Osteoporosis
Pathological Considerations:
Softening, weakening and rarefaction of bones with demineralization and loss of bone mass and deduction of protein matrix components.
Physiological Considerations:
Honeycombed, porous bone structure results from dietary deficiency of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, or from poor absorption, if and when these elements are present in the body.
Repair of bone is altered by:
- Lack of adequate protein intake or by any other nutrient needed for metabolism of protein.
- Too little vitamin C, which is necessary for formation of connective tissue matrix of bone structure.
Calcium is lost daily through normal excretion but any excess is stored in the long bones as a sort of bank account to be drawn upon daily for growth and repair. The body attempts to maintain a constant serum calcium level at all times, but when calcium is in poor supply, the body will rob the long bones of calcium to supply soft tissue needs, and this results in weak and brittle bones. Bone repair and tissue regrowth begins immediately when adequate and total nutrients are supplied to the body. During the menstrual period and throughout pregnancy the need for calcium is greater, and sex hormone levels at all ages, especially as age takes its toll, must be considered, and the entire endocrine system supported. People with osteoporosis actually absorb and utilize calcium more rapidly than normal individuals. When the diet is natural and adequate with sufficient calcium, magnesium, vitamins D, C, and protein, symptoms gradually disappear with a resulting loss of pain and fewer or no new fractures.
Note: You may want to see your doctor for a Parathyroid test. Avoid the following foods: Coffee, Black Tea, Alcohol and Acid Foods.
