What is Osteoporosis ? Osteoporosis=porous bones This can painlessly progress to bone fractures if not treated! Who is a candidate for Osteoporosis? * those that drink alcohol * those that have a history of gastro-intestinal disorders * those that have a history of kidney stones * those that smoke * those that lack physical exercise * those that have low exposure to sunlight * those that have have used steroids such as cortisone or prednisone * those women who are blond, thin and underweight * those women who are 5-7 years post menopausal (20% bone loss) Where does Osteoporosis occur in the human body? Any bone can be affected with osteoporosis. Most common places that osteoporosis can turn into fractures would be: hip= *usually this type of fracture requires hospitilization and surgery *over 50 years of age 25% will die within the year following hip fracture * also spine and wrist How does Osteoporosis occur in the human body? * During Menopause the acceleration of bone loss and osteopenia leading to osteoporosis occurs because of the drop in estrogen levels. The body begins to breakdown existing bone and the bones become porous. To add insult to injury there is a decrease in Progesterone which is usually building new bone. With the "new bone building mechanism" gone and the body tearing down bone in existince you can see the problem is an accident waiting to happen. How is Osteoporosis diagnosed in the human body? * By X-ray * By Bone Density Tests What is the usual "standard of care" treatment for Osteoporosis? *Fosamax=* a bi-phosphate similar to chemicals used to clean your sink and bathtub. *works by blocking osteoclasts the cells that remove old bone from the body * fosamax causes jaw necrosis because it leaves the old bone in the body to cause necrosis. * Fosamax causes bone density pictures and x-rays to be in a positive light. However this is a false-positive. The bones are actually becoming weaker and weaker. * Fosamax side-effects=nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, muscles cramps, irritibility, pain with swallowing, diarrhea, What diet should I be on to protect my body ?? * Choose low animal protein= high animal protein leads to a negative calcium balance. What amounts of Vitamins and Minerals and Supplements should I take? CALCIUM=1500 mgs a day MAGNESIUM=500 mgs a day VITAMIN K=blend of K-1 and K-2 around 1000 mcg a day VITAMIN D=1200 IU per day STRONTIUM=1000mg of Strontium Citrate NATURAL PROGESTERONE ( DIOSGENIN)=20 mgs a day for 25 days a month What exercise should I do to prevent Osteoporosis? Weight bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, running, lifting weights