Bone structure is made up
of calcium and phosphorous crystals embedded in a framework of interlocking
protein fibers. Hydroxyapatite (Bone-UpT)
is the form of calcium found in human bone tissue and is the predominant
structural form of calcium. It is responsible for 67% of the total bone
weight, the remaining 33% being composed by Collagen fibers (Rheumatol ForteT).
The mineral crystals give the bone hardness, strength and rigidity. The
collagen fibers impart flexibility. Magnesium, fluoride, sodium, potassium,
citrate and other trace elements act as a "mortar" that bonds the calcium
phosphorous crystals.
The hormone calcitonin from the thyroid gland triggers the deposition of
calcium by the osteoblast (bone building) cells while parathyroid hormone
(parathormone) releases calcium from the osteoclast bone cells.
Vitamins compose 1% of our total body weight, minerals 4% and calcium and
phosphorous account for 75% of mineral weight. 99% of all calcium is in the bone
and teeth with the remaining 1% in the blood and soft tissues. The average adult
contains 1,000-1,200 grams of calcium or 2.2-2.6 pounds.
Although the percent of circulating
calcium is relatively minute, the body's homeostatic mechanism will continuously
cause the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream in order to maintain
proper blood levels. So, while serum levels of calcium can test normal, in the
absence of sufficient available dietary calcium, bone loss can be significant,
this process being a primary cause of osteoporosis.
Between 2-4% of a person's skeleton is dissolved and rebuilt annually. This
process is implemented by the osteoclast and osteoblast bone cells. Poor
nutrition and a suppression of progesterone levels due to stress and other
environmental antagonists result in a suppression of the osteoblast bone
cell function, in spite of the fact that osteoclast cells continue to dissolve
old bone tissue. This condition, especially when there is a loss of collagen,
also results in osteoporosis.
In the U.S. more than one million fractures occur annually in women 45 years
or older, 70% of whom are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Hip fractures carry
a mortality rate of 12-15% and are the second leading cause of death in people
47-74 years of age. Of the 190,000 hip fractures that occur annually, 2/3 are
due to osteoporosis which costs the U.S. $5 billion each year. Post-menopausal
women lose 0.7% to 2.0% of their bone per year; men lose 0.5%-0.7%. Between
the ages of 45 to 70, women lose 30% of their skeletal structure and men lose
15%. Calcium supplementation of 1,000-1,500 mg. per day for persons who consume
a high protein diet and 500-750 mg. per day for vegetarians can reduce fracture
rates by 50%.
Because estrogen has a rate limiting
effect on Osteoclasts, Estrogen Dominance delays the breakdown of bone tissue but
does not support bone building (osteoblast function). Natural progesterone, on the
other hand, stimulates osteoblast bone cell activity which results in new bone
tissue growth. Consequently, estrogens only slow down bone loss, not promote the
formation of new bone tissue.
The efficacy of natural progesterone
is verified by a three year study of 63 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis.
** Women using transdermal progesterone cream experienced an average 7-8% bone
mass density increase the first year, 4-5% the second year and 3-4% the third year!
Untreated women in this age category typically lose 0.7% to 2.0% bone mineral
density per year!!! These results have not been found with any other form of
hormone replacement therapy or dietary supplementation!
Conclusion
Maintaining proper levels of
Natural Progesterone;
Giving due attention to
Dietary choices;
Maintaining Optimal Levels of
Friendly Bacteria
(Vitamin K), Vitamin D and Calcium;
Learn to successfully manage stress.
Regular exercise (30-45 minutes four or five days per week)