Osteoporosis News: Medicine, Minerals and Menopause
A recent report from the Journal of Rheumatology revealed that the
osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates increased the risk of bone
necrosis ( death of bone tissue ) by nearly three times. Osteoporosis
sufferers and those at risk may benefit from learning about natural
treatment options. Out of the 44 million Americans with osteoporosis,
80 percent are women, and the periods of menopause and post-menopause
are when it most frequently becomes an issue.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates
are drugs prescribed for osteoporosis. These are synthetic compounds
that inhibit bone resorption ( the breaking down of bone ) by attaching
to the minerals in bone. Besides bone decay, possible side effects of
bisphosphonates include chest pain, stomach ulcers, heartburn and
severe bone, joint and muscle pain.
Mineral Supplements
On
the nutritional side, a National Institutes of Health fact sheet says
that osteoporosis can result from a chronically low calcium intake, low
vitamin D intake, or poor calcium absorption. Traditionally, calcium is
recommended to be taken with magnesium in a 2 to 1 ratio.
Calcium and Menopause
Adelle
Davis, the pioneering nutritionist and author of “Let’s Get Well” says:
“During the menopause, the lack of ovarian hormones causes severe
calcium deficiency symptoms to occur. At these times, large amounts of
calcium should be obtained. When these precautions are taken…, the
woman at menopause usually loses her irritability, hot flashes, leg
cramps and mental depression.”
Calcium Lactate Gluconate
A
relatively new form of calcium known as calcium lactate gluconate, was
the subject of a study in the journal “Osteoporosis International“
Researchers from China and Australia worked with 50 Chinese women and
concluded: “The calcium supplement in the form of calcium lactate
gluconate was adequately absorbed and was effective in reducing bone
loss at the hip. In addition, bone mineral density at the top of the
thigh bone increased significantly.”
Jobee Knight, a
nutritional researcher and founder of Nutrition Breakthroughs in
California, is someone who fought her own battle against osteoporosis.
She decided to put her background to use and the result was Calcium
Lift, a unique blend of calcium lactate gluconate, magnesium chloride
and Vitamin C.
Cinzia Aversa of Glendale, CA. says: “I have more
energy with Calcium Lift, no doubt. I am in a better mood overall. I
also have some little arthritis pains here and there and these seem
better too. I have gone through heavier physical activity in the last
couple of days which normally would give me a lot of muscle pain and
back problems ( which is my main problem ) and this time it has been
much easier, with little sore feeling.”