LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

calcium

HOW MUCH VITAMIN D IS CONSIDERED TO BE ADEQUATE? – (05-23-05)

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Vitamin D and calcium deficits predispose for multiple chronic diseases

I continue to rant on about how much research there is supporting Vit D and how much we’ve become deathly afraid of the sun.  Estimates range that as high as a whopping 75% of the population are Vit D deficient.  Given that it has been shown to protect against colon, prostate and breast cancer, atherosclerosis, certain forms of depression (specifically seasonal affective disorder), increase insulin sensitivity, strengthen bones, and probably many other things I can recall now, this is a major concern.  Even more of a concern is how much Vit D we consider “adequate.”  Normal sunlight exposure produces about 10,000 IU per day.

There is a wonderful review (Read More full text also available) that debunks the “upper safety threshold” of 2,000 IU–suggesting that daily intakes up around 4,000 IU are probably what should be recommended.  Contrast that with the current recommendations of a paltry 400 IU–almost 10 times below!!

Read entire article here

DO YOU KNOW THAT INFLAMMATION IS A MAJOR PLAYER IN BONE HEALTH? – (01-26-08)

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Inflammatory Markers and Incident Fracture Risk in Older Men and Women

As mentioned above, the approach to increasing bone mass needs to extend far beyond what is the current “standard of care.” Despite calcium supplementation showing little benefit in clinical trials for osteoporosis (note that calcium from diet is important, but that additional supplementation to a healthy diet full of calcium will not show much of a benefit) that is all that is ever recommended by mainstream medicine.

The bottom line is that inflammation is a major player in bone health. Higher levels of inflammation means more calcium is released into the bloodstream from the osteoclasts. So, any patient diagnosed with osteoporosis is likely demonstrating higher levels of inflammation, which will also increase the risk for any number of other chronic diseases. NOT addressing this aspect of osteoporosis can sentence the patient to an early death from some other cause.

Read entire article here

SOY BENEFITS HELPS TO INCREASE BONE DENSITY – (01-26-08)

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Effects of Phytoestrogen Genistein on Bone Metabolism in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Women

It still surprises me to hear such a strong anti-soy sentiment out there. Clearly, heavy, repeated exposure to any food antigen can lead to sensitivity, but the consistent research supporting the benefits of soy constituents makes any argument against soy sound weak.

This study finds the genistein compound from soy helping to increase bone density. However, as with any natural approach, improving bone density is multifactorial. Strong vit D status, calcium, a alkaline diet, exercise, whole body vibration. All these add up to increasing bone density. Sadly, many patients coming through my office are put on anti-resorptive therapy like Fosamax, but the lifestyle recommends rarely exceed “take Tums…”

Read entire article here

BONE HEALTH AND HEART DISEASES

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Bone health & the heart. I know most people think of taking extra calcium for the bones, but the problem is much more complex as this study illustrates, finding 2X the risk of heart disease in those w/ low bone density. Calcium is actually a weak player. Exercise, Vit D, anti-inflammatory diet, no bad fats, strong intake of health fats. The bottom line is that we view dz as separate entities-they are NOT. If you’re at risk for one, you’re at risk for them ALL!!

LOW BONE DENSITY? THIS MAY BE WHY..

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This is not the first time I’ve addressed bone health and I’m pretty certain it won’t be the last.  I’m just not sure why my message hasn’t yet changed public policy as it relates to bone health..  Here’s a little secret.

Bone health has virtually nothing to do with calcium.  Sure, calcium is a component of bone, but so is silica, molybdenum and phosphorus (among many others).  More importantly is the signals that our body sends to add or destroy bone.  Our understand has moved from bone merely being an inactive calcium depot to bone being a very active and important player in our risk for diabetes and body composition.

So the recommendations for bone health are not isolated to a single nutrient or single change such as weight bearing exercise.  Bone is merely reflective of our overall health.  Better health = better bones.

This is exemplified by this particular study.  Researchers looked at dietary patterns and how they related to bone health.  A clear pattern existed with those with the worst dietary patterns (high consumption of refined cereals, soft drinks, fried potatoes, sausages and processed meat, vegetable oils, beer, and takeaway foods and low consumption of other vegetables, vegetable dishes, tea, coffee, fruit, wholegrain breads, and breakfast cereals) clearly had lower bone density than those with the better habits (high consumption of legumes, seafood, seeds, nuts, wine, rice and rice dishes, other vegetables, and vegetable dishes and low consumption of bacon and ham).

Pretty basic and clear cut.  Think on this scary thought.  How many teens are sitting on their collective duffs not exercising (bad for bone) eating the poor dietary pattern noted above.  This is an absolute recipe for disastrous bone health very early on.

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