By Richmond Natural Medicine

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September 11, 2019

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Our bones and their health is something most of us take for granted. Typically in the first forty years of life, very little goes awry with our structural body, and our bones maintain fairly good health. However, after age forty, we begin to see deterioration in our bone health and structural capacity among certain groups of people, especially women. Once this occurs it can be extremely challenging to both reverse and treat. In 2013 it was estimated that up to 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and about 80% are women. Osteoporosis is a very common issue with several contributing factors that affect the early deterioration of bone health. A naturopathic approach to osteoporosis and bone health takes into account all of the contributing factors, including genetics, age, diet, stress, exercise, hormonal changes, gastrointestinal health, and certain chronic diseases in order to create a treatment plan that works for each individual.

Bone Health 101

Throughout our lives, we are continually breaking down and creating new bone. Bone is a connective tissue that is built up by cells, called osteoblasts, which exude calcium phosphate. Osteoclasts, on the other hand, continually break down bone so that it is constantly renewed, so the bones we were born with are not the same throughout our lives. As our bones develop and grow, there is much more osteoblast activity (meaning we’re making new bone more quickly than we’re breaking it down). Approximately 6-12% of the adult skeleton is replaced each year through osteoblast activity.

Over time, the balance shifts so that there is similar activity between the osteoblasts and osteoclasts up until age 35 when skeletal mass peaks. Later in life – usually after forty – there is more osteoclast activity, which leads to more breakdown in bone and less creation of bone. This is a natural process. However, when this increase in osteoclast activity is combined with a deficiency in essential vitamins & minerals and with hormonal changes, osteoporosis can occur rather quickly.

Bones rely on calcium as their main mineral source. Most of this calcium should be obtained through our diet. Vitamin D is essential in the absorption of calcium, and most people are very deficient in vitamin D, thus making calcium absorption sub-optimal. Appropriate or balanced levels of estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA are also essential for calcium absorption because they are often decreased in post-menopausal women. Our digestion also matters because if we are unable to appropriately digest and assimilate calcium or vitamin D, it is challenging for the body to make new bone. Other minerals and nutrients such as silica, boron, and magnesium also contribute to healthy bone formation. Without these nutrients, and our ability to utilize them, our bone health can be suboptimal.

The main role of bone is to act as an anchor for muscle activity. The amount of osteoblast activity is roughly proportionate to the amount of physical exertion put upon it. Thus, weight-bearing exercise, walking, swimming, resistance training, and yoga are all highly encouraged for long-term bone health. Appropriate exercise also contributes to hormonal balance and can assist with keeping tissues healthier.

What Contributes to Osteoporosis?

Generally, people diagnosed with osteoporosis present with deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and sometimes other vitamins. In addition, people with osteoporosis tend to have unbalanced hormone levels. Some people may be lacking physical activity and exercise, and in some cases, there is a genetic component that can heighten the onset of osteoporosis when all other risk factors are also present. Women are much more likely to present with osteoporosis than men due to their specific sex hormones.

Diet also plays a role in bone health, and those lacking high-quality calcium, particularly from dairy sources, may be at risk for developing osteoporosis. Certain drugs, such as acid blockers, can impact our digestion, by preventing us from breaking down core nutrients and converting them into bone. It is crucial to remember that digestion and absorption are key to bone health. For this reason, people with certain chronic diseases that impact their digestion may be at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Even certain types of thyroid issues, such as hyperthyroidism, can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Lastly, alcohol use and smoking also contribute to increased risk over time.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

• The sudden onset of severe back pain could be a compression fracture, which occurs when there is a general weakness in the bones caused by osteoporosis
• Incremental back pain
• Easily fractured or broken bones, especially in the wrists, hips, and spine
• Stooped posture
• Gradual loss of height

Naturopathic Approach to Osteoporosis

Your naturopathic doctor will be looking at the entire symptom presentation of your bone health, including your hormone levels, diet, exercise, stress, possible chronic diseases, and family history. They may also request your vitamin, mineral, and hormone levels to be assessed. Although bone issues and osteoporosis are extremely difficult to reverse, there are a lot of opportunities to support your bone health and keep it from worsening over time. A naturopathic approach will emphasize a healthy lifestyle that is individualized for each patient’s stress level, digestion and absorption pattern, exercise habits, and past illnesses. Each patient receives a customized Care Plan with nutrition recommendations that may include whole foods and a variety of protein sources, high-quality dairy, nuts and seeds, legumes, leafy greens, and healthy fats. Since hormonal imbalances can greatly contribute to postmenopausal osteoporosis, your naturopathic doctor may look at hormonal aspects that are impacting your bone health.

The treatment plan for osteoporosis will take time since we turn over bone slowly and thus rebuild bone slowly. Our goal is to create an improved structure of your body that is stronger to take on the demands of life in the coming years. Appropriate herbal support and/or supplements may also be recommended during this time, including vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, boron, silica, and zinc. Although multiple people may have the same diagnosis of osteoporosis, the naturopathic protocol will likely be slightly different for each person because our epigenetics and lifestyles are so diverse.

If you need support with maintaining bone health, or have a diagnosis of osteoporosis, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors.

References

Effects of Estrogen on Calcium Absorption and  Serum Vitamin D Metabolites in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31161375 

Diet, Nutrition, and Bone Health

A Soy-Rich Diet and Osteoporosis Prevention