By Eileen Renders
After menopause, women become increasingly susceptible to bone loss. However, aging men who become increasingly inactive can also develop bone loss.
Osteopenia is a condition that occurs when the body does not make new bone as quickly as old bone is reabsorbed. Usually, there are no symptoms until this condition progresses to osteoporosis. Causes of this disorder include low calcium intake, smoking, age-related hormonal changes, and some diseases and medications. Women are most at risk.
Osteoporosis – A condition causing bones to become weak and brittle. The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue. With osteoporosis, new bone creation does not keep up with old bone loss. In the early stages of osteoporosis, there are seldom symptoms. As the bones become more weakened, symptoms include a stooped posture, loss of height, back pain, and over time bones break easily.
Medications to treat Osteoporosis; Initially, there were two different drugs prescribed to treat osteoporosis, Prolia and Boniva. Prolia (denosumab) was a prescription drug that was used to treat osteoporosis and bone loss. It came in a liquid solution that was given as an injection under the skin. It was prescribed to adults who were at high risk for bone fractures. In 2022 Prolia was mandated by FDA to provide a boxed warning that it increased the risk of severe hypocalcemia, or very low blood Calcium levels, in patients with advanced kidney disease (CKD). The risk especially high in patients on dialysis. Boniva, the other drug option has Common side effects such as; diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, headache disorder, dyspepsia, flu-like symptoms, upper respiratory infections and pain in extremities.
Natural Remedies: Only with physician’s approval, and mobility to safely follow recommendations. The nih.gov (National Institutes of Health) emphasizes the importance of eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, Do not Smoke, ensure sufficient Calcium and D-3.
As a retired Nutritionist specializing in Herbs, Supplements, and Vitamins, I would add the following;
Exercise at least twice a week for a minimum of 45 minutes, and include weight-bearing exercises for 2 years consistently.
Add Vitamin K-2 with D-3 to ensure Calcium is being deposited where needed (in the bones and not the arteries).
A type of Soy Isoflavone Complex containing (Genistien and Diadzein). Soy Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen or plant estrogen, that mimics estrogen’s effects and modulates estrogen metabolism. Some studies have shown how these Isoflavones may help prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Allergic reactions is rare. However, some people may have symptoms of itching, dizziness, or trouble breathing. The usual dose is 60mg. of Isoflavones daily in a capsule form. ALWAYS, buy supplements made in the U.S.
What To Look For: When purchasing dietary Supplements, NSF/ANSI/173 This compliance ensures that what is in the bottle matches what is described in fact, to be contained in the bottle.
USP This label on the bottle indicates that the product has been inspected and meets specific quality standards by US Pharmacopeia.
It is strongly recommended before taking any Supplements or Herbs to obtain your doctor’s approval. Any information found in a Research article is not meant to be a substitute for your doctor’s recommendations. Certain conditions and or medications could cause a negative reaction.
Eileen Renders is a retired nutrition counselor, health research writer, author, and publisher with more than a dozen published titles on www.Amazon.com She founded the First Wellness Center in Atlantic County in 1995 and was a provider for Cigna and United Healthcare.
