Bone Health - Bone Up on How to Reduce Bone Loss

Bone Up on How to Reduce Bone Loss
by Jason Mitchell

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become porous, brittle, and less dense as a result of a bone mass loss. Throughout our lives, our body is engaged in a perpetual balancing act that is vital to bone health and strength. Without our knowledge, the body is constantly trying to remove mineralized and brittle bone in need of renewal and replace with newer and stronger bone. This process can be impeded by many factors, such as drinking carbonated beverages, eating highly processed foods, a lack of weight-bearing exercise, as well as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D deficiencies. Then, there are two stages of life that have a major impact on osteoporosis: menopause and aging. Regardless of which of the above-mentioned factors is present, if the body is out of balance, for any reason, the removal of old bone can happen at a faster rate than the replacement of new stronger bone, making bones brittle. And loss of bone means an increased risk of hip and vertebrae fracture; both very real fears of those suffering from osteoporosis.

STATISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS:

A woman's risk of developing osteoporosis is highest during menopause
25-30 percent of Caucasian or Asian women and 20 percent of African-American women develop osteoporosis
6.25 - 7.5 percent of men develop osteoporosis
Female osteoporosis may start as early as 15 years prior to menopause with a rate of bone loss averaging about one percent per year

The statistics can be frightening, however, there are ways to maintain optimal health and reduce your risk. Research shows that increasing your dietary intake of calcium, as well as phosphorous, vitamin D, and magnesium, accompanied by weight-bearing exercise may reduce your risk of osteoporosis. (Always consult your health care provider before starting any exercise program.)

SUPPLEMENTING TO IMPROVE BONE MASS

Unfortunately, with the quality of food consumed in this society falling very short of supplying proper nutritional balance, getting proper nutrients is harder than ever. Vitamin and mineral supplements are becoming increasingly more important and more readily recommended by health care professionals. These supplements can allow you to take an active role in achieving and maintaining optimal health. However, with so many calcium supplements available, it can make choosing the proper one for you difficult. When selecting a calcium and magnesium supplement, it is important that your body receives additional vitamin D and phosphorous, according to a supplementation study conducted at Creighton University. As we increase our intake of calcium, our body's need for phosphorous also increases at a ratio of 500 mg for every 1000 mg of calcium.

Country Life offers a variety of mineral supplements based on sound nutrition. These mineral supplements are called Target Minerals that incorporate research on proper ratios of calcium to magnesium to phosphorus. Country Life'a Target Minerals include a unique delivery system that makes it easier for all of us to absorb. Remember it's not what you take that matters, but rather what you absorb.