Green Tea Can Help Prevent Fractures in Women With Osteoporosis

There are things you can do to prevent fractures especially if you have osteoporosis. Exercises, drinking green tea, changing your lifestyle and bad habits can all contribute to healthy and strong bones. Normally, women with osteoporosis are prone to verterbal, hip, and wrist fractures and this is because of the result of weak bones. With medications, proper exercise, and complete nutritional support, the risk of fractures is less.

To protect yourself from getting a fracture from a fall, you need lots of weight-bearing exercises. Yoga and other resistance training fitness program help build strong bones. Another benefit of these exercises does not stop with building stronger bones but it also improves your balance and increases muscle mass as well as muscle strength.

Strength is what you need to be able to get up from the floor or climb stairs. Balance is what you need to be able to prevent falls. Tai chi is a slow, graceful movement that works with coordination and balance. Another important thing is to check is your medications. More often than not, certain medications causes some problems with coordination and balance.

Also, limit your alcohol intake when taking medications. Consider getting your eyes examined.

Reducing your stress is one great factor in osteoporosis. Why? It is because stress can deplete your body of necessary nutrients for your bones such as calcium. Under stress, your body undergoes a fight or flight mechanism. It is basically an involuntary response of your body when it is in danger so you'll be ready either to take action or run away.

High levels of hormone cortisol which is present during a stressful event or situation suppress your immune system. This causes calcium to be released from your bones into your bloodstream. This, in turn, suppresses your hormones and glands involved in the remodeling of your bones.

As we age, your calcium loss often exceeds your calcium gain to your bones and that is why dietary calcium may slow the process of bone loss. Green tea contains chromium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, sodium, phosphorous, strontium, cobalt, nickel, and potassium.

The low rates of breast cancer and osteoporosis in Japanese women suggested that green tea should be in every woman's teacup.

Fragile Bones (Osteoporosis) Risk Factors

Fragile bones (osteoporosis) affect about 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan. It considered a silent disease, due to gradual and painless loss of bone density. Early detection of risk factors is very logic for everyone. I'll provide you these risk factors in this article.

• Age: During aging process, bone resorption increase whereas, bone formation decrease. Both male and female loss about 0.5% of bone mass every year after age 50.

• Gender: 1 in 3 women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will 1 in 5 men. Postmenopausal females are highly susceptible due to anabolic effect of Estrogen, the longer a women are exposed to estrogen hormone, the lower their risk of osteoporosis. Corticosteroids treatment: rheumatoid arthritis long term treatment with prednisone or its derivatives led to high risk of osteoporosis.

• Family history: Individuals with family member has osteoporosis has a 50-85% increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

• Race: Caucasians and Southeast Asians are of high risk more than African American and Latino men.

• Body mass: Thin or lean people particularly females are of high risk.

• Low Calcium intake: Calcium is the main component in bone structure so its deficiency led to high risk.

• Low Vitamin, D intake: Vitamin, D is very essential for Calcium, absorption and metabolism.

• Physical activity: Less active people and low life style people are of high risk.

• Smoking, Alcohol and Excessive Soda consumption. All these factors interfere with Calcium absorption and metabolism.

• Certain medications as Diuretics, Estrogen suppressive, blood-thinning agents, and Anti-cholesterol, agents: All, interfere with Calcium level, absorption and metabolism.

All people at risk should visit Physician and detect the Bone Mineral Density (BMD); witch diagnosed by a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) test that, measures the bone mineral content of the spine, hip, and other parts of the skeleton. In simple terms, an X-ray is beamed to a specific area of the body and results in a computerized calculation based on the amount of light filtering through the tissue. Known as the Bone Mineral

Density (BMD), the test results are numbers representing the Standard Deviation (SD).

The T-scores are then used for diagnosis as follows:

• The normal: T-score above -1.

• Osteopenia: T- score between (-1 and -2.5).

• Osteoporosis: T-score at or below -2.5.

Celiac Disease Can Cause Back Pain

Celiac disease affects about 1 in 133 Americans, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. The digestive and autoimmune disease is thought to be caused by genetic factors and has a wide range of symptoms.

The immune systems of people with Celiac disease respond to the ingestion of gluten protein by attacking the lining of the small intestine. This causes inflammation that damages villa, the small hairs in the intestine that absorb nutrients into the body. Because it affects nutrient absorption, Celiac has many symptoms beyond the digestive tract.

Nutrients include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The body uses all of these in various vital functions, including cell production, muscle activation, growth of bones and muscles and organ function. Since nutrients are the basic building blocks of our bodies, malnutrition can wreak havoc on a number of structures.

Symptoms of Celiac include:

Digestive problems, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, fatty stools and constipation

Muscle, joint and bone pain

In children, failure to grow properly

Iron-deficiency anemia

Missed periods

Tingling in the legs

Seizures

Celiac Disease And Back Pain

If you experience chronic digestive symptoms and back pain, you should be tested for Celiac disease. Continuing to eat gluten can lead to permanent intestinal damage.

Nutrient deficiency affects muscles throughout the body. The lower back will likely be a site of pain, since the lower back muscles are both load-bearing and highly mobile. Electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium are needed for proper muscle functioning. A lack of these electrolytes causes interference in nerve communication between the brain and muscles. Contraction and relaxation cycles become disrupted. The muscles may twitch, spasm and cramp up. As the muscles get used less due to pain and miscommunication, muscle tone is lost. This process is accelerated by the fact that protein, the building blocks of muscles, is not being absorbed properly. This means that muscle wasting can't be counteracted by muscle repair.

Celiac disease can also cause osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Both disorders involve weakness of bones, but they are different in a few ways. Osteoporosis is a generally non-reversible thinning of bones caused by the body's inability to manufacture more bone tissue. Calcium and phosphate deficiencies greatly increase risk of osteoporosis. Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency and, unlike osteoporosis, can be recovered from through vitamin D supplementation. Both disorders can cause bone fracture and pain, but osteomalacia also has neuromuscular pain symptoms. Osteoporosis can cause loss of height and postural dysfunction, which can exacerbate back pain.

Treating Celiac Disease

The first step to Celiac treatment is the permanent elimination of gluten from your diet. As long as gluten is present in your digestive tract, your body will continue to damage itself. See http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140/ for foods you can and can't eat.

Celiac is usually detected before intestinal damage is beyond repair. You may begin to feel better a few days into your gluten-free diet, but it can take 6 months or more for your intestines to heal. It is generally considered a good idea for people recovering from Celiac damage to supplement nutrients in order to reverse the effects of malnutrition. Supplementation should be done under the guidance of a nutritionist or physician to ensure you're getting the proper amounts of nutrients your body needs.

Back pain is one of the many possible symptoms of Celiac disease. If you suspect you have this condition, seek diagnosis and treatment early on.

High Dose Vitamin D - Are 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D Too Much?

The Vitamin D Council advises that most healthy people can receive 5,000-10,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day without harm. But high dose vitamin D must be accompanied by sufficient calcium and magnesium...and people with certain diseases should only take supplements under the supervision of a knowledgeable doctor. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and the prevention of osteoporosis. Recent studies have shown that it may also boost the immune system and help to prevent cancer.

Our body will automatically regulate how much vitamin D it produces from sunshine. Studies show that sunbathing in the summer for about 30 minutes can result in the production of over 10,000 IU of vitamin D and that once our skin makes about 20,000 IU, the ultraviolet light begins to degrade the vitamin so that we do not "overdose" on the sun. Vitamin D expert Dr. Vieth reports that there is no practical difference between vitamin D acquired from the sun and that acquired from food and supplements.

The Vitamin D Council reports that doses of 5,000 IU per day from all sources (sun, diet and supplements) are safe for most healthy people and that there are no reports of toxicity up to 10,000 IU per day. But the Council also warns that without calcium and magnesium in sufficient quantities, vitamin D supplementation will withdraw calcium from the bone and will allow the uptake of toxic minerals. As everyone metabolizes vitamin D differently, the best way to identify the optimal level of supplementation is to adjust the dosage to maintain target blood levels. The Vitamin D Council recommends that optimal health is supported by blood levels of 50-80 ng/mL (125-200nmol/L) as identified in a 25(OH)D vitamin D blood test.

HIGH DOSE VITAMIN D FOR TREATMENT OF SEVERE DEFICIENCY

High dose vitamin D treatment is broadly accepted in the medical community for people who are suffering from a severe deficiency but are otherwise in good health. There are two views on the best way to receive high dose vitamin D. The most common form of high dose vitamin D in the US is a prescription form of ergocalciferal also known as vitamin D2. But as vitamin D2 is less potent than vitamin D3, many doctors now recommend high dose vitamin D3 which can be purchased in a health food store or on-line.

VITAMIN D2 (50,000 IU/week)

Dr. Michael Holick of the Boston University School of Medicine recommends high dose vitamin D2 treatment for people whose 25(OH) blood levels are below 10 ng/mL (25 nmol/L). He proposes an oral dose of 50,000 IU/wk of vitamin D2 for 8 weeks followed by another blood test to check serum levels. If the levels are still inadequate, another 8-week course of 50,000 IU/week may be prescribed until blood levels reach 30 to 50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L). Once these target blood levels have been attained, patients prone to developing vitamin D deficiency may be encouraged to take 50,000 IU of D2 every 2 weeks to sustain their blood levels...or 1,000 IU a day of vitamin D3. He also suggests that exposure to direct sunlight for 5-10 minutes on the arms and legs between 10am-3pm during the spring, summer and fall can prevent further deficiency.

Ergocalciferol is available to U.S. doctors in prescription strength of 50,000 units in the brand names of Drisdol and Calciferol. As it is derived from plants rather than animals, ergocalciferol is considered Kosher.

VITAMIN D3 (4,000 IU/day)

Dr. Vieth (Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto Canada) recommends that vitamin D3 is the preferred choice for supplementation. In 2001, a study involving 61 healthy men and women resulted in healthy increases in blood levels following daily intake of 4,000 IU of vitamin D 3-without an increase in blood calcium or urinary calcium excretion. After 2-5 months, the blood levels of participants increased to a range of 28-50ng/ml (69-125 nmol/L). Dr. Vieth has proposed a rule of thumb, that 4,000 IU of vitamin D3/day will increase 25(OH)D blood levels by 100nmol/L (40ng/ml) after 8 months of use and that any surplus vitamin D will remain in the body for approximately 2 months.

Dr. Vieth recommends a daily dose of 4,000 IU/day in order to maintain blood levels above 100nmol/L. He also clarifies that published cases of vitamin D causing elevated blood calcium (hypercalcaemia) have involved daily intake of 40,000 IU. Hypercalcaemia due to excessive vitamin D is generally accompanied by blood concentrations greater than 88ng/ml (220 nmol/L).

Dr. Vieth also suggests that high and infrequent dosing may result in blood level fluctuations without producing sustainable improvements in blood levels. Intake of lower doses of 2,000-4,000 IU daily rather than 100,000 IU once a month are more likely to produce the desired results.

CALCITRIOL

Calcitriol is a steroid that is produced after vitamin D passes through the liver and kidneys. The Vitamin D Council warns against treating vitamin D deficiency with calcitriol (or its analogs) as it poses risks of hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) and fails to replenish the body's stores of vitamin D.

HIGH DOSE VITAMIN D TREATMENT GETS SILLY (500,000 IU)

Non-compliance (failure to take medications) is common both with prescription drugs and vitamins. Pharmaceutical companies and researchers often seek to address this problem with a "one shot a year" approach to osteoporosis medication and occasionally with vitamins.

In 2010, professors at the University of Melbourne reported results of a study involving 2,256 women (aged 70 years or older and considered to be at high risk of fracture) who received an annual dose of 500,000IUs of D3 supplements for three to five years. They were surprised that the recipients of this high dose vitamin D regime had 26% more fractures and 15% more falls than the placebo group. Treatment of non-compliant people with mega doses of vitamin D does not seem to be the solution....as suggested by earlier research that lower doses ingested daily produce the best results.

There are a number of diseases for which vitamin D supplements can cause elevated blood calcium and possibly compromise the immune system. In these cases, supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable doctor.

For information on calcium and magnesium supplements that support high dose vitamin D treatment while also preventing osteoporosis, visit http://www.osteoporosis-vitamins.com/best-calcium-for-osteoporosis.html

How to Recognize and Cope with the 34 Menopause Symptoms

Suffering from hot flashes or night sweats? Maybe you've suffered irregular periods now that you're going through the menopause. There are actually 34 symptoms that are commonly associated with menopause, although thankfully it is rare for one person to suffer from all of them. Here is a quick list. You may be able to spot some that you can relate to on this list.

1. Hot flashes (hot flushes)

2. Night sweats

3. Chronic fatigue

4. Irregular periods

5. Low sex drive or loss of sex drive

6. Hair loss

7. Sleep disturbance

8. Difficulty concentrating

9. Incontinence

10. Dry or thin skin

11. Vaginal dryness

12. Allergy symptoms

13. Leg cramps

14. Digestive problems

15. Facial hair

16. Muscle tensions

17. PMS symptoms

18. Water retention

19. Memory lapses

20. Dizziness

21. Weight gain

22. Heart palpitations

23. Mood swings

24. Itchy skin

25. Cold or tingling hands and feet

26. Depression

27. Breast tenderness

28. Migraines and headaches

29. Aching joints and muscles

30. Osteoporosis

31. Burning tongue

32. Irritability

33. Panic attacks / Anxiety

34. Low metabolism

There are steps that you can take to overcome some of these symptoms if you need to. You can visit your doctor and ask what treatments are available. In cases of severe symptoms you may be offered HRT (hormone replacement therapy). This has become quite controversial recently with some commentators saying that this treatment carries an increased risk of cancer with it.

You can also take natural remedies for the condition. Wild yam is a plant that grows in North America and contains phytoestrogens - plant material that very closely resembles female hormones. Many women have said that they have had great results when using this product.

You can also take simple measures yourself that will decrease the severity of symptoms. If you suffer from night sweats you should look at the type of bed linen and nightwear that you have. Natural fibers are best, such as cotton. You should avoid polyester and other manmade fibers that can make you hot. Keep the room cool and don't put too many covers on the bed.

If you have hot flashes during the day you can also take some sensible measures. Try and find out if your hot flashes are related to eating a particular type of food. Some women have found that cheese or red wine can trigger an episode. You can also dress to be prepared. Rather than one big sweater you can wear layers that can be taken off if you feel hot. Wearing a cardigan is also a practical piece of clothing that can easily be removed.

Menopause and Osteoporosis - There Are Steps You Can Take To Help Alleviate It

One of the conditions a woman must be concerned about is osteoporosis. This may usually occur right after menopause. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate it.

Osteoporosis is simply bone loss. It is inherent in aging for both men and women, although women are more susceptible to it. Because a woman's bone density is less than that of a man, this allows more time for the bone to age. The loss of bone mass begins approximately at age 40. After menopause, there is an acceleration of five to seven years at which point it returns to its normal age-related rate.

The absence of estrogen has less to do with bone loss than aging. In fact, smoking, medications, and being underweight have a greater effect on bone loss. That's why exercise is so important. It increases bone mass. While osteoporosis can lead to loss of height and tiny fractures, woman are also vulnerable to fractures of the hip. Therefore, it is important to take precautionary measures such as proper diet, exercise and vitamins to prevent the loss of bone mass. Further, your doctor may advise you to take a bone density test to determine just how much bone loss has occurred.

The bone density test encompasses taking an X-ray scan which can measure the bone density of your lumbar spine, because the spine is usually the first area to experience loss of bone mass. You probably don't need a special scan to identify bone loss if you have lost height each year. However, if you have just begun perimenopause or are in the stages of menopause, it may be a good idea to have the test done now.

If after the test you are told your bone loss is minimal, you may decide to do nothing. But it is still important to keep your bones strong and to therefore, you may wish to keep tabs on the progress of bone loss through tests. If, on the other hand, you are told that your rate of bone loss is significant, you may want to take a proactive approach to prevent osteoporosis.

The most effective way to maintain the strength of your bones requires a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary measures, such as: discontinue smoking; exercise 30 minutes a day, three or four days a week; ensure you are following a nutritional diet, with sufficient amounts calcium; exercise caution to prevent falls; and included vitamin D supplements in your dietary regimen.

Clearly, osteoporosis can rear its ugly head at some point. But you can take appropriate action to ensure you are doing everything you can to prevent the onset or, at the very least, stopping its progression.

Soft Chewable Calcium Tablets - Are They Effective?

Many kinds of calcium supplements are available on the market now. Their effectiveness depends on how your body responds to the ingredients found in them. Soft chewable calcium tablets have been found to be very beneficial for people of all ages including children under the age of 10.

These tablets come in many shapes and sizes. Artificial flavor is also added to them to make them easier to chew and swallow. As the name suggests, these tablets are soft and can be consumed after meals as a sweet treat.

Normally, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are used to manufacture calcium supplements. Liquid supplements are also available on the market and they are ideal to be used by elderly people. In addition to an effective calcium salt, soft chewable calcium tablets also contain certain vitamins and minerals important for proper absorption of calcium.

Magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D and vitamin K2 are some of the nutrients used in making soft chewable calcium tablets. These nutrients provide some of their own benefits as well in terms of long-term health and well-being. They are required by the body to perform many functions and activities including proper blood circulation, absorption of other nutrients and proper digestion of food.

In addition to calcium tablets, multi-vitamin supplements should also be consumed on a regular basis. Most of us are nutrient deficient without even being aware of this alarming fact. This is because we don't get to eat balanced diets anymore due to our busy routines. Nutrient deficiency in the body and especially calcium and magnesium deficiency is very dangerous for long-term health.

Many degenerative diseases like osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, colon cancer and Parkinson's disease occur as a result of calcium deficiency in the body. These diseases progressively make concerned organs weaker and weaker and a time comes when they become incurable.

Women above the age of 40 are at high risk of developing bone disease in old age. They are strongly advised to increase their calcium intake through calcium supplements and soft chewable calcium tablets. Normally 1000 - 1500 mg of calcium is required by the human body daily depending on its age and overall health.

You can refer to an RDA chart for calcium to determine how much calcium you should be consuming on a daily basis. Try to eat a balanced diet, exercise frequently and don't sit idle for long durations of time. In addition to these, add good-quality calcium supplements to your diet and avoid tobacco, caffeine, soft drinks and too much sugar.

Bone Health: What Works Now and What Looks Promising

Bone is living tissue that constantly undergoes remodeling - old bone is replaced by new bone. Osteoporosis is the most common human bone disease and is characterized by low bone mass or bone mineral density (BMD) and loss of bone tissue. Osteoporosis develops when bone that is lost is not replaced by new bone. This results in a decreased bone mass and the increased risk for fractures. The many common causes of osteoporosis range from lack of physical stress (exercise) on the bones, malnutrition, low hormone levels (ie estrogens, androgens, IGF-1), and old age. Secondary causes may be due to glucocorticoid therapy, where cortisol-like compounds, usually given to control inflammation, increase the rate of bone loss.

Osteoporosis was once viewed as a disease that primarily concerned older women due to decreasing levels of estrogen during the postmenopausal years. Estrogen causes increased osteoblastic (bone formation) activity and after menopause, minimal estrogen is secreted from the ovaries. However, since the recognition of The Female Athlete Triad, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and stress fractures are now a concern for much younger women. It is also evident that more and more men appear to be developing osteoporosis as well. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 million people have osteoporosis and another 18 million have low bone mass, with the odds favoring that these people will also develop osteoporosis (1). This is very unfortunate because osteoporosis is largely preventable.

The NIH defines osteoporosis as a "skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture." A common mistake is to think of osteoporosis simply as the result of bone loss. For individuals that never reach optimal bone mass, osteoporosis may develop without substantial bone loss. For further reading on osteoporosis, the NIH Consensus Statement at (INSERT URL HERE) is an excellent place to start. This article will cover more recent developments, address some ongoing concerns, and offer some practical interpretations.

Exercise: What Do We Need To Do?

To improve the quality of their bones, people need specific exercise programs and directions on how to do the exercises. In the case of young female athletes who may be over-exercising, an appropriate recommendation may be to reduce their training volume. This article will assume that the individual is older and lack of exercise is the problem. It's clear that not all exercise protocols are effective, so the focus will be on what has been proven in research and what is applicable today. There is a strong relationship between muscle mass, strength and bone density (2, 3). A simple interpretation is that in general, stronger people have stronger bones. In controlled studies where subjects were strength-trained, bone density also increased, thus lending support to cross-sectional studies (4, 5). Recent research using rats even suggests that resistance exercise may be more beneficial than aerobic training for stimulating bone formation (6). While there is no guarantee the same results will be found in people, animal studies do allow researchers to exert greater control over the study as well as study mechanisms that may be difficult to study in people. Unlike pharmacological and nutritional approaches, strength training can influence multiple risk factors for osteoporosis and other diseases by increasing strength, balance and muscle mass simultaneously.

Strength training or resistance exercise is not simply going to the gym and "pumping iron." A properly designed program can address balance, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning and agility. These are often overlooked fitness components that can easily be incorporated into a program. Programs are designed based upon what a client has available to them (equipment, location, etc) and what they can actually do (physical limitations, contraindications, personal goals, etc). In previous research elderly subjects lifted food items (ie soup cans, bags of potatoes, milk containers, etc) and improved their strength, muscle mass, bone density, body composition and mental outlook.

Research in the past had older subjects lift weights in a very slow and controlled fashion because of the fear that fast or explosive movements may harm them. Today things are approached very differently. One of the consequences of aging is that there is a decrease in function in faster twitch motor units and hence muscle fibers. Observations so far indicate that power-type training in the elderly may be very beneficial in multiple areas, including improved speed, a decrease in medications for blood pressure, blood glucose control, and decrease in depression. It's easy to get depressed when you can't move around.

A properly designed exercise program is preceded by a doctor's approval and a physical assessment to determine the individual's functional capacity, joint integrity, and muscular strength. For example if a subject has weak legs and is without joint problems, single legged squats to a bed or chair can work well. Initially the range of motion is limited, and with improvements in strength and balance, the range of motion is increased. The chair or bed provide a safety measure so the subject does not squat too deep too fast. Push-ups and straight leg sit-ups (on a bed or carpet with the lower back pushing down against the bed/carpet) are also very effective movements. Try to select movements that make balance difficult, use primarily body weight (or some fraction) as resistance, use full range of motion unless contraindicated, and emphasize the lifting phase at a one or two tempo (subject says "one" or "one-two" and tries to complete the movement at the same time), with the lowering phase usually about twice as long. The main point here is that we know resistance exercise works to increase or prevent loss of bone mass (with many other positive benefits), now let's see how we can make it fun, yet appropriate for the people we work with.

Diet: What Can We Recommend?

Recommending an increased intake of dairy products along with some sunlight will work with some people, but usually not most elderly clients. Other dietary factors be bone saving. Fruit and vegetable intake has a positive relationship with bone density (7, 8). While there may be other explanations for these positive relationships, there is overwhelming evidence that supports their prudent recommendation. The standard recommendations apply - five to nine servings each day for adults, with lots of variety. Results of the Framingham Osteoporosis Study indicated that even after controlling for multiple factors, a lower protein intake increased bone loss (9).

Studies on rats indicate that high protein diets do not adversely affect bone turnover and in support of the Framingham Study, show that low protein intake lowers IGF-1 and induces IGF-1 resistance in osteoblasts (10, 11). Given that most elderly people consume insufficient protein, a low protein intake appears to be more of a concern than a high protein intake when it comes to preventing osteoporosis. While terms such as high and low are often used based upon the relative percentage of calories contributed to the diet from protein, this can be very misleading. A better strategy to determine the adequacy of protein intake is relative to body mass and activity pattern of the individual. The RDA for protein is .8 g/kg of body mass. However, strength training increases the upper recommendation to as high as 1.8 g/kg of body mass.

Soybeans and flaxseed (oil or meal) are excellent sources of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that can modulate estrogen function. Many phytoestrogens have been implicated either indirectly or indirectly to have an impact on bone turnover. While there still isn't enough evidence to say exactly how these foods may influence bone tissue, there is sufficient evidence to warrant recommending their consumption. Given the common problem that older people have of eating enough calories, the real trick is how to get this group to actually eat what may help them. For other groups, many people just don't see the value in taking time to plan out and make all the healthy foods they know they should be eating. A practical example that has worked very well for some people is to make smoothies or some type of blended mixtures. A scoop of why protein mixed in with some frozen berries and flaxseed meal supplies lots of nutrients that can benefit bone. It is quick, convenient, can be stored for later consumption and transported to another location. For variety, switch between flaxseed oil and meal, use different fruits, and alternate between soy and whey proteins.

Supplementation: Do We Really Need Everything On The Market?

It's clear that supplements (and drugs) can be effective when compared to a placebo. What is not so obvious is whether or not supplements to prevent bone loss work any better than eating a diet that provides similar nutrient values as in the supplements. Collectively most studies support the notion that if people get enough calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and boron from their diets and lead an active lifestyle, they will achieve and maintain healthy bone densities. The dilemma is that substantial portions of the population do not get the required amounts those nutrients. While counseling is often tried, this group is usually comprised of older adults who may have deeply established lifestyle patterns. Supplementation may be an appropriate recommendation as long as they remember to take the appropriate pills in the correct doses at the correct times.

Calcium is the most important specific nutrient for developing peak bone mass and preventing bone loss. Recommended intakes of calcium to prevent or treat osteoporosis are 1,000 - 1,500 mg per day for older adults. Calcium may displace or be displaced from being absorbed by other minerals. Calcium supplements should generally be taken at separate times from other mineral supplements or foods that contain minerals if one wants to maximize calcium absorption. They can be taken with juices and vitamins. Vitamin D is needed for optimal calcium absorption and has a recommended intake of 400-600 IUs per day. Vitamin D on its own has limited therapeutic value for people with normal vitamin D levels (12), but can increase bone density in people with depressed serum levels (13).

Since so much research has focused on calcium and vitamin D, other dietary constituents are often overlooked. Boron initially received attention for use as an intervention to treat and prevent arthritis. In parts of the world where boron intake are less than one milligram per day, arthritis incidence rates are 20-70%. In other places where boron intakes are three to ten milligrams per day, arthritis occurs in 10% or less of the population. A significant favorable response has been reported with 6 mg per day. The combination of 45 mg/d vitamin K2 and .75 micrograms of vitamin D3 increases bone density in post menopausal women with osteoporosis (14). Vitamin C is also correlated with increase bone density in postmenopausal women taking calcium and undergoing estrogen therapy (15). The supplement intake ranged from 100-5,000 mg/d with an average intake of 745 mg/d.

One supplement that has received lots of marketing attention is ipriflavone. Ipriflavone is a synthetic isoflavone sold over the counter. In some European countries it is considered to be one of the first and most effective treatment approaches to combating osteoporosis. Studies on ipriflavone however offer mixed results, with some indicating that it increases bone mineral density and others indicating that it does not. A recent study published in JAMA indicated that there was no effect on bone mineral density and that lymphocyte concentration decreased significantly (16).

Several companies have produced supplements marketed as anti-osteoporotic agents. Based upon the doses above, a supplement recipe for osteoporosis would consist of 1,000 - 1,500 mg/d of calcium, 400-600 IUs of vitamin D/d, 745 mg of vitamin C/d, 45 mg/d of vitamin K and 6 mg/d of boron. There is no research at this point in time that has examined the effects of simultaneously giving all of the above agents on bone density. Whether or not the combined use these supplements is more effective than some smaller combination is a matter of opinion. The most appropriate place to try this supplemention protocol is in clinical practice where a competent professional monitors patients. A greater concern is that individuals may self-prescribe these agents without monitoring and/or guidance from a competent professional.

Putting It Into Practice Today

One of the problems with research on preventing bone loss or increasing bone mineral density is that there are many variables to control for. Activity patterns can vary considerably and the results of a nutritional intervention may reflect the synergistic effects of nutrition plus exercise, even though only the nutritional component was carefully monitored. Another issue is that when bone mineral density has reached a certain critical point, significant interventions from a statistical perspective may mean little from a practical perspective. That is while the subject's bone density increased, they may still fracture their bones at the same rate as before the study. This makes interpreting the results somewhat problematic.

A simple and prudent strategy is to get people to perform resistance exercise where balance is challenged (ie they work against gravity). The program should incorporate progression so as they get stronger, they will perform more challenging tasks. The diet should provide at least .8 g/kg body mass per day and not more than 1.8 g/kg per day if resistance training. It is generally understood that most nutrients can be obtained from the diet, however a substantial portion of the population has signs of low levels for one or more nutrients relating to bone health. While recommendations for lifestyle modifications are certainly warranted, compliance does not appear to be very high over the long-term. Supplementation of one or more of the following may be warranted: 1,000 - 1,500 mg/d of calcium, 400-600 IUs of vitamin D/d, 745 mg of vitamin C/d, 45 mg/d of vitamin K and 6 mg/d of boron. Ideally such strategies would occur under the guidance of a competent professional.

References

1. Anonymous, Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. JAMA, 2001. 285(6): p. 785-95.

2. Huuskonen, J., et al., Determinants of bone mineral density in middle aged men: a population- based study. Osteoporos Int, 2000. 11(8): p. 702-8.

3. Proctor, D.N., et al., Relative influence of physical activity, muscle mass and strength on bone density. Osteoporos Int, 2000. 11(11): p. 944-52.

4. Kerr, D., et al., Resistance training over 2 years increases bone mass in calcium-replete postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Res, 2001. 16(1): p. 175-81.

5. Ringsberg, K.A., et al., The impact of long-term moderate physical activity on functional performance, bone mineral density and fracture incidence in elderly women. Gerontology, 2001. 47(1): p. 15-20.

6. Notomi, T., et al., A comparison of resistance and aerobic training for mass, strength and turnover of bone in growing rats. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2000. 83(6): p. 469-74.

7. Tucker, K.L., et al., Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Am J Clin Nutr, 1999. 69(4): p. 727-36.

8. New, S.A., et al., Dietary influences on bone mass and bone metabolism: further evidence of a positive link between fruit and vegetable consumption and bone health? Am J Clin Nutr, 2000. 71(1): p. 142-51.

9. Hannan, M.T., et al., Effect of dietary protein on bone loss in elderly men and women: the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. J Bone Miner Res, 2000. 15(12): p. 2504-12.

10. Bourrin, S., et al., Dietary protein restriction lowers plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), impairs cortical bone formation, and induces osteoblastic resistance to IGF-I in adult female rats. Endocrinology, 2000. 141(9): p. 3149-55.

11. Creedon, A. and K.D. Cashman, The effect of high salt and high protein intake on calcium metabolism, bone composition and bone resorption in the rat. Br J Nutr, 2000. 84(1): p. 49-56.

12. Hunter, D., et al., A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation on preventing postmenopausal bone loss and modifying bone metabolism using identical twin pairs. J Bone Miner Res, 2000. 15(11): p. 2276-83.

13. Kantorovich, V., et al., Bone mineral density increases with vitamin D repletion in patients with coexistent vitamin D insufficiency and primary hyperparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2000. 85(10): p. 3541-3.

14. Iwamoto, J., T. Takeda, and S. Ichimura, Effect of combined administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. J Orthop Sci, 2000. 5(6): p. 546-51.

15. Morton, D.J., E.L. Barrett-Connor, and D.L. Schneider, Vitamin C supplement use and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Res, 2001. 16(1): p. 135-40.

16. Alexandersen, P., et al., Ipriflavone in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 2001. 285(11): p. 1482-8.

Herbal Vinegars to Prevent and Reverse Osteoporosis

Herbal vinegars are packed full of vitamins and minerals that can improve bone health. Many women in this country suffer from bone loss and osteoporosis. Good nutrition makes healthy bones and herbal vinegars can be a part of your osteoporosis diet. Herbal vinegars can be a part of your support system for preventing or reversing bone loss, especially during the premenopausal and postmenopausal years.

These are not your culinary vinegars with a few sprigs of herb placed in the bottle. These are nutrient dense herbal vinegars that are full of vitamins and minerals that improve bone health. Apple cider vinegar just by itself has the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk in just 1 tablespoon. So you could just take a spoon full mixed in a cup of water every day. But when you add herbs that are mineral rich to the vinegar you get a delicious supplement that is better than any pill.

Herbs to use for good bone health are cabbage, comfrey, dandelion, mint, nettle and raspberry leaves. To make your bone building herbal vinegar, just chop the leaves of the herb in small bits and fill a glass jar. Fill with apple cider vinegar and stir to saturate the herb. Top off with more vinegar and cap tightly with a plastic lid. If you only have metal lids, then place a layer of plastic between the lid and the jar. Vinegar will corrode and rust metal lids and you don't want this to ruin your beautiful vinegar.

After infusing for about 6 weeks, your herbal vinegar will be ready to use. You can use it on any dish you use regular vinegar on like grains, beans, greens or even soups. Take about 2-4 tablespoons a day to prevent or even reverse osteoporosis and maintain good healthy bones.

©Shanna Ohmes

Precautions of Joint Mobilization Therapy

Massage therapy has always been a part of health recovery due to its effectiveness and its lesser risks and contraindications to the treatment. Joint mobilization is one of the forms of massage therapy that is used in the treatment of pain relief in the joints and tissue of an injured area of the body. It is effective in treating arthritis which is a common musculoskeletal dysfunction among the elders. It is also used for treating headaches and other minor ailments outside the region of the joints.

Joint mobilization helps in utilizing joint play which allows mobility and flexibility of the moving parts of the body. Success and benefits are achieved through the careful and proper manipulation of the therapist during the therapy session.

Prior to the therapy, the therapist should study the condition of the patient and should be comfortable working with the patient and not on the patient. Blood and lymph flow should be taken into consideration in this type of therapeutic massage technique as they are important gauge of the effectiveness of the result of joint mobilization therapy. When the affected joint decompresses, blood and lymph flows without restriction which is a good thing as it means that the condition is being treated properly.

During the session, the therapist works by mimicking the gliding in the bones by applying pressure in order to promote health on the joints. Passive movement in small slow motion is also conducted to increase the mobility and remove the fixation in the joints. This technique along with the massage allows the tissues surrounding the affected limbs to release tension which causes pain.

However, just like all types of alternative medical care, the client should be careful and well aware of what he is into. He must know the purpose and goal of the therapy in order to know what benefits and effects to the health he will be receiving from the therapy. The risks and contraindications of the same therapy should also be researched as well as the preparations and precautions needed to prevent anything bad from happening.

The precautions in joint mobilization therapy are important and should be followed by both the client and the massage therapist in order to avoid inflicting more damage to the injury or condition. The precautions includes that there should be given no treatment to the spine in case the patient is at the same time suffering from osteoporosis. Any bleeding in the affected joint area should be discontinued immediately to prevent further problems such as inflicting more damage in that area. If the medical history shows any sign or presence of tumors or malignancy, the natural therapy should be put in a halt to prevent further damages to the body of the patient. If there are symptoms of loose body in the joint, it would be better to seek the expert opinion and advice of a doctor to reduce the risks of doing more harm than good to your body. In general, although this therapy and the other types of natural treatment are regarded as safe, it would be best if you consult with a doctor first.

Reflexology for Osteoarthritis

Reflexology was performed in the ancient times by the Egyptians, Chinese and Indians. An American ENT specialist, Dr. William Fitzgerald took this theory to the west. This therapy is based on the fact that the reflex points on the hands and feet are directly connected to all the other organs of the body. Therefore, to provide healing effect to the head, the big toe is treated. Similarly, if one wants to feel the healing effect on the entire body, the entire foot needs to be treated.

The most common treatments of osteoarthritis are medication, surgery, pain relievers, educating the patient and physical exercise. However, in recent times, reflexology is also being increasingly used for treating this disease.

A reflexologist uses only his hands to administer this treatment. He gently massages the strategic points of the foot, applying pressure to these areas. The process is highly individualized. Every patient requires a unique approach. The imbalances in the body are rectified through this method. An expert reflexologist usually finds tiny spots on the feet that can heal the patient.

Through this method, the body is allowed to heal at its own pace. Unlike the other methods of treatment, reflexology is suitable for all age groups of patients. A regular treatment is required to maintain proper balance of the body. The best part about this unconventional mode of treatment is that it is extremely safe and entirely natural.

A good practitioner of reflexology usually begins with a preliminary talk with his or her patient and then tries to find out the problematic areas by pressing parts of the hands or feet. The experience might be a little painful at times but the pain is temporary and aids in identifying the imbalances. The experience on the whole is quite relaxing and soothing.

Bone Fractures - The 3 Most Common Causes for Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are often thought of being related to car accidents, falls or any other type of hit. Even an unfortunate slip can lead to serious bone fractures and even worse. Because of the different types of bone fractures, you should always see a doctor for proper treatment and rehabilitation.

The doctor is the only person that can determine the severity of your bone fracture and by using proper technology as X-rays and other medical methods, can determine the exact location of the wound and treat it accordingly.

Even though bone fractures can happen from numerous causes, the most common causes for bone fractures can be divided in 3 categories:

1. The first, and probably the most known cause for bone fractures is known as bone thinning or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures because in time it makes the bones less dense by altering bone protein and other minerals. This increases the risk of bone fractures, because the bones become a lot more porous.

2. A special category of bone fractures is related to sports and sport athletes. Sport athletes are prone to bone fractures because of the higher level of stress and force applied often on the bones. This 2-nd bone fractures category is also known as bone overuse.

3. The third and probably the most common cause of bone fractures is due to falls, hits, different types of accidents (car, bike, mountain climbing accidents, or other accidents related to hobbies). All of these accidents of falls are very likely to bring traumas to one or more of the bones, leading to bone fractures.

Women Over 40 - Fight Osteoporosis, Avoid Calcium Reducing Drinks

Osteoporosis is a looming threat for women over 40. Osteoporosis means: The bone mineral density is reduced- especially for calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and essential for strong bones. You're risking severe fractures in bones that wouldn't break in healthy people, like rib, hip and wrist bones.

Calcium is important for the heart, nerves, muscles and many other body parts too. It can impact premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, it is very common to consume not enough calcium. And, what many women over 40 do not know: There are calcium reducing beverages out there you want to avoid:

• Too much caffeine affects your calcium- reduce coffee, stay away from energy drinks


• Sodium Phosphate is often found in carbonated drinks. Check the labels; better go for tea or water. they will help you controlling your weight too


• Too much alcohol will reduce the calcium level too

As with most minerals, to be effective it needs to be consumed with other vitamins and minerals in small portions over the day. Dairy products are a good source of calcium, or seaweeds, nuts (almonds, sesame), beans, broccoli and many fruits. As always, the best way to avoid any deficiencies is to eat lots of vegetables and fruits.

You need enough vitamin D to to be able to absorb calcium properly. So: Get some sun, it will brighten your mood and get the vitamin D production going. Fatty fish (herring, catfish, salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna) is a good source of vitamin D too.

Osteoporosis Medication Put On Alert No Brittle Bones About It

Do you know what is the function of your Osteoarthis Medication? Do you know what the side effects are? Please read this article before you take another pill. If you have answered yes or no to any of these questions, read on.

When you receive a new prescription from the doctor you normally get it filled and take it without a thought as to the side effects. The doctor may or may not explain them. This is wrong. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of this medication before you take it.

I have learned that the Osteoporosis medication is suppose to build bone but actually makes them flexible, not stronger, though it may look better on X Ray. The medicine stops bad osteoclasts (breaks down bone and makes them brittle) but also the good osteoblasts (which build bone). Brittle bones can easily break. No matter which of the several medications you take for Osteoporosis, you must be aware of the dreadful side effects.

This is my sister's story. She started taking Osteoporosis medication in January. It is a pill you only take once a month. This is actually a cancer medication, and since you take it only once a month, it is stronger than those you take weekly. Her whole body started to weaken. She developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

This caused depression since she could not maintain her career which she loved and had considerable respect. She also had muscle aches. After taking the medication for five months she had a slight cold and lost her voice for a short period. During that short period she did what most people do when they have a sore throat, they whisper. She took cold medication and her voice returned once again.

A week later her voice vanished and never returned. After visiting several doctors her pulmonary doctor suggested a specialist. She made her appointment with the Ears, Nose and Throat doctor

(ENT). He did a scope of her vocal cords in the office and her life changed and has never been the same since.

He found severe redness and swelling in the throat, and the muscles normally used for speaking were not being used. When she had the scratchy throat she whispered, for 2 months, and used the wrong muscles. They got stronger, but sprained from overuse or hyperfunction . Now she is in Speech Therapy relearning how to speak using the correct muscles. She has been on total voice rest for 2 months so far.

Also, he found she had Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) which is an acid reflux disease that starts in your stomach, goes up the esophagus and can spill over onto the voice box. For the first five months taking the medicine she had no heartburn or sore throat. It was a "silent" enemy. Now she is on a food restriction diet, antacid medicine, and must sleep with the head of the bed elevated, another major readjustment.

The side effects from the Osteoporosis medicine are more extensive than what I have described. Check out the different websites and talk to your Pharmacist before you take this kind of medication. If you are already taking it think long and hard before you take the next pill.

I found out the safest way to fight osteoporosis is to take Calcium with magnesium, Zinc, and vitamin D (or 15 minutes of sunshine). The bones need "loading", so walking is great for exercise. It helps to stick to a workout routine, so make it fun: use music, pets, or friends.

For some people there are not any problems. For others the problems haven't happened yet or are waiting to happen. There are many side effects from Osteoporosis Medication that are not listed in this article. Look them up. You may have side effects and do not know it.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles on many subjects.

Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007

Ayurvedic Natural Supplements to Stop Bone Loss

Your bones are as alive as you are. Often mistaken for something hard, brittle and lifeless, bones are the building blocks of our body, without which we would be nothing but a lump of mass which does not have a support system to hold it up together. The human skeleton is made up of bones and it's these bones which provide structure and balance to our body. Significantly, bones are more than structure blocks as they are also the storehouse of essential minerals that our body needs, the most important of which is Calcium. Calcium is one such mineral which is constantly being broken down and rebuilt in our bodies through a process called resorption. New bones are thus produced through this process at different stages of life.

Bones can be kept in the optimum healthy condition by exercising regularly and following a healthy diet regime. But all the exercise and diet in the world cannot prevent the erosion of bones as we get older. Aging is a natural process and therefore with age the strength of the bones also decreases due to erosion of the bones. But under certain conditions, bone loss may be more severe for certain people than others. As a result of which the bones are severely weakened and so is the skeleton. The skeleton becomes deformed a bone density also experienced at certain places. If the condition worsens then it could lead to the bones becoming very light and frail, so much so that they become brittle enough to crack and break under the body's own weight.

This condition is known as osteoporosis. In medical terms, osteoporosis is an ailment of the bone in which the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced. This leads to a low bone mass in the body and a deteriorating bone tissue. Bone mass (bone density) is the amount of bone present in the skeletal structure. The higher the density the stronger are the bones. Genetic factors also influence bone loss and so do the environmental factors. The treatment of osteoporosis should be administered as soon as the signs of bone loss are observed or felt. If left untreated, it could become a severe problem and lead to breaking of bones. These broken bones or fractures occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist areas. Such fractures can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture), or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine).

The following suggestions will help you treat osteoporosis effectively:

• Regular exercise to maintain good bone health

• Calcium-rich food

• Swimming

• Having a correct body posture

• The consumption of milk and milk products

The consumption of certain natural herbs may also help achieving a healthy bone structure, some of which are:

• Dandelion Tea

• Red Clover

• Chaste Berry

• Dong Quai - A Chinese herb

Ayurveda also has the optimum solution for bone loss in the form of an excellent herbal supplement called BonCare. This natural supplement is made of a recipe of herbs and minerals formulated to maintain bone health and strength. The herbal power of this health supplement improves destabilized bones by distributing nutrients between bone tissues.

BonCare naturally adjusts and balances the synthesis and utilizes various hormones to sustain bones, boosts calcium levels and reduces breaking down of bone tissue, while stimulates formation of new bone without any side effects. It naturally helps common osteoporosis symptoms such as backache and leg pain to be reduced significantly.

Trust Ayurveda to provide the best solution to all your bone related problems.

Physiotherapy Treatment of Shoulder Fractures

Humeral fractures occur commonly with up to five percent of all fractures falling into this category, eighty percent of humeral fractures being minimally displaced or undisplaced. Osteoporosis is a contributing factor in many of these fractures and a fracture of the forearm on the same side is a typical presentation. Nerve or arterial damage from the fracture is an important consideration but not common. Typical sites of fractures are the top of the arm (neck of humerus - "shoulder fracture") and the middle of the shaft of the humerus.

The usual cause of a humeral fracture is a direct fall on the arm, either on the hand, elbow or directly onto the shoulder itself. Due to all the muscles that attach to the upper humerus, there can be a lot of muscular force at the time, dictating how much the bones are pulled into a displaced position. Humeral fractures are more common in the elderly with an average age of fracture of around 65 years and younger people usually have a history of forceful trauma such as motor accidents or sport.

If the fracture occurred without significant force then a pathological cause such as cancer must be suspected. On physio examination pain will occur on movement of the shoulder or the elbow, there may be extensive bruising and swelling, the arm may appear short if the fracture is displaced in shaft fractures and there is very restricted shoulder movement. Radial nerve damage is rare in upper humeral fractures but more common in fractures of the shaft, leading to "wrist drop", weakness of the wrist and finger extensors and some thumb movements.

Management of Humeral Fractures

After the fracture the patient's movements are kept restricted and sufficient analgesia provided to keep them comfortable. With little or no displacement the management is non-operative but if the greater tuberosity is fractured then it is important to suspect rotator cuff injury. This is more common in injuries with high forces, when the patient is older or the tuberosity is displaced significantly. Humeral neck fractures can be kept in line with a collar and cuff, allowing the elbow to hang free, while shaft fractures are difficult to manage but can be braced.

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is often performed for displaced fractures with three or four fragments and more commonly in younger patients, while older patients have humeral head replacement to prevent pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Nailing or plating is used in shaft fractures if necessary but these usually heal without surgery. Humeral fractures can have complications including injury to the radial nerve in shaft fractures, frozen shoulder and death of the humeral head due to loss of blood supply. Although normal healing time is 6-8 weeks, older sufferers may never re-establish normal range of shoulder movement.

Shoulder Fracture Treatment by Physiotherapy

Initially the physio assesses the arm, asking the patient about their pain level as this varies greatly, examining the swelling and bruising of the arm. The physiotherapist then checks the available range of movement of the shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand. Any muscle weakness and sensory loss is noted as this may denote nerve damage. If not operated on, a sling is continued with and if the fracture is not too painful or severe, early exercises are started by the physiotherapist. Pendular exercises, with the patient bending over at the waist, are important in the early stages as they allow movement of the shoulder joint without much force.

Three weeks after the fracture bone healing will be well under way so the physiotherapist will instruct the patient in auto-assisted exercises, using the other arm, to help reduce stress on the injury. Unassisted exercises are the next step as the arm becomes stronger, to practice lateral and medial rotation and flexion. At six weeks the bone will be clinically sound so the physio can progress to more vigorous movements with resistance and gentle end-range stretching. Joint mobilisations can be useful to free up the sliding and gliding movements of the joint and strengthening and joint range work continued with Theraband.

What Do You Do If You Have Some Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, a degenerative disease, is not something that anyone wants to experience. In order to reverse the effects that osteoporosis can have on the body, it is important to know what the signs of this serious condition are. Here is an overview of the symptoms of osteoporosis, as well as what you can do once you notice that they are affecting you.

The most important thing that you should keep in mind is that osteoporosis symptoms often remain hidden until it is too late. In a lot of situations, the first and only sign of osteoporosis is a bone fracture. This can happen to the wrist, hip or spine and can occur for numerous reasons. However, some people do experience some symptoms related to osteoporosis before this happens.

One of the main symptoms of osteoporosis is a change in the spine. This is what causes people who have osteoporosis to look shorter and bent over. While it is perfectly normal for height to slightly decline when people grow older, no more than one inch should be lost. If this does happen, it is a common symptoms indicating a person may be experiencing osteoporosis.

Another one of the osteoporosis symptoms that you should watch out for is back pain. There is a strong possibility that this may be an indicator of a back fracture. Back pain also is known to occur when the body begins to curve over. If this is something that you have experiencing, it is best to visit your doctor to schedule a test for osteoporosis.

Note that osteoporosis is a condition that is more likely to affect you as you get older, and so if you are, say, over 50, you should be extra vigilant for observing for symptoms of osteoporosis. But it is also possible for younger people to experience osteoporosis too. So don't assume that if you're younger you are immune from osteoporosis symptoms, be prepared to be vigilant all of your life.

Keep in mind that there are a number of different ways to naturally prevent or treat the symptoms of osteoporosis. Although the amount of bone density that you lose cannot be entirely treated, the effects of osteoporosis can be reversed and further prevented. Some of the ways for this to happen include eating a well balanced diet, staying active and taking supplements for Calcium and Vitamin D.

Osteoporosis symptoms are not something to take lightly. This health condition is very serious and if you believe that you may have it, it is best to talk to a doctor about it. Determining the causes and finding a treatment option is very important to overcoming this degenerative health condition. If you begin to notice any symptoms of osteoporosis, you also may want to implement these natural prevention and treatment methods into your life.

And there are companies, one in particular, which are producing highly effective natural and organic treatments for osteoporosis, so if you're experiencing some of the symptoms of osteoporosis then there are natural treatments available. It isn't always necessary to turn to drugs.

MBST - Magnetic Resonance Therapy

Did you know there is a treatment for Arthritis and Osteoporosis, a treatment that can repair cartilage and bone? You will most likely not have heard about this relatively new treatment but you will because it works.

The technology is called MBST which stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy. The technology is based on MRI technology. It was discovered that patients with joint problems after having a scan reported an improvement in mobility and relief from pain.

A German company MedTec Medizintechnik GmbH developed this technology to specifically concentrate on the therapeutic effects of MRI and MBST was developed. Fast forward to today and tens of thousands of patients have been treated across the globe including Europe, Israel, The United States and the United Kingdom.

This technology works by metabolising the bodies natural ability to heal. MBST therapy acts on nuclear spin, it generates an electromagnetic field. This is not to be confused with conventional electromagnetic therapies as this technology specifically works with nuclear spin resonance. Don't worry this is nothing to do with nuclear in the sense you may be used to. In fact this type of treatment has no known harmful side effects.

A typical treatment can take up to an hour and involves sitting or lying with the machine acting on the specific part of the body that need treating. This is a cumulative treatment so up to 9 sessions may be required depending on the condition. The resulting effect is that cartilage re-grows and bone re-grows reducing the pain and limited movement associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Conventional treatments for such conditions usually entails a ever stronger cocktail of painkillers. Under some circumstances you may require an operation such as a knee replacement operation.

This is still a relatively unknown treatment and in most countries you cannot get this treatment through your health insurance or health system. You can however ask you doctor or physician about MBST. They may not have heard of it but there are several clinical studies carried out by such doctors as Dr. med. M. Krosche, Dr. med. G. Breitgraf, Prof. Dr. I. Frobose, Dr. med Eckey, Prof. Dr. med. Lucker, Prof. Dr. med. C. Melzer and Dr. med. Handschuh who have published clinical studies on the effect of MBST.

You can find a summary of some of these studies at mbst medical which you can print off and show your doctor. This treatment is not suitable for everyone as once cartilage has completely worn you will probably need an operation to replace the affected joint. If you do suffer from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis it is in your interest to seek a treatment that has no side effects rather than waiting for the inevitable on an ever increasing regime of pain medication.

How to Keep Stress From Weakening Your Bones

Stress and Your Bones

A high stress lifestyle has always been suspected as one of the contributing causes of osteoporosis and other major health problems. Continued high stress levels can also lead to depression or depressive behaviors. Now, recent studies have indicated people with major depression have a lower bone mass density compared to non-depressed individuals. Other studies have found that an extended loss of social interactions and pleasurable activities may have an impact on bone density as well. In light of these findings, it is important to consider two important trends. First, stress appears to be more important than once thought in the healthy functioning of your bones. Second, depression should be considered as another important risk factor for osteoporosis.

Definition of Depression

By definition, depression is a mental condition affecting your mood, thought process and physical functioning. It is characterized by a range of negative feelings such as sadness, loneliness, anger, despair, fatigue, and guilt as well as loss of energy and low self-esteem. Depression may cause you to lose interest in many aspects of life and no longer find pleasure in activities and relationships. Depressive thoughts can cause physical changes in your body that include various pain syndromes and other medical conditions.

The Chemical Cascade Affecting Bone

What is really happening inside your body as the result of high stress living and how does it affect bones? Constant stress promotes an unhealthy hormone shift increasing cortisol and reducing serotonin levels. Higher cortisol levels increase total body inflammation decreasing calcium absorption and increased calcium excretion. Osteoblasts (bone-building cells) are reduced in number impairing the bones ability to renew which is essential to maintaining normal bone density.

The Bone / Brain Connection

The depressed brain sends different signals to your internal organs and bones than a healthy brain. The brain uses the sympathetic nervous system to increase the secretion of a chemical compound called noradrenalin within the bone. Noradrenalin literally has a depressive effect on the osteoblasts. The interleukin-1 protein, which has been known for many years as a stimulator of the immune system, increases the number and activity of osteoclastic cells (bone break-down cells). Stress causes less bone to be created and more bone to be destroyed resulting in osteoporosis.

Bone Balance Destroyed

Chronic stress can now be physiologically traced as a significant player in the creation of osteoporotic bones. By reducing the ability of the osteoblasts to form new bone and speeding the osteoclasts into bone breakdown, the natural balance of bone growth and repair is altered. Effective osteoporosis treatments must consider stress reduction so bone formation and repair can return to normal.

Consider a New Direction for Your Healthy Bones

In light of these recent discoveries it's not enough to just discuss diet, exercise, supplements and medication for the treatment of osteoporosis. The research indicates that effective treatment programs for healthy bones must include mechanisms to reduce the negative effects of stress on your body. Reducing the negative effects of stress on your body helps the cells responsible for healthy bones to begin to function normally once again. In a nutshell, the time spent promoting good mental wellbeing is as important as that spent on good physical health.

Do You Have Bones That Keep Breaking?

Osteoporosis is a brittle-bone disease. This means that your bones are prone to breaking and fracturing due to the fact that the bones are lacking the calcium that is essential to strengthen the bones.

This affects mainly adults- men and women- over the age of 50. Half of women over 50 years old and 25 percent of men over 50 years old will break a bone because of this disease. Also, a lot of times, postmenopausal women are at an elevated risk of inheriting this disease. Overall, osteoporosis affects over 10 million people in the United States, with 34 million more being at risk of developing the disease.

To help give your bones the strength they need, you need calcium, protein and Vitamin D. Protein is what a large portion of your bones are made of. Calcium is what keeps the bones linked together and in tact. Vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium so that the calcium can get to your bones. To know how much you need of each is crucial for you to give your body what it needs. Adults need to get around 700 IUs (international units) of Vitamin D and around 1,200Mg (milligrams) of Calcium daily. The amounts are higher for the people most at risk of developing the disease.

Most dairy products supply a good amount of calcium and protein. If you are not a dairy lover, you can still get the calcium and protein needed. Options include fortified juices, cereals, oatmeal, beans, dark leafy greens, salmon, and some nuts (for example, almonds). If the case is that you don't get enough with your diet, you need to take vitamin supplements so that you are able to get the Calcium and Vitamin D needed on a daily basis.

Also, an important fact to remember- your bones have built up about 90% of all of the bone you will ever have by the age of 20. After you are over the age of 20, it is all about containing your bone density to help prevent your bones from becoming brittle.

The number one habit to avoid is smoking! The second habit to break is drinking soda. Soda contains acids and artificial sweeteners that decay the actual bones themselves. Along with breaking those habits, having the right balanced diet and exercise play the most important part in becoming a healthy and strong you!

Vitamin D may Reduce the Risk of Fractures and Osteoporosis

Vitamin D. As children, we were told to drink milk because it provided Vitamin D and calcium, a substance that could help to keep our bones strong. Increasingly, however, evidence is being gathered that vitamin also helps to keep bones strong.

New studies, in fact, point to vitamin D to treat osteoporosis and lessen the amount of bone fractures in the elderly. Osteoporosis is a major health issue for an estimated 44 million Americans and in the year 2000, the number of osteoporotic fractures in Europe was estimated at 3.79 million.

While primarily associated as an elderly disease, osteoporosis can show up at any time. Getting enough calcium and sunlight (vitamin D) to help absorb the calcium, has been targeted as a major factor in affecting the disease and reducing fractures.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) reports that "one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her/his remaining lifetime. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including over 300,000 hip fractures."

Research has shown that vitamin D not only aids in the absorption of calcium to strengthen bones, but also positively affects muscles. This positive affect on bones and muscles leads to more body stability and experts say, could be beneficial in reducing the amount of fractures sustained from weak bones and muscles in the elderly.

Specialists are suggesting a daily dosage of 800 units (20 micrograms) for people 65 and older, while research is being done on yearly vitamin D injections.

Although many leading authorities are recommending extra vitamin D, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) -- an independent UK organization responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health -- is not advocating a certain dosage or saying whether supplements or injections would be the best technique for administering the vitamin.

NICE also states that although studies are showing that supplementing vitamin D may decrease the amount of fractures in the elderly, they are not positive it would lessen the amount of yearly fractures.

The Food Standards Agency in the UK, recommends 10 micrograms (or 400 units) of extra vitamin D, but only for those who are housebound, inactive and not eating a healthy diet of meat or oily fish. They stand firm that people who are active and eating a healthy diet, do not need extra vitamin D supplementation.

Dr Frazer Anderson, senior lecturer in geriatric medicine at Southampton University, agrees that supplementing with vitamins , specifically taking daily vitamin D and/or calcium supplements would mean fewer fractures sustained per year, yet he does not believe that supplementation would be enough if they already had osteoporosis.

Studies are ongoing.

Inadequate Magnesium Intake Can Lead to Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Ever wonder whether the calcium from dairy products you consume, or from the supplements you take, is actually being deposited into your bones and teeth and not elsewhere in the body, such as in your soft tissues (tissues other than the bones)?

Well, if you are consuming dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt (poor sources of magnesium) without adequate dietary magnesium intake or taking calcium supplement that contains no or inadequate amount of magnesium (the recommendation is at least half as much magnesium as calcium), that may very well be the case.

How? Calcitonin is a hormone necessary for the deposition of calcium into the bones and for preventing it from being accumulated in the soft tissues, such as the joints. Magnesium is a mineral that stimulates calcitonin production. Studies suggest that without magnesium, calcium does not get into the bones and teeth. In fact, people with osteoporosis and tooth decay have low bone and teeth magnesium content.

In many forms of arthritis (inflammation of joints), especially osteoarthritis, there is excess calcium in the joints, and not enough calcium in the bones. Magnesium helps stimulate calcitonin production to remove calcium out of the joints and increase its levels in the bones, states Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods.

A study published in The Journal of Arthritis Care and Research, was designed to find out whether the group of patients with calcium crystal deposits in the knee joints had a lower blood magnesium levels compared to the controls (the group without calcium deposits).  The results showed that the prevalence of calcium crystal deposits in the joints was significantly higher in patients with low blood magnesium levels.

Excess alcohol and caffeine, and certain medications, such as thiazide diuretics and birth control pills deplete magnesium; and antacids block its absorption.

Many people who regularly consume refined foods, such as white flour and white sugar, which are both found in common breads, pastas, cookies, pastries, etc., may be deficient in magnesium.  The refining process - used to make white flour from wheat berries and white sugar from sugar cane removes many of the essential nutrients, including magnesium. About 85% of magnesium is lost when white flour is made.

The unrefined or whole foods rich in magnesium are legumes, such as soy products, peas and lentils; whole grains, particularly buckwheat and wheat, also oats, brown rice, rye, and millet. Nuts, especially hazelnuts, almonds and brazil nuts are also good sources. Chlorophyll rich foods, such as wheat or barley grass products and micro algae spirulina and chlorella are excellent sources, as are leafy green vegetables, such as kale, turnip greens and collard greens.

These whole foods contain not only magnesium, but also many other so-called calcium cofactors, such as vitamins A, B and K1, and minerals manganese, zinc, copper, boron, silica, selenium and chromium, all of which are important for the proper utilization of calcium.

But on thing to remember is that magnesium and some other minerals' content of a particular food may vary significantly from one region to another, depending on the mineral content of the soil in which it was grown. One exception is barley - and wheat - grass products and micro algae spirulina and chlorella, since they are usually grown in mineral rich soil and water. Although some say we should consume only locally grown foods, it's a good idea to include in our diet some of the foods grown in other regions to prevent mineral deficiencies.

A whole food diet, rich in magnesium and other calcium cofactors should be consumed along with calcium rich foods for prevention and treatment of disorders associated with improper calcium utilization, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Anorexia Symptoms Include Bone Fractures and Osteoporosis - Calcium Supplements Are Essential

Anorexia symptoms include bone fractures, low bone density and osteoporosis. The condition is typically identified during mid to late adolescence--which is a critical period for bone development. Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an irrational fear of weight gain and severe restriction of diet and nutrition. While the majority of people with anorexia are female, an estimated 5 to 15 percent of people with anorexia are male.

Anorexia is typically identified during mid to late adolescence, which is a critical period for bone development. Up to one third of peak bone density is achieved during puberty. This is the time when we fill up our bone banks- from which we will make withdrawals later in life. The degree of bone loss seen with anorexia is unique in its severity and anorexia symptoms of bone loss can be detected after only 6 months of illness. Compression fractures and spinal deformity are not uncommon amongst very young patients.

A bone mineral density (BMD) test can detect bone loss before a fracture occurs and indicate the risk of future fractures. However, some studies indicate that changes in bone structure begin well before decreases in bone density reveal themselves through a DXA test. A flat-panel volume CT allows the bones to be examined at higher resolution (with relatively low radiation) for more accurate results.

DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS

While a healthy diet is the best way to maintain healthy bones, it is also the most compromised during anorexia. Calcium and vitamin supplements that include vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium often prove to be an acceptable alternative because they provide nutrition without causing any weight gain. If a person is eating irregularly or purging during the day, taking a single serving of a comprehensive supplement such as Greens+ Bone Builder may provide an optimal solution until recovery is achieved. Taking the supplement before going to bed will take maximum advantage of the bone renewal that occurs overnight.

EXERCISE

Anorexia is often accompanied by compulsive exercising aimed at burning calories and punishing oneself for eating something "bad". Weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but people with anorexia must also consider the risk of fractures. Low impact weight training can help to strengthen the bones if done in moderation rather than as punishment.

ESTROGEN THERAPY

Low body weight can cause women to stop producing estrogen and men to stop producing the testosterone needed for healthy bone development. However, the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy in treating anorexia is still unclear. Some studies found that estrogen/progestin replacement and calcium supplementation did not prevent or reverse bone loss, while others found that it prevented bone loss but did not increase bone density. Research is on-going and the appropriateness of the treatment should be discussed with your doctor.

Menopause Physiological, Psychological Symptoms and Treatment by Natural Or Pharmaceutical Remedies

This article aims to identify the physical and psychological symptoms of the menopause and describe the use and possible side effects of regularly used pharmaceutical drugs to help in relief of these symptoms. Natural relief of symptoms will also be described. This article does not aim to describe all all of the physical or psychological characteristics of the menopause, these will be covered in a later article.

Physical Symptoms Of The Menopause.

The menopause usually affects women between the ages of 40-50 years. The menstrual cycle becomes irregular about 5-7 years before the onset of the menopause. Nearer the onset the number of cycles where ovulation does not occur increases. During the menopause the woman may experience dryness of the vagina. This can cause inflammation and an increased risk of infection. A decrease in libido is usually experienced, yet some women get an increase. Some women suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). Hot flashes are common caused by an decrease in estrogen levels.

Psychological Symptoms Of The Menopause.

The psychological symptoms were, for many years, dismissed by many Doctors and Physicians. However, they have found to be real, usually connected to low estrogen levels. Symptoms can include irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and severe emotional disturbances. These can be treated and managed by the use of small amounts of estrogen

Treatment Of The Menopause By The Use Of Pharmaceutical Drugs.

HRT: Hormone replacement therapy.

Estrogen: Estrogen is used to treat 'hot flashes' (sometimes called 'hot flushes') in women who are experiencing menopause. Some brands of estrogen are also used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, or burning, or to prevent osteoporosis. However, women who need a medication only to treat vaginal dryness or only to prevent osteoporosis should consider a different treatment. Side effects of estrogen include increased risk of endometrial cancer, and vaginal bleeding amongst others.

Progestogen: Progestogen is used to regulate the effects of estrogen and are often prescribed together. In women with a uterus, the addition of a progestogen cyclically (for at least 10 days per 28-day cycle) reduces the additional risk of endometrial cancer; this additional risk is eliminated if a progestogen is given continuously. However, this should be weighed against the increased risk of breast cancer.

Oestrogen:Oestrogen is given systemically in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period. Menopausal atrophic vaginitis may respond to a short course of a topical vaginal oestrogen preparation. Systemic therapy with an oestrogen or drugs with oestrogenic properties alleviates the symptoms of oestrogen deficiency such as vasomotor symptoms.

Tibolone: Tibolone given in the postmenopausal period also diminish postmenopausal osteoporosis. Tibolone combines oestrogenic and progestogenic effect and it is given continuously, without cyclical progestogen. Tibolone increases the risk of breast cancer.

Clonidine: Clonidine may be used to reduce vasomotor symptoms in women who cannot take an oestrogen, but clonidine may cause unacceptable side-effects.

Possible Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, endometrial cancer ( which may be reduced by a progestogen), breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Women who start combined HRT more than 10 years after menopause have an increased risk of heart disease. Women using combined or oestrogen-only HRT are at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (commonly DVT) and of pulmonary embolism especially in the first year of use. An oestrogen may be given by mouth or it may be given by subcutaneous or transdermal administration (patch). In women who have a personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, severe varicose veins, obesity, the use of HRT needs to be given careful consideration.

Like all drugs, HRT has side effects yet has helped many women through the 'change' (menopause).

Treatment Of The Menopause By The Use Of Natural Means.

Agnus Castus: Vitex agnus-castus. Clinical studies have shown that these berries work on the pituitary gland and help stabilise hormone fluctuations so helping menopausal symptoms..

Black Cohosh: Cimicifuga racemosa. The primary use of black cohosh extract is for alleviation of menopausal symptoms. It has been widely researched, especially in Europe, for its ability to alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause. While black cohosh is generally considered safe, people with liver disease or a family history of liver disease should consult their physician before taking black cohosh.

Damaiana: Turnerna diffusa. This shrub historically been used as an aphrodisiac and has been claimed to induce euphoria.

Dang Gui: Angelica sinensis. Dang gui acts as a phytoestrogen and has similar, but milder, effects of oestrogen. Dang gui also helps support the cardiovascular system, which can of help to menopausal women suffering hypertension (high blood pressure).

Soy: Soy contains natural plant estrogens called phytoestrogens. These are weaker than human estrogens However, studies show they behave similarly in the human body. In the body, phytoestrogens help balance a woman's estrogen level.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Studies have been done that suggest it may help relieve hot flashes and postmenopausal vaginal dryness and it has been popular for that purpose ever since.

There are other natural remedies said to help women experiencing the menopause.

Sarcoidosis Prognosis - All You Need to Know, and Exciting News

Sarcoidosis prognosis is a complex task since there are so many factors involved. Sarcoidosis is a complex multisystem disease. It is an autoimmune disease which means that the immune system is activated to fight a non-existent enemy and ends up fighting our own body. The important thing to know is that sarcoidosis is not a form of cancer.

Sarcoidosis prognosis-General facts

Sarcoidosis symptoms vary greatly, from mild forms to severe that can leave permanent damage in the body of patient or even cause death. In approximately 60% of the cases, sarcoidosis heals on it's own, sometimes without the patient even being aware of the condition. On the other hand, fatal complications can occur in up to 10% of the patients.

Sarcoidosis prognosis in lung and skin sarcoidosis (most common)

Lung involvement occurs in 90% of the cases. In 60-70% of the cases remission of radiographic findings occur within 2 years. In 10-15% of patients, sarcoidosis progresses rapidly to the next stages. These are the patients that end up developing chronic sarcoidosis. The rest of the patients (15-30%) find their disease slowly progress and being manageable with steroids.

Skin involvement occurs in 20-35% of sarcoidosis patients. It is usually a sign of a more severe form of the disease. Spontaneous healing is very rare and aggressive treatment is usually the course taken by modern medicine is skin involvement is present. Response to treatment with topical, intralesional, or systemic corticosteroids is achieved in fewer than 30% of patients.

Sarcoidosis prognosis in an individual patient

Accurate sarcoidosis prognosis is almost impossible with an individual patient but the symptoms can give some clues as to what is the expected course of the disease.

For example, a sudden onset of general symptoms such as weight loss of feeling poorly is usually taken to mean that the course of sarcoidosis will be relatively short and mild. Dyspnea and possibly skin sarcoidosis often indicate that the sarcoidosis will be more chronic and severe.

Also, sarcoidosis prognosis in white patients is much better then those in black, since milder forms of the disease tend to develop.

Sarcoidosis prognosis is not an easy task but there is some news in the sphere of alternative treatment of the disease that provides those diagnosed with hope. Some alternative treatment methods report certain breakthroughs in the field of research of causes behind the protocol.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors And The Changes You Can Make

Osteoporosis is a health condition in which the bone density in the skeletal system is reduced putting you at increased risk for bone fractures and the subsequent morbidity and mortality associated with fractures.

There are several osteoporosis risk factors that are not modifiable, such as being of the female gender, being a member of the Asian or Caucasian race or even having a small and think body frame, but there are many osteoporosis risk factors that you most certainly can do something about.

Osteoporosis risk factors include things such as having a strong family history of osteoporosis. For example if you have a mother who developed a osteoporotic hip fracture then your risk of developing the same immediately just doubled.

If you have a personal history of having a fracture as an adult then you also have a higher history of developing osteoporosis. This is particularly true if you have experienced a fracture that was not easily explained by the extent of the injuries suffered.

Some of the modifiable osteoporosis risk factors include things such as a diet low in calcium, excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and a lack of exercise.

Other osteoporosis risk factors are ones that may or may not be modifiable but certainly require your healthcare provider's help to best manage. Risk factors such as generally poor health, low estrogen levels, chronic inflammation related to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperthyroidism, as in Grave's disease, all put you at increased risk for the development of osteoporosis.

Also certain medications can cause osteoporosis. Long-term use of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which is used to reduce the inflammatory process in the body, has long been linked to osteoporosis. They long-term use of Dilantin and Phenobarbital, both anti-seizure medications, has also been linked to osteoporosis risk factors.

So while there are some osteoporosis risk factors that you can do something about there are others that you simply have no choice but to live with. But because of the higher morbidity associated with the development of osteoporosis, it is most certainly in your best interest to modify those risk that you can do something about.

Sciatica - A Commonly Known Herniated Or Bulging Disc Symptom and the DRX9000

Sciatica is a painful symptom that may be caused by compressive forces resulting in irritation of the sciatic nerve or any of its nerve roots. It is most commonly associated with stinging, burning or numbing pain that may be experienced in the lower back, buttock, thigh, leg, or foot. Diagnosis of this particular symptom may be achieved through a physical examination or medical history review. If the condition that is causing this nerve-associated symptom is left untreated, it may have a huge impact on everyday activities such as walking, sitting, lifting and other simple movements.

This painful symptom may be caused by several conditions such as piriformis syndrome, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and bulging discs. Although there may be several conditions that lead to similar symptoms, only herniated discs, bulging discs and degenerative disc disease are associated with the intervertebral disc.

Sciatica caused by an intervertebral disc related condition may have a wide range of painful effects. Sciatica caused by compression or irritation may produce stinging or burning lower back pain, which will quickly work its way along the buttocks and leg. In several cases, the shooting pain may lead down to the foot causing numbness. When a person is experiencing sciatica symptoms, it may be difficult for them to live a normal or active lifestyle. Unless the condition is treated, a person may not likely be able to partake in normal daily functions which may also lead to depression and other negative effects.

A physician may recommend a certain treatment option based on age, general health, medical history and degree of the sciatica causing condition. Common treatment options associated with sciatica causing conditions may include bed rest, pain medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, surgery and traction.

A relatively new treatment option to consider for intervertebral disc related conditions that lead to sciatica problems is called non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. A highly recognized device that has been shown to provide back pain relief for symptoms associated with herniated disc, bulging or protruding intervertebral discs and degenerative disc disease is called the DRX9000 True Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System™.

This particular form of therapy is both non-invasive and non-surgical. Through the application of spinal decompressive forces to compressive and degenerative injuries of the spine, the DRX9000™ has given patients relief from painful symptoms and has allowed them to resume a healthy normal life.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from an intervertebral disc condition that is causing painful sciatica symptoms, contact your local DRX9000 physician to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. To view available clinical research data on the DRX9000, please click here [http://axiomworldwide.com/research].

This article is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before considering any medical treatment method available.

Vitamin A Supplementation Increases the Risk of Osteoporosis and Fractures

There is something awfully seductive about the idea that some extra Vitamin A every morning or a dose of ginseng tea twice a day can somehow change your life for the better, particularly for a country full of optimists, an attribute that seems particularly American. This is magical thinking at best, since there is little evidence that vitamins and supplements taken in a pill form are good for our health. In fact, scientific evidence shows that some vitamins are bad for us, increasing risk of cancer and heart disease, hip fracture, and other ailments. Others, taken in high doses, can be toxic. These are findings from well-designed controlled trials with tens of thousands of patients-that have been replicated several times over! In fact, the people in the scientific community are now calling on researchers to stop spending money on vitamin supplement trials because we know these products are either useless or harmful in terms of health.

For instance, Deepak Vivekananthan, Mark Penn, Shelly Sapp, Amy Hsu and Eric Topol from the Cleveland Clinic wrote in 2003 that, "the use of vitamin supplements containing beta carotenes and Vitamin A, beta carotene's biologically active metabolite, should be actively discouraged because this family of agents is associated with a small but significant excess of all cause mortality and cardiovascular death. We recommend that clinical trials of beta carotene should be discontinued because of its risks...we do not support the continued use of Vitamin E treatment and discourage the inclusion of vitamin E in future primary and secondary prevention trials..."

The most important fact to remember about the beneficial effects of vitamins: they are related to the nutritional content of the foods they are found in. The nutritional value and benefits of vitamins in foods is not transferred when vitamins are put into pill form. For example, there are multiple forms of Vitamin C in an orange; vitamins have only one form of Vitamin C. We have no guarantee that the form of Vitamin C in the pill is the helpful form we find in an orange. I understand that for those of you who may be avid vitamin-takers, this information a very hard pill to swallow.

But hear me out: you can get every vitamin you need by eating a variety of whole fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and lean protein.

If you take more than you need in pill form, you may be causing yourself harm. The Danes were puzzled by the fact that they had an increase in osteoporosis in their women. They analyzed a number of factors, and found that excessive intake of vitamins, whether through fortified foods or other sources, was associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis in their county. They found a link with excessive intake of vitamins through American fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals. It seems the American predilection with fortifying everything with vitamins had gone haywire. As a result, they have banned Kellogg's vitamin fortified cereal. A spokesperson for that country on December 8, 2004 was quoted by nutraingredients.com as saying that "the Danish population already has a high intake of calcium, iron, B6 and folic acid...the knowledge on toxicity of vitamins and minerals is very limited and practically nonexistent for children... [vitamin deficiencies exist] only in small groups like immigrants who aren't getting enough vitamin D or pregnant women who need folic acid. We need to take care of all of the groups in our population." Since that time the European Union has placed a limit on the amount of vitamins and minerals that can be added to food.

And it isn't only in Europe. A study of 72,337 nurses followed from 1980 to 1998 showed that women in the top 20% of Vitamin A intake (through diet and vitamin supplements such as multivitamins) had a 48% increase in hip fracture compared to women in the bottom 20% of Vitamin A intake.

I don't want to leave you with the impression that vitamins and supplements are always dangerous, because they are not. Nor do I want to leave you with the impression that vitamin and nutrient supplementation to the food supply is always a bad thing. However if you are a resident of the US or Europe and have access to a variety of foods you don't need added vitamins, minerals, or supplements, and these things are more likely to cause harm than good. However there are residents of Third World countries who may benefit from the addition of vitamins and supplements to their foods. We are continuously discovering more beneficial effects of the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, and it is always better to eat these primary sources of vitamins rather than to take them in pill form.