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Is Bone Loss Inevitable?

Bone loss is a fairly inevitable part of the aging process which begins, on average, after the age of 35 in both men and women. Although most adults experience mineral loss as they age, this process speeds up for women during the two to five years after menopause. However, only a small percentage of women will ever have what is a true osteoporosis.

Several years ago, major pharmaceutical companies jumped on the “bone loss” bandwagon and began marketing drugs for a precursor to osteoporosis, called osteopenia. Keep in mind, however, that this disease didn’t even exist prior to 1970!

So-called “experts” came up with this term so women would be more mindful of their bone health and take the necessary precautions (drugs) because they were well on their way to developing osteoporosis! A diagnosis of osteopenia for many women signals it’s time to stop engaging in physical activity, such as exercise, because of a fear of fractures. Yet, exercise is something they should be engaging in more often!

Who actually is more at risk for bone loss? The following factors increase your likelihood:

• Post-menopause
• Eating disorders
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Maternal history of osteoporosis
• Body fat less than 15%
• Under/over exercising
• Yo-yo dieting and poor nutrition
• Too little calcium, magnesium and vitamin D

While the use of calcium supplements, sodium fluoride, and estrogen have been favorable in treating osteoporosis, calcium supplementation is the best strategy. In particular, calcium in whole bone extract, known as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC), is recommended because it is easily absorbed and lacks many of the disadvantages of the other calcium supplements.

In addition, the following can help promote optimum bone health:

• Engage in weight-bearing exercise such as brisk walking
• Eliminate “junk food” and eat more green, leafy vegetables
• Moderate intake of fat and protein
• Limit alcohol consumption; quit smoking

Although bone loss may be inevitable, it doesn’t have to be debilitating. Please raise any concerns you have on your next visit so we can address them.