Bone health is gaining attention
Dr. Holly Carling | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years, 8 months AGO
As we are realizing the deterioration of bone health is reaching epidemic levels in the U.S., we must look at what factors are involved that are within our control. In 2002 the National Osteoporosis Foundation reported that "by 2010, about 12 million people over the age of 50 were expected to have osteoporosis and another 40 million to have low bone mass. By 2020, it is expected to increase to 14 million cases of osteoporosis and over 47 million cases of low bone mass." The staggering numbers are even worse when you factor in the health care costs that result from this.
Many health care professionals refer to osteoporosis as a pediatric disease that manifests as an adult. As a child, the pattern is set. Estimates vary from age 15 to age 35 that our bones reach their maximum bone density. If your children are not building quality bone, they will fight for it for the rest of their lives.
We mostly can conserve minerals in our bones after the maximum age, but cannot re-set it. However, we can control our bone health from the center core - the bone matrix. This is the living part of the bone. This is where bone quality comes into play. The Japanese, known for their reduced bone fractures have less bone density on average than we do, but better bone quality. We do have a role in our own bone quality. That means doing the right things and eliminating the things that break it down.
Many vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients play a significant role in quality bone. Numerous studies have shown a direct link between what we eat and osteoporosis. Many processed foods, coffee (not just the caffeine), caffeine and sugars literally rob calcium from the body, especially from the storage tank (the bones). When consuming these acidic foods, the body needs to neutralize them, and uses our minerals to do the job. One of the worst culprits is soda-pop because it contains caffeine, sugar and phosphoric acid (carbonation), all of which have been identified as calcium-robbing culprits.
Sugar also appears to interfere with Vitamin C which is necessary for collagen formation in the bone. Other culprits include protein (both excess and deficiency can cause problems with bone), a sedentary lifestyle, rapid weight loss, aluminum in foods and antacids, and vitamin deficiencies have long been associated with damaging bone. Medications such as acid-reducing/suppressing medications, some antidepressants and especially corticosteroid medications have a detrimental effect on bone.
We do have a say in our bone outcomes, but we must put the effort in as early in our lives as possible. To learn more about bone health and how you can improve yours, attend an upcoming health class, Understanding Bone Health, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23. Class fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994. Bonus: CardioQuick Mobile Health Screening will be providing Bone Density scans during the class, for those who are interested, at a reduced fee of $30.
Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 30 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.
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