May 2009 “Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing one to an increased risk of fracture. 44 million or 55% of those greater than 55 years of age are at an increased risk. 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis. 34 million Americans have low bone mass.” — National Institutes of Health Further, of those with osteoporosis: 80% women, 20% men, and 4 out of 10 women over the age of 50 will experience a fracture in their lifetime. Did you know that in a healthy state, the bones are completely replaced every 8-10 years! According to a recent article by the Functional Medicine Institute. “The development of osteoporosis is strongly influenced by a dynamic process called bone remodeling that is essential to bone’s structural integrity. Bones are constantly being broken down and build up to form a mesh-like, micro-architecture known as bone matrix into which minerals are incorporated, giving bone its density and strength.”
The process is ongoing throughout life and is designed to remove weak bone and build strong bone to ensure structural integrity. Until the age of 35 bone formation is greater than bone resorption and the end result is maximum bone density by this age or what is called peak bone mass. At around the age of 35 or so the resorption or breakdown of bone slowly outpaces bone remodeling efforts and there is a slow loss of bone density. In healthy situations this does not present a problem but if ill health and other lifestyle factors come together to increase the rate of bone loss over the years there can be a problematic loss of bone density. Remodeling is influenced by genetics, aging, diet, medications, and lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, exercise, etc.) as well as by the function of other body systems and health status (inflammatory disorders, insulin-related diseases, excess body fat, parathyroid dysfunction and hormonal imbalances). Many daily lifestyle choices you make now and in the future influence your developing bone status. We have all heard for years how important calcium and magnesium as well as vitamin D is for optimal bone integrity. Other minerals are also important such as boron, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorous, silica, strontium, sulfur, and zinc. Bones are made up of protein, minerals and collagen and are the main storage site for minerals in the body. This is why pH and related acidity and alkalinity are so important. Our bodies work best in a slightly alkaline environment. If our fluids and tissues become more acidic which can occur with certain dietary habits, the body will try to buffer the acidity by pulling calcium and other minerals from bone to help alkalinize the system. This will lead to a loss of minerals from bone and if it persists long enough can cause loss of bone density and eventual osteoporosis. Diets high in sugar, starches, animal protein and processed foods (the standard American diet or SAD diet) as well as carbonated drinks create an acidic state. Diets high in vegetables, fruits and low in sugar, starches and processed foods combined with a healthy amount of lean protein (as in a modified Mediterranean diet) along with good quality water as your main liquid throughout the day (about half your body weight in ounces) will favor an alkaline diet. |
