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Is Bone Loss Inevitable?

At first glance, bone loss seems an inevitable part of the aging process, which begins, on average, around the age of 35 in both men and women. Although most adults experience mineral loss as they age, this process speeds up for women during the two to five years of menopause. However, only a small percentage of women will ever have what is a true osteoporosis.

Several years ago, major pharmaceutical companies jumped on the “bone loss” bandwagon and began marketing drugs for a precursor to osteoporosis, called osteopenia. However, this disease didn’t even exist prior to 1970!

So-called “experts” came up with this term so women would be more mindful of their bone health and take the necessary precautions (drugs) because they were well on their way to developing osteoporosis! A diagnosis of osteopenia for many women signals it’s time to stop engaging in physical activity, such as exercise, because of a fear of fractures. Yet, exercise is something they should be engaging in more often.

Who actually is more at risk for bone loss? The following factors increase your likelihood:

• Post-menopause
• Eating disorders
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Maternal history of osteoporosis
• Body fat less than 15%
• Under/over exercising
• Yo-yo dieting and poor nutrition
• Too little calcium, magnesium and vitamin D
• Consuming sodas and similar beverages

While the use of calcium supplements are often recommended, two completely natural solutions should be considered first.

Changes in Diet:

Begin by reducing or eliminating “junk food” and eat more green, leafy vegetables, which contain bio-available calcium. Perhaps the most significant change would be to eliminate beverages that tend to leach calcium from our body to maintain proper pH levels. The biggest culprit? Carbonated beverages and sodas.

Changes in Exercise:

An Oregon State University study has found that postmenopausal women who participate in a long-term fitness regimen that includes jumping and "resistance" exercises using weighted vests can prevent significant bone loss in the hip. In some cases, bone density of elderly women actually increased.

Although bone loss may seem inevitable, it doesn’t have to be. Questions? Ask us about our perspective on bone loss, supplementation and osteoporosis on your next visit.