Insights Into Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not bone loss. Rather it is the catabolic disintegration of the collagen matrix that holds bone together. Tens of thousands of post menopausal women take calcium supplements to “prevent” or “reverse” the onset of osteoporosis. Yet osteoporosis has almost nothing to do with a calcium deficiency and most of this supplemental calcium ends up being flushed down the toilet! Ironically, studies have shown that osteoporotic patients taking calcium actually reduced bone osteoblasts (bone formation).

Osteomalacia is a condition in which there is a calcium deficiency yet no loss to bone integrity. In truth, osteoporosis is far more complex than a deficiency of any one mineral. The true metabolic imbalance associated with osteoporosis is catabolism, the simplex of patterns revealing cellular disintegration and breakdown.

Anabolic/Catabolic

When catabolic activity predominates, there are cascades of hormonal, nutrient and mineral imbalances that follow. Catabolic activity involves the aerobic formation of volatile free radicals, which “steal electrons” from lipids inside of cell membranes. This results in excessive fatty acid activity in the tissues, lipid peroxides and a dangerous set of circumstances, of which osteoporosis is but one. Osteoporosis is a symptom of greater underlying stresses! It is the “tip of the iceberg.”

Of great importance for people with osteoporosis is to improve the assimilation of several critical trace minerals and electrolytes so that cells can retain an adequate electrical charge. For example, magnesium deficiency is a primary factor associated with osteoporosis. If magnesium is deficient in the diet, or if a person has an inability to assimilate magnesium, osteoporosis is one likelihood.

Excess catabolism is very destructive to the body. When catabolism predominates, and the opposing forces (anabolism) have a weakened defense against catabolism, the cells cannot perform their critical functions, and the organism undergoes dis-integration. Mineral transport is augmented and there are deficiencies of certain minerals and excesses of others.

Of greater importance than calcium for those with osteoporosis are magnesium, boron, phosphorous, silica, manganese, copper, selenium and iodine. Since many people with catabolic osteoporosis also tend to have digestive inadequacies (another catabolic symptom) and low levels of stomach acid, many of these minerals are not adequately absorbed into the cells!

That’s right, your mineral salt supplement may never make it to your cells where they are needed. This is why improving the basic functions of the body are of primary concern. These include:

• Hydration
• Digestion/Assimilation
• Elimination
• Rest

Cholesterol As An Antioxidant & Free Radical Scavenger

Last week I wrote an important article on the importance of cholesterol as one of the body’s primary antioxidants.  A person whose body has high cholesterol may be doing exactly what it needs.

Can this pose a problem? Of course. High levels of cholesterol can prevent efficient use of oxygen and can contribute to excessive anaerobic metabolism. But cholesterol is the response to inflammation, not the cause of inflammation. For people with osteoporosis, adequate cholesterol is essential to prevent excessive  free radical activity.

Get Things Moving In the Right Direction

Health is a multi-faceted practice. Many people approach health and learn about health only after their symptoms or illness manifests. Health should be less about eliminating illness and more about improving the normal biological functions of the body. Otherwise you may end up chasing your symptoms like a dog chasing its own tail.

Your body’s nutritional requirements are highly individual. That is why “one size fits all” types of diets will never work. The same is true for osteoporosis. Recognize your body’s nutritional needs are highly individual. Eating in accordance with your Metabolic Type is a fabulous start. And so is identifying where malfunction exists inside of the body and what to do about it.