Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by the loss of bone density and structure, which weakens the bones and increases fracture risk. This condition most commonly effects the elderly, particularly the bones of the arms, hip and spine.

The loss of bone mineral density may be due to normal aging, the loss of supportive oestrogen during menopause, medications (PPIs, SSRIs, steroids), parathyroid gland problems, or lifestyle issues (smoking, alcoholism, poor diet, sedentary habits). While not fatal, it does reduce mobility and quality of life,  and advanced cases of the spine can cause nerve pain from collapsed vertebra.

The normal function of the parathyroid gland is to regulate serum calcium and phosphorus for correct functioning of muscles and nerves. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted when serum calcium is low, with the result that bone is broken down (resorbed), calcium excretion via the kidneys is reduced, and intestinal absorption of calcium is increased by activating vitamin D.

Hyperparathyroidism can be due to a benign parathyroid adenoma, which results in increased PTH secretion. Other causes are kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, poor absorption of calcium, or poor diet. Possible symptoms are bone pain, rickets, myalgia, nausea, weakness, depression, polyuria, kidney stones and hypercalcemia.

Osteoporosis is usually identified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The main class of medicines used to slow bone loss is bisphosphonates, which are relatively safe despite controversy over the risk of spiral fractures.¹

Treatment:

General

The preservation of bone density by changing behaviour and diet is the key to preventing osteoporosis. It is important to remain active, do some form of weight bearing exercise, avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption.

Treat underlying digestive system problems that affect absorption, and eliminate the use of proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Test for coeliac.

Test thyroid/ parathyroid function.

Diet

A nutrient-dense wholefood diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, good protein and fibre is protective. Adequate sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, fish, butter, eggs and milk. Good sources of calcium are sardines, molasses, figs, wheat bran, cheese, milk, sesame seed, unhulled tahini, cabbage, parsley, kale, bok choy, beans, seaweed, nut milks and chocolate.

A high fat diet is considered protective, but obviously this includes good fats such as those from oily fish, organic meats, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.³ Transfats are to be avoided along with refined sugars and soft drinks.

Calcium supplements are currently considered of little benefit when weighed against adverse outcomes such as an increased risk of heart disease, kidney stones, gastrointestinal symptoms.²

Currently we are advised to always cover up in the sun; however, this means our skin does not make adequate vitamin D. Get minimal sun exposure every day of about twenty minutes  if possible, or take a vitamin D supplement, preferably cod liver oil because this contains vitamin A and omega-3 as well.

Boron or zinc deficiency may also be a problem for bone health and can be identified with Hair Mineral Analysis.

Phytates and oxalates reduce calcium absorption, while high salt, coffee and protein intake increase urinary losses.

Tissue Salts

Calc-phos, Calc-fl, Calc-c as below.

Herbs

Alfalfa, horsetail, nettle—minerals

Fenugreek, comfrey—protective

Gentian, wormwood—stimulate digestion and appetite

Kelp—minerals, glandular tonic

Homeopathy

Calc-pho—promotes the absorption of calcium from the food. Slim, the bones of the neck and extremities are weak and fragile. No appetite, loose stool. Curvature of spine.

Calc-carb—promotes calcium absorption. Overweight, sweaty, lethargic, underactive thyroid, chilly, brittle nails.

Calc-fl—curvature of spine, stiff and painful. Thyroid growths, tumours, nodules.

Calc-iode—deficiency of muscles and fat in addition to deficiency of bones. Unhealthy condition of glands is always present when this remedy is indicated.

Hypericum—nerve pain and injury due to compression fractures in spine

Phos—curvature of spine with burning pain in spine

Ruta-g—helps heal bone and soft tissues around fractured bone

Silica—poor digestion and assimilation of nutrients

Symphytum—fractures with poor union of bones

Disclaimer: this article is intended for the purpose of general education only, and is not a substitute for a diagnosis, treatment advice, or a prescription given in a consultation with a qualified physician.

References:

1.         Pazianas M, Kim S, Yuen T, Sun L, Epstein S, Zaidi M. Questioning the association between bisphosphonates and atypical femoral fractures. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015;1335:1–9.

2.         Reid IR. Should we prescribe calcium supplements for osteoporosis prevention? J Bone Metab 2014;21:21–8.

3.         Liu H, Huang H, Li B, et al. Olive oil in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis after artificial menopause. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:2087–95.