone
replacement may lower your risk for
osteoporosis. Dr. John Lee, author of What
Your Doctor May not Tell You About
Menopause, reports to have not only halted,
but reversed bone loss in many of his patients.
This was accomplished using bio-identical progesterone
cream.
Remember, decreases in estrogen and
progesterone
contribute to bone density loss. Speak with
your doctor about natural hormone
replenishment and how it might benefit your
specific situation.
Disclaimer: Osteoporis is a serious
health concern. This information is not
intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease
or other medical condition. This information is
provided for educational and informational
purposes only. Please consult with your doctor
should you have specific health questions or
concerns.
Recommended books and supplements for
Healthy Bones...
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