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DESCRIPTION
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Osteoporosis - A Description & Overview
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the bones gradually weaken, resulting in poor posture and brittle bones that are prone to fracture (breaks). Any bone in the body can be affected by osteoporosis, but fractures of the wrist, spine and hip are most common. Spine and hip fractures are of great concern because they often result in serious consequences, including major surgery, deformity, diminished height, permanent disability and death. Osteoporosis affects approximately 15-20 million people in the United States today. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men due to the physiological, nutritional and hormonal differences between males and females. The condition affects 25 percent of post-menopausal women. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age, as peak bone mass is achieved at or near the age of 30 to 35 years.
Bone is constantly restoring itself. Cells called osteoblasts are responsible for making bone, and other cells, called osteoclasts, are needed to remove old bone as its minerals are absorbed for use elsewhere in the body. If the osteoclasts break down the bone more quickly that it is replaced, then bone tends to become less dense and is therefore likely to break more easily.
Bone is strongest when a person is around age 30, and thereafter begins to decline. In women, this decline begins to accelerate at menopause. If you have not accumulated sufficient bone mass during those formative times in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, or if you lose it too quickly in later years, you are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Osteoporosis usually progresses without symptoms until the vertebrae become so compressed that a severe backache or fracture occurs. A drastic loss of height is another sign of the disease. Osteoporosis is best diagnosed with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), a technique that scans the body to measure bone density.
Early Symptoms:
- Backache.
- No symptoms (often).
Late Symptoms:
- Sudden back pain with a cracking sound indicating fracture.
- Deformed spinal column with a dowager's hump (severely rounded upper back).
- Loss of height.
- Fractures occurring with minor injury, especially of the hip or arm.
CAUSES
Many people think osteoporosis is caused by an insufficient amounts of calcium in the diet, but this is only half true. Although the amount of calcium consumed is important, the real issues related to osteoporosis are the way calcium is absorbed by the body and the type of calcium consumed.
There are three types of osteoporosis, each with its own distinct cause:Type I is believed to be caused by hormonal changes, particularly the loss of estrogen that occurs during menopause, which robs the bones of essential minerals. The loss of estrogen causes a loss of minerals from the bones to accelerate.
Type II is linked to dietary deficiencies, with a focus on insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which is necessary for absorption of calcium.
Type III occurs in men and women at any age and is caused by and is a result of drug treatment for other conditions, illnesses or diseases unrelated to osteoporosis.
FACTORS INFLUENCING OSTEOPOROSIS
Factors that contribute to the loss of bony structure and strength include:
- Prolonged lack of adequate calcium and protein in the diet.
- Low estrogen levels after menopause.
- Decreased activity with increased age.
- Smoking (possibly).
- Use of steroid (cortisone/corticosteroids) drugs.
- Prolonged disease, including alcoholism.
- Vitamin deficiency (especially of vitamin C).
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Cancer.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Age.
Although most people believe osteoporosis is a condition women need to address only after menopause, research shows that the disorder can begin in early adulthood and is not strictly a postmenopausal problem. Although bone loss accelerates and comes into full strength in later years after menopause as a result of dropping estrogen levels, it begins much earlier.
BODY BUILD
A number of factors are known to influence an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis. The first, and probably the most important, is the peak bone mass achieved in adulthood; the larger and denser the bones are to begin with, the less debilitating bone loss is likely to be. Small women with delicate or fine-boned frames have more reason for concern than women with larger, heavier, and denser bone structures.
ANCESTRY
Race and ethnicity also appear to play a role. Women of northern European and Asian decent are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, while women of African descent are less likely to be affected.
LIFESTYLE & NUTRITION
Lifestyle and dietary habits are important as well. The factors that can adversely affect bone health include poor diet, insufficient exercise, smoking, late puberty, early menopause, hyperthyroidism, family history of bone disease, chronic liver or kidney disease and long-term use of corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications or anti-coagulants. Insufficient calcium intake is only one factor, but equally important are other dietary practices that affect calcium metabolism.
Caffeine, alcohol, and many other drugs appear to have a detrimental effect on calcium absorption. Bone density also depends on exercise. When the body gets exercise (such as walking), it responds by depositing more mineral in the bones, especially the bones of the legs, hips, and spine. Conversely, a lack of regular exercise accelerates the loss of bone mass. Other factors that make one more likely to develop osteoporosis include smoking, late puberty, early menopause (natural or artificially induced), a family history of the disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic liver or kidney disease, and the long-term use of corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications, or anti-coagulants.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Surgery to remove the ovaries. Radiation treatment for ovarian cancer. Poor nutrition, especially inadequate calcium and protein. Body type. Thin women with small frame are more easily susceptible. Family history of osteoporosis. Smoking. Heavy drinking of alcohol. Long-term use of cortisone drugs. Use of thyroid medications. Age and menopause.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Hormone replacement therapy starting at menopause. Be aware of potential risks associated with hormone therapy.
Ensure an adequate calcium intake up to 1500 mg a day with milk and milk products or calcium supplements. Menopausal women do best when eating 1500 mg or more of calcium daily. If you are taking a calcium supplement, be sure to include magnesium to help with calcium absorption. For 1500 mg of calcium, you should have 750 mg of magnesium.
Regular exercise, such as brisk walking (which is weight-bearing), which is better for preventing osteoporosis than swimming (non weight-bearing).
Seek nutritional and/or medical advice about taking estrogen, calcium and fluoride after menopause begins or the ovaries have been removed.
Avoid risk factors where possible.
Eat plenty of foods high in calcium and vitamin D, including broccoli, chestnuts, clams, dark green vegetables, flounder, salmon, sardines, shrimp and soybeans. Eat whole grain and calcium-rich foods at different times of the day to prevent grains from binding to calcium, impeding its absorption in the body. Take calcium supplements at bedtime, when it is best absorbed by the body and can aid sleep. Eat sulfur-rich foods, like garlic and onions, to make bones healthy. Avoid soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, smoking, yeast products, sugar and salt. Limit citrus fruits and tomatoes because they inhibit calcium intake.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Diet, calcium and fluoride supplements, vitamin D, exercise and estrogen can halt and may reverse bone deterioration. Fractures will heal with standard treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Falls that cause bone fractures, especially of the hip or spine. Sometimes a bone will break or collapse without injury or fall.
Severe, disabling pain.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
OSTEOPOROSIS DIAGNOSIS
A diagnosis of osteoporosis is reached by measuring bone density. The standard of measurement for that diagnosis has been determined by the World Health Organization and was obtained by measuring the bone mass of people who have not had fractures related to low bone mass. The standard measurement is therefore the bone density of a 30-year old premenopausal woman. The bone density measurement is referred to as a T-score or a DS (standard deviation) score. T-scores of less than 1 standard deviation (SD) indicate a low risk of fracture, T-scores of 1 to 2 are considered to indicate osteopenia, T-scores of more than 2.5 standard deviation from the norm confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis. But the T-score alone is not the only determinant of fracture risk. Heavy women are less likely to fracture a bone in a fall than thin women; women taking medications that may cause disturbances in balance are more likely to fall and suffer a fracture. So two women with the same T-score may have a different fracture risk.
Many women, then, can be diagnosed with osteoporosis yet suffer few, if any, ill effects from the condition. The T-score is based on a comparison with the bone of a 30-year old, so the standard is set very high. Moreover, it is possible to have osteoporosis in one area of the skeleton and not in another. The spine and hips are the areas that cause most concern because hip fractures in older adults take a long time to heal and osteoporosis in the spine may lead to loss of height and curvature of the spine. With the techniques now being used to diagnose this condition early, so that treatment can begin before fractures occur, many people will probably discover the beginnings of osteoporosis before it is diagnosed due to a fracture. Osteoporosis is not a curable condition, as yet, but there are various methods that may slow down the process of bone loss.
In the United States alone, 25 million people - 80 percent of them women - are affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can appear at any age. It is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including 300,000 hip fractures, approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and more than 300,000 fractures at other sites. Hospitals and nursing homes in the United States spend an estimated $14 billion each year in direct costs for osteoporosis and related fractures. As baby-boomers age and are now reaching retirement age, these figures are expected to increase with the growing older population.
MEDICAL TREATMENT & PREVENTION
Medical tests include bone x-rays and bone density studies.
Bone disintegration with pain in the hips, lower back, or legs and vertebral fractures (usually affecting people over 50 years old, is common. The best way to monitor bone loss is with a bone mineral density test. X-rays do not detect bone loss until 25 percent of more of bone mass has been lost.
Treatment goals are directed to relieving pain and preventing any fractures and sometimes, rebuilding bone.
Avoid all circumstances which may lead to injury. Stay off icy streets and wet or waxed floors. Hold banisters when using stairs, and make sure banisters are sturdy. If you need extra stabilization when walking, use a sturdy cane with a rubber tip to help you to keep from falling.
If estrogen (ERT) is prescribed, get regular medical pelvic exams and Pap smears. Note and be aware of serious potential side effects of medication. It is usually not recommended by holistic practitioners due to the high risk of cancer associated with ERT. Examine your breasts for lumps once a month. Report any vaginal bleeding or discharge or any other unexplained symptoms.
Use heat or ice in any form to ease pain.
Sleep on a firm mattress.
Use a back brace, if prescribed.
Use correct posture when lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back.
Avoid mind altering medication, such as sedatives or tranquilizers, which may cause falls and fractures.
If you wear bifocal or trifocal glasses or glasses with thick lenses that can alter your depth perception, or any other vision impairment, be extra careful when using stairs, cracks in the sidewalks, or stepping off of curbs when you are walking. A miss-step could result in a serious fall.
Make your home as safe as possible. Remove any rugs or carpets that do not have a rubber backing for grip control. Throw out worn rugs or mats. A rug, mat, or bath towel on the floor that slides can be a accident waiting to happen. If you must reach for something on a shelf, use a hand-held extended "gripper" or a stool or ladder that has rubber grips on the bottom. Do not use chairs or other furniture items that could slide on you. Keep your outside stairs and walkways free of ice and snow in the winter. Wear shoes that have gripping soles when it is wet or icy outside. Be careful with wet floors and pets that may get underfoot. At night, turn on a light when you are walking through a room so you can see if there are any items on the floor you can trip over. Do not have extension cords, telephone cords, or other non-secured items crossing a walking path. Keep the floor picked up of clothing or other items that can be a trip or slip hazard. If you need extra help getting in and out of a tub, attach hand rails where they can be easily used. Accidents in the home are common with older people. Eliminate as many hazards and take as many precautions as you can to safeguard yourself from falling. A broken hip or leg can be very dangerous and painful and make take several weeks or months to recover from. If you have a fall-risk, consider obtaining a emergency-contact response system that you can wear on your wrist or around your neck. In the event of a fall, EMTs will be contacted and will be able to assist you.
Additional information available from: The National Osteoporosis Foundation
1150 17th Street, Suite 500 N.W.
Washington DC 20036
(800) 223-9994
Website: www.nof.org
MEDICATION
For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
Calcium, vitamin D supplements, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or fluoride may be prescribed.
The use of sodium fluoride, which was once thought to be helpful in building bone, has been shown to be ineffective in the treatment of osteoporosis. While sodium fluoride does increase bone mass in the vertebral column, the bone itself is of inferior quality. Women participating in a study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, were three times as likely to suffer from a fracture of the arm, leg, or hip if they took sodium fluoride than if they took a placebo. Some of the participants also suffered from unusual lower leg pain, perhaps due to stress fractures.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and human growth hormone (HGH) are two hormones whose production progressively declines with age. Research suggests that supplements with either of these hormones may help increase bone strength and treat osteoporosis.
A number of different prescription medications that can slow bone loss or increase bone growth may be prescribed for people with osteoporosis:
- Alendronate (Fosamax) is a type of drug known as a bisphosphate. In inhibits the resorption of bone. It is now being tested for use in men with osteoporosis.
- The prescription drug calcitonin (sold under the brand names of Calimar, Cibacalcin, and Miacalcin) is sometimes prescribed for people with osteoporosis. It is said to have no side effects even with long term use. Studies show that calcitonin prevents further loss of bone mass in 70 percent of the people who take it. It should not be taken by anyone with a history of kidney stones.
- Raloxifene (Evista) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) - a drug that acts like estrogen in some respects but is not estrogen.
- Teriparatide works by increasing the action of osteoblasts, the body's bone-building cells. This causes bones to become denser and more resistant to fractures.
All of these drugs have potential side effects. They are not suitable for everyone. If bone mass is still decreasing after 2 years on the same medication, health care providers usually prescribe another drug.
For corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis - that is, osteoporosis that develops as a result of taking corticosteroids for a major illness such as arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, or cancer - treatment with biphosphonates appears to prevent bone loss.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
While calcium supplementation is important in dealing with osteoporosis, there are other considerations as well. The correct balance of magnesium, boron, potassium, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, E, and K, all play vital roles in battling osteoporosis, as does protein. There is some debate on the subject of osteoporosis and dietary protein. Some research has indicated that consuming large quantities of protein may cause an acid imbalance in the body, which the body attempts to counteract by releasing minerals from the bone - including calcium. A contrary point of view holds that protein consumption increases the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which is responsible for maintaining muscle and bone strength.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:
- Boron improves calcium absorption.
- Calcium is necessary for maintaining strong bones.
- Silicon enhances calcium utilization and strengthens bones.
- Soy Isoflavones works like estrogen in the body.
- Magnesium assists calcium uptake.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin are needed for bone development.
- Vitamin D assists the absorption of calcium.
- Vitamin K is essential for the production of bone protein.
HERBS
Feverfew is good for pain relief and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Caution: Do not use feverfew during pregnancy.
Alfalfa, Barley Grass, Black Cohosh, Boneset, Dandelion Root, Nettle, Parsley, Poke Root, Rosehips, and Yucca help to build strong bones. Caution: Do not use boneset on a daily basis for more than one week, as long term use can lead to toxicity.
Horsetail and Oat Straw contain silica, which helps the body to absorb calcium.
Calcium-rich herbs include Nettle, Sage, Chickweed, Red Clover, Comfrey Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, and Oatstraw. A tasty infusion of any one or a combination of these herbs every day should be taken. Count a large cup of infusion as 250-300 mg calcium. Add a pinch of Horsetail to the brew and increase calcium by 10 percent.
If you are pregnant, a combination of Nettle, Red Raspberry Leaf and Alfalfa is a good woman's "tonic" to take throughout pregnancy. This not only good for calcium, but adds iron and several minerals and vitamins to the pregnancy diet. If you add a little Peppermint Leaf with this brew, it adds a nice flavor and the Peppermint aids in digestion and morning sickness prevention.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Cooked greens provide abundant, highly suable calcium. One cup / 250 ml of cooked broccoli, kale, turnip greens, or mustard greens contains about 200 mg of calcium. One cup / 250 ml of cooked collard greens, wild onions, lamb's quarter, or amaranth greens, about 400 mg calcium.
Take at least a tablespoon / 15 ml of "Old Sour Puss Mineral Mix (from Susun Weed's "Wise Woman Ways Menopausal Years") daily; it supplies 200-300 mg calcium. If you add a tablespoon / 15 ml of blackstrap molasses, the calcium leaps to 350-400 mg.
Eat plenty of foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of easily assimilable calcium include broccoli, chestnuts, clams, dandelion greens, most dark green leafy vegetable (see above), flounder, hazelnuts, kelp, kale, molasses, oats, oysters, salmon, sardines (with the bones), sea vegetables, sesame seeds, shrimp, soybeans, tahini (sesame butter), tofu, turnip greens, and wheat germ.
Consume whole grains and calcium foods at different times. Whole grains contain a substance that binds with calcium and prevents its uptake. Take calcium at bedtime when it is best absorbed and also aids in sleeping.
Include garlic and onions in the diet, as well as eggs (if your cholesterol level is not too high). These foods contain sulfur, which is needed for healthy bones.
If you are a menopausal or post-menopausal woman with osteoporosis, include plenty of soy products in your diet. Soy is rich in phytoestrogens, which may, to some extent, substitute for your body's own estrogen if it is manufacturing too little. The latter effect is very important for osteoporosis. Estrogen depletion is strongly associated with osteoporosis.
Limit your intake of almonds, asparagus, beet greens, cashews, chard, rhubarb, and spinach. These foods are high in oxalic acid, which inhibits calcium absorption.
Avoid phosphate-containing drinks and foods such as soft drinks, high-protein animal foods, and alcohol. Avoid smoking, sugar, and salt. Limit your consumption of citrus fruits and tomatoes; these foods may inhibit calcium intake.
Dried fruit is a fairly good place to look for calcium. There's 65 mg in 3 small figs, a handful of raisins, 4 dates or 8 prunes.
Corn tortillas are an excellent source of calcium since they are made with lime, which is a form of calcium. Two tortillas supply 120 mg. of calcium.
Walking a mile a day will help to prevent chemical buildup of by-products resulting from increased hormonal activity of pregnancy. If these are allowed to build up in the body, morning sickness can occur.
Avoid yeast products. Yeast is high in phosphorus, which competes with calcium for absorption by the body.
If you are over 55 years of age, include a calcium lactate (if you are not allergic to milk) or calcium phosphate supplement in your daily regimen, and take hydrochloric acid (HCl) supplements. In order for calcium to be absorbed, there must be adequate supply of vitamin D as well as sufficient HCl in the stomach. Older people often lack sufficient stomach acid.
If you are taking thyroid hormone or an anti-coagulant drug, increase the amount of calcium you take by 25 to 50 percent.
Vitamin K, found in dark green vegetables like cooked greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, and some lettuce, retards bone loss.
If you take a diuretic, consult your health care provider or nutritionist before beginning calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Thiazide-type diuretics increase blood calcium levels, and complications may result if these drugs are taken in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Other types of diuretics increase calcium requirements, however.
Keep active, and exercise regularly. A lack of exercise can result in the loss of calcium, but this can be reversed with sensible exercise. Walking is probably the best exercise for maintaining bone mass.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Manganese may help prevent osteoporosis. A report from a biologist in California found that rats on a low-manganese diet developed porous bones.
Both men and women slowly lose bone as they age. A woman may lose 30 to 50 percent of her cortical bone thickness over a lifetime.
For people who find it difficult to swallow pills, osteo-supplements in a calcium-magnesium and trace mineral formula are available in liquid form. See Nutrients below.
A nutrition study conducted by The Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that women who are vegetarians experience significantly less bone loss than women who consume meat.
Bone disintegration with pain in the hips, lower back, or legs and vertebral fractures (usually affecting people over 50 years old) is common.
Senior citizens who take tranquilizers suffered 70 percent more hip fractures than other people their age. The information didn't state whether the tranquilizers made the seniors more prone to accidents due to the tranquilizer effects on balance and perception or whether the tranquilizers themselves had some influence on the bone itself.
Caffeine has been linked to calcium loss. It was shown that when adults were given 300 mg of caffeine, more than normal amounts of calcium being excreted in the urine. Avoid caffeine drinks (coffee, tea, sodas). If you would like something hot to drink, consider drinking herbal teas or coffee substitutes such as Postum, made from chicory root with a coffee like flavor. Barley tea also tastes similar to coffee without the bitterness (I get mine from a local Japanese restaurant, it can be found in some specialty stores or Asian markets). Herbal teas not only do not contain caffeine, but they often will contain needed nutrients to your diet.
Carbonated soft drinks contain high amounts of phosphates. These cause the body to eliminate calcium as the phosphates themselves are excreted, even if calcium must be taken from the bones to do this.
A study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that women who are vegetarians experience significantly less bone loss than women who consume meat. Soy, beans, peas, and lentils supply proteins, and green vegetables are all very rich in calcium, as well as containing abundant amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
Klinefelter's syndrome, which results in low testosterone levels in men, also leads to osteoporosis.
One study purports to have identified a link between osteoporosis and high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Homocysteine is involved in methionine metabolism, and is normally recycled into methionine or converted into cysteine in the body. High levels result in possible increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
A balloon kyphoplasty, in which a balloon is inserted into a spinal fracture, inflated, and injected with a bone cement, can provide support and pain relief for people with some spinal fractures.
Research conducted by the World Health Organization concluded that people who were given a protein supplement recovered more quickly from hip fractures than those who were not. In addition, they found that people who took protein supplements were less likely to suffer a hip fracture in the first place.
A study reported in the March 2000 issue of The Journal of Family Practice found that taking vitamin C can help to prevent nerve pain after a fracture.
Tests for bone loss are very easy and non-invasive. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is probably the most reliable method of determining osteoporosis. Exposure to radiation from this test is less than in other methods used to detect this condition. Another type of test, the collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) test is particularly useful for women in that it shows how fast you are losing bone mass. It is performed on a urine ample.
FOR FURTHER EDUCATION
- By Susun S. Weed
- By Susun S. Weed
- By Susun S. Weed, Janice Novet
- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch
ACTIVITY
Stay active, but avoid the risk of falls. Exercise is important, especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or running to maintain bone strength. Take extra care when the ground is wet or icy.
DIET
Eat a well balanced diet high in protein, calcium and vitamin D or a reducing diet if you are overweight.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
The dosages given below are for adults.
OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information, products and supplements for osteoporosis, a progressive disease in which the bones gradually weaken, resulting in poor posture and brittle bones that are prone to fracture (breaks).
Arth-X Platinum - Natural Arthritis Supplement for Bone and Joint Pain and Stiffness, 90 tabs, Trace Minerals
Arth-X Platinum is the most complete and effective dietary supplement and may be a good Natural Arthritis Treatment for you to support and aid in the relief of bone and joint pain and stiffness.Healthy Mom, High Potent Omega-3's for Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation, 90 Softgels
Fresh Catch® Healthy Mom is a pure and pristine source of molecularly distilled, pharmaceutical grade fish oil formulated with the ideal dose and ratio of DHA and EPA to address the health and nutrition priorities of pregnant and lactating women.Healthy Adult from Barlean's Organic Oils, Omega-3 Concentrate, 60 Softgels
Fresh Catch® Healthy Adult formula is one of Barlean's Organic Oils, a pure and pristine source of molecularly distilled fish oil formulated with the ideal dose and ratio of highly concentrated EPA and DHA omega-3 for the vibrant health and energy of healthy adults.Barlean's Organic Oils, Premium Potency DHA Omega-3, 90 Softgels
Barlean's Organic Oils provides Fresh Catch® Super Potency DHA, a pure and pristine source of molecularly distilled, fish oil providing highly concentrated DHA omega-3 to support memory, cognition and emotional well-being for your vibrant health and energy.Barlean's Organic Oil Fresh Catch Fish Oil EPA - DHA Concentrate, 60 Softgels
Fresh Catch Barlean's Organic Oil Super High Potency EPA - DHA is a pure and pristine source of fish oil providing highly concentrated EPA Omega-3 to support cardiovascular, joint, immune and colon health for your vibrant health and energy.Barlean's Organic Oil, Super High Potency Omega-3 EPA, 60 Softgels
Fresh Catch Barlean's Organic Oil Super High Potency EPA is a pure and pristine source of fish oil providing highly concentrated EPA Omega-3 to support cardiovascular, joint, immune and colon health for your vibrant health and energy.Barlean's Fishery's Oil, Fresh Catch Cod Liver Oil, 8 fl. oz.
Barlean's Fishery brings you Fresh Catch Cod Liver Oil, a pure and pristine source of molecularly distilled cod liver oil ideal for those who seek a naturally occurring, well-balanced ratio of EPA, DHA and vitamins A & D.Fresh Catch Fish Oil, Barlean's Oil - EPA - DHA - World's Freshest Fish Oil, 8 Fl Oz.
Fresh Catch Fish Oil is a pristine source of ultra-purified fish oil capsule providing naturally occurring levels of EPA and DHA for your vibrant health and energy.Barlean's Fish Oil Capsule - Omega - 3 EPA / DHA, 250 Softgels
Barlean's Fish Oil Capsule's signature formula is ideal for people who are seeking the absolute highest quality fish oil at the best value.Nature's Way Silica Supplement Gel, 17 fl. oz., 500 ml.
Original Silica Supplement gel is a colloidal preparation of natural silica, a good source of elemental silicon, in which microscopic particles of silica are so finely dispersed in water that a gel is formed.Pelvic Block, Adult, 1 Pair
A common positioning tool for a variety of treatment techniques. Features Scoot-Gard to prevent slipping.Menopause Support Formula, Estro Genesis, Includes 2 Free CD's, 60 Tabs
Estro Genesis is the first complete menopause support formula that also supports total women's health.Nature's Way Barley Bran - STD 60% Beta Glucan Nature's Way, 60 Vcaps.
Nature's Way's Barley Bran, has one of the highest Barley Beta Glucan contents commercially available which makes it the supplement of choice for anyone looking to pump up their cardiovascular health.Foam Roll, 13 5/8" x 3 3/4"
Use this roll for a wide variety of comfort and support applications.Overhead Traction System
This water-filled weight bag provides variable tension to alleviate pressure on the spinal column.Cervical Traction System, 5 lb. Weight
An effective, affordable and convenient way to help restore proper cervical curve.Cervical Traction System, 3 lb. Weight
An effective, affordable and convenient way to help restore proper cervical curve.OsteoBoron Bone and Joint Health, with 200mg Green Food Concentrates each NOW Foods, 90 Vcaps
Boron is an important trace mineral for bone and joint health throughout life, as well as for the development and maintenance of healthy bone density. NOW OsteoBoron is a superior form of Boron that has been the subject of clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy in the support of healthy joints.Solid Bone for Bone and Muscle Strength, TCM Formula, Luma Zhuanggu, 500 mg each Capsule, 60 Caps
This time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine for its bone and muscle strengthening to maintain healthy, strong bones and muscles.Irwin Naturals, EstroPause, Menopause Support, 80 Gelcaps
Irwin Naturals EstroPause has been carefully formulated to support hot flash control, memory & mood, estrogen production, bone density, eye, heart, colon and vaginal moisture.Coral Calcium (Okinawa) Plus w/ Magnesium & Vitamin D, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Vcaps
Okinawa Coral Calcium Plus with Magnesium, Vitamin D and 70 other trace minerals provides essential minerals, restores body alkalinity, supports the immune system, and is bio available for better absorption.Calcium Gluconate Powder, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 7 oz.
Calcium - naturally occurring in some foods - is a mineral that is necessary for bone maintenance and formation and many other normal functions of the body and calcium can also aid in the removal of other minerals from the body.Calcium Complex Bone Formula Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Calcium, Magnesium, and other minerals help maintain normal structure and development of bones. Studies have shown that calcium supplementation may help to maintain normal bone density among women as they age.Boron Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 20 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Boron is a pure liquid Boron supplement. WaterOz Ionic Boron is pure liquid Boron. Boron is essential to bone metabolism and calcification of bones, and helps prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, and tooth decay. Boron is necessary for cartilage formation and repair; it affects calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels. Memory and brain function can be improved with boronJust An Ounce Calcium and Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.
Just An Ounce, Calcium and Magnesium Liquid can help with the development of strong bones and teeth, also prevents muscle cramping, risk of colon cancer, maintain regular heart beat, protects against osteoporosis and helps relax the central nervous system.MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane), 1,000 mg, 120 Caps, Pure Lignisul with Free 4 oz. Lotion
Buy MSM Supplement caps and get a 4 oz. Lotion free. MSM supplement plays a beneficial role in connective tissue and joint flexibility, immune health, arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, pain, hair, skin, nails, athletic injuries, acne, wrinkles and allergies.Soy Isoflavones with Digestive Enzymes, NON-GMO, SoyLife, 500 mg, 100 Caps
We guarantee at least 12.5mg of soy isoflavones per capsule.Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Calcium is a pure liquid Calcium supplement. Calcium is one of the most essential of the major biochemical elements needed in human nutrition. It is needed in every organ of the body, including the brain. Calcium is called the "knitter" because it promotes healing or knitting everywhere in the body. It is valuable for tone, power, strength, longevity, vitality, and endurance, healing of wounds, counter-acting acids, and helping regulate metabolism.EstroSoy Plus Black Cohosh, Nature's Way, 355 mg, 60 Caps
EstroSoy Plus relieves hot flashes and night sweats, supports breast health, and promotes healthy bones by helping the body retain calcium. Soy, which contains natural phytoestrogens called isoflavones, has been clinically proven to ease hormonal transition. Women with a soy-rich diet report lower incidence of hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.Prenatal Vitamin with Folic Acid, 100% Natural & Complete, Nature's Way, 180 Caps
Nature's Way Prenatal Vitamin with Folic Acid is a complete vitamin formulated to support the health of the mother and child.Female Estrogen with Progesterone Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Female Estrogen With Progesterone formula is used mainly to promote hormonal balance. It does not contain hormones, however.Herbal Remedies: Osteoporosis Information
Herbal Remedies: Osteoporosis Supplements, Information & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or your family member has symptoms of osteoporosis.
Pain develops, especially after injury.
New, unexplained symptoms develop, such as vaginal bleeding. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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