Originally published February 6 2009
Fight and Prevent Osteoporosis Naturally
by Jo Hartley
(NaturalNews) Women have a higher risk of dying from Osteoporosis than from breast cancer. As our population ages, we will see the prevalence of osteoporosis going up also. Currently, one in four women and one in eight men suffer from this condition. There is good news, though. The best way to prevent Osteoporosis is to eat a diet high in vegetables. Vegetables preserve bones and help fight off Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that is characterized by decreased bone strength that makes a person more likely to suffer fractures. These fractures are what make osteoporosis so deadly. Women have a one in six lifetime risk of fracturing a hip and this is higher than the risk of developing breast cancer (one in nine). Of the women who fracture hips, 50% become dependent on others for daily help and 20% need long-term care.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis is based on a history of fragility fracture or on bone density levels.
A diet rich in vegetables and herbs will improve bone metabolism. There is evidence that fruits and vegetables increase bone density much more effectively than dairy products. Juicing is a very effective way of getting fresh fruits and vegetables into the diet. Minerals within bones help to protect against acids in foods consumed. After years of this buffering, people will suffer a gradual loss of minerals in bones and this corresponds with bone loss.
The best course of action against Osteoporosis is prevention. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and protein will accomplish this. Magnesium and potassium are also recommended to enhance the buffering effect of the bones. Magnesium and potassium both are easily found in many whole, unrefined foods and are rich in many fruits and vegetables.
Calcium and Protein Can Also Help Prevent Osteoporosis
If one's diet is deficient in protein then bone rebuilding will not be a high priority for the body. If one's diet is deficient in calcium and protein then new bone formation will be decreased. Studies have shown that bone density will be improved by increasing one's protein consumption as long as the intake of calcium and vitamin D are at recommended levels.
The more protein is eaten, the more calcium is urinated away. It would seem logical, then, that excess protein would be detrimental for bones. It seems that this is not the case, however. Both protein and calcium are necessary for strong bones. As long as one's diet is rich in both, then bone density should be high. If one's diet is deficient in either one or both of these nutrients then bone density will suffer.
What's Wrong with Osteoporosis Medications
There are risks and complications associated with Osteoporosis drugs. For instance, Fosamax has been shown to increase the risk of ulcers. This is especially true if taken simultaneously with anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed for those suffering Arthritis.
It is common for elderly women to suffer from both Osteoporosis and Arthritis so it would be quite common for people to be taking both of these types of medications at the same time.
Two 1998 studies stated that Fosamax prevents bone loss. It is not too surprising to learn that Merck (the manufacturer of Fosamax) funded both of these studies.
Fosamax is in the same chemical class as the chemicals that are contained in soap scum cleaners. It is a proven metabolic toxin that kills the cells that remove bone and thus enable the rebuilding of bone. Obviously, if these cells are destroyed the bones will become denser. What is not shared about this occurrence is that within a few years the bone will actually end up weaker even though it appears to be denser. This is because bones are dynamic and need this removal and replacement process to stay strong. If Fosamax prevents the building of any new bone then the bone will not be stronger.
To truly strength one's bones, the best course of action is to eat a healthy, whole diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Also consider a natural progesterone supplement if desired.
Source: http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/osteo...
About the author
Jo Hartley
Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2
Jo is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!
http://loftymatters.com - Current Events
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