9 Myths Of Osteoporosis :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

9 Myths Of Osteoporosis
by author Mark Stengler, ND

Sally, a 51-year-old teacher, came to my office for the first time after she had seen her regular physician. "I am concerned about my bones," she explained. "My doctor has me on 1,500 milligrams of calcium and wants me to start estrogen replacement right away." Her bone density report revealed she had mild bone loss.

"It’s a myth that you only need calcium for healthy bones," I said. "Did your mother or grandmother on her side have osteoporosis?"

"No, not that I know of," she replied. I also asked about risk factors related to osteoporosis such as smoking, diet and exercise. Because she had no other strong risk factors, I advisedthat hormone replacement really wasn’t necessary if she followed a comprehensive natural protocol that included diet, exercise and specific supplements. Being informed of the truth can make a big difference between developing osteoporosis or building strong bones to last you a lifetime.

Myth #1: Osteoporosis begins at menopause.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about osteoporosis. Bone loss often accelerates during menopause, but researchers have found that peak bone mass obtained during childhood and adolescence is one of the major determinants for the risk of developing osteoporosis as an adult. Except in rare situations (immobilization, certain medications), osteoporosis doesn’t develop in a matter of weeks or months but over many years. Although it’s never too late to treat osteoporosis, it makes sense to start prevention as young as possible.

Myth #2: Osteoporosis is a woman’s disease.

Osteoporosis is not gender-specific. Although more common in women, it’s actually quite prevalent in men: One in eight men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. While not as severe as the statistic of one in two women over 50, it’s certainly a major health problem. Men should follow the same preventive measures as women. This includes hormone evaluation, but with a major focus on testosterone rather than estrogen.

Myth #3: Genetics is the biggest risk factor.

Just because your mother, sister or father had osteoporosis doesn’t mean you are doomed to the same fate. Modification in diet and lifestyle, along with proper supplementation, can overcome genetic risk. Other risk factors include:

being female
being postmenopausal
being Caucasian or Asian
never pregnant to full term
history of stress fractures
premature menopause
history of amenorrhea (no menstrual periods–not including when pregnant), anovulation (not ovulating regularly), menses started late in life, infrequent menses
thin or small body frame
medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, Cushing’s disease, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, kidney and liver disease,
homocysteinemia)
medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, prednisone, herapin, methotrexate, lithium, isoniazid, furosemide, antacids, chemotherapy, too much thyroid hormone)
diet high in caffeine, alcohol, sugar, phosphate (soda pop), sodium, animal protein
surgeries (complete thyroid removal, surgical resection of the stomach or small intestine)
malabsorption (inability to absorb nutrients)
lack of sun exposure (vitamin D from sun)
smoking
inactivity

Myth #4: Dairy products help prevent osteoporosis.

While cow’s milk does contain high amounts of elemental calcium (approximately 300 mg per eight-ounce/250-ml serving), it’s not well absorbed by the average individual. It’s also high in the mineral phosphorus, which is known to increase the urinary excretion of calcium. This is not to say you shouldn’t consume milk products. The key is to consume a variety of foods that provide calcium, minerals and essential fatty acids important for bone health.

Myth #5: Estrogen increases bone density.

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Mark Stengler is a naturopathic doctor and co-author of a new book entitled Your Menotype, Your Menopause. Visit his website, thenaturalphysician.com.

Source: alive #241, November 2002

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