The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health, reports that osteoporosis affects 44 million Americans, 68 percent of whom are women. Osteoporosis strikes at any age and commonly is found when a bone is fractured. Osteoporosis is defined as porous bone, meaning the bone becomes weak and brittle. It usually is caused by low calcium and mineral levels in the bone. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are many prescription drugs and herbal remedies to slow or reduce bone loss.
Calcium & Magnesium
Since osteoporosis is caused from low calcium levels in the bone, the first step is to increase the amount of calcium in the body. Most people do not get enough calcium in their diet. Calcium is shown to reduce bone loss by itself. Calcium is found in foods like cheese and milk. Supplementing calcium in a citrate or chelate formula is best, as it is easily absorbed into the body. Take 600mg twice daily for optimal results.
According to James Balch, author of "Prescription for Drug Alternatives," calcium works well by itself in slowing bone loss. However, it works even better when combined with other nutrients like magnesium. Magnesium is involved in hormone production and activates vitamin D, both which influence the metabolism and absorption of calcium in the body. Bone density increases when calcium and magnesium are used together. Take a 250mg pill twice daily.
Vitamin D & K
Two vitamins shown to be key players in bone calcification are vitamin D and K. Vitamin D's role is increasing intestinal absorption of calcium. Vitamin K is required for osteocalcin, a bone-forming protein. Both vitamins are found in foods like fortified milk, dark leafy greens like spinach and kale. For supplements, take 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily with meals and 500mcg of vitamin K.
Potassium
Potassium reduces blood acidity and increases bone metabolism, both essential in reducing bone loss. Potassium restores pH levels in the body. If body pH levels are too acidic, bone fractures can increase. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology in 2006 showed postmenopausal women who took 30mg of potassium citrate daily increased bone density. One 1,200mg potassium citrate pill daily taken with the calcium and magnesium pills should reduce the amount of bone loss.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Osteoporosis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders: Osteoporosis
- "Prescription for Drug Alternatives"; James F. Balch, MD et al; 2008
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
