Causes of osteoporosis

Although the ultimate causes of osteoporosis are not well understood the direct cause is because of the absorption of old bone by osteoclast cells exceeding the deposition of new bone by osteoblast cells. That a lack of progesterone and osteoporosis are connected is supported by the knowledge that estrogen slows down the action of osteoclasts, whereas progesterone stimulates osteoblast activity.

There is an epidemic of osteoporosis in the West where 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men get it. It barely exists in the third world, as diet and exercise play a major role in preventing it.

Most at risk are those who...

There is now evidence of osteoporosis being found in teenagers.

There is growing evidence of dietary causes of osteoporosis. Most Western diets are very high in protein which causes calcium to be lost from the bones (over 2%/year in some people). Such diets are low in magnesium which is needed by an enzyme before calcium can be deposited in the bones. Taking large quantities of calcium without reducing protein intake will not improve bone density. A high level of calcium in the blood has been implicated in gall and kidney stones, calcification of the arteries and brain and arthritic spurs. Without magnesium and vitamin B6 calcium tends to be deposited in the soft tissues.

It is generally, and mistakenly, believed that one of the causes of osteoporosis in women is due to estrogen loss beginning at menopause. However, the process of bone loss often starts in women during their mid thirties when they are still making a great deal of estrogen. In fact some women have lost 25% of their bone density by the time they reach menopause.

Taking estrogen will slow the loss of bone for up to 5 years, thereafter its benefit declines. Once the estrogen is stopped the bones are quickly broken down.

Progesterone, however, because of it's affect on osteoblast cells, is actively involved in the building of bones. But unlike estrogen, if the treatment is stopped the bones remain strong.

Opinions differ as to the amount of progesterone needed for the prevention and control of osteoporosis. Some specialists recommend as much as 800mg/day. It would seem that the lower doses are adequate if the diet is adjusted.

One should eat no more than 40gm of protein/day, preferably only vegetable sources as animal protein (including dairy products) contains high levels of estrogenic steroids used for fattening (they also have a very low level of magnesium compared to calcium).

Avoid all...

Include in the diet Omega 3 essential fatty acid which is involved in the building of bones and connective tissue. It also helps dissolve gall and kidney stones, as do magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements. Take vitamins C and D and zinc and calcium. Weight bearing (resistance) excercise is essential.