Bone Density Loss in Menopausal Women

"Natural Solutions"

What Causes Bone Health to Decline?

Bone density loss in menopausal women is not uncommon. Unfortunately, if it continues unchecked at too quick a rate, it can turn in to osteopinea and then osteoporosis.

Understanding the causes of bone loss and taking steps to minimize and reverse this decline will ensure good bone health throughout the menopausal transition and well into senior years.

Our bones help give us strength, supporting us through our lives. But only if we take care of them, especially as we enter the menopausal years.

Beginning in our mid 30's we start to experience bone density loss and lose more calcium then gain. That's normal and part of the aging process.

From between 4-8 years after menopause, bone loss accelerates rapidly.

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Prevention is Key!

Here is the key! As bone cells are constantly being broken down and renewed, heading into menopause with good bone density allows you to withstand the effects of age-related bone loss.
Bone density itself can be affected in several ways. One of the most important ways concerns the integrity of the digestive system.

  • As we age the digestive system doesn't work as effectively. It may not secrete enough digestive enzymes or may have trouble digesting certain foods. Because of this, the system becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium.

  • The kidneys may not be as efficient at conserving calcium, excreting rather then holding onto. This can lead to an imbalance in the blood.

    • How does Acidity Affect Bone Loss?

    What Can Help Stop Severe Bone Loss?

    Specific tests can determine if poor digestion is your problem. These can include:
  • Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)-This tests for undigested proteins, vegetable matter etc. Basically it looks at how well your digestive system is breaking down food.
  • Electrodermal testing, specifically Vega Testing-This can determine if the digestive system is functioning and to what degree.
  • Breath Testing for presence of lactose or fructose.
  • Heidelberg Stomach Acid Test.

    • Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor about which test is best suited for your body and health condition.

    Simple Solutions

  • Taking a good digestive enzyme in most cases can solve the problem. A formula that contains a good spectrum of enzymes can help your body break down food more efficiently so the nutrients you need get absorbed. Take with larger meals especially.

  • Limit consumption of liquids during the meal to avoid diluting existing enzymes and acid.

  • Fermented vegetable juices before meals can provide a dose of good enzymes prior to eating. They can be purchased in bottles at fine health food stores. These juices are processed at low temperatures to prevent live enzymes from being destroyed. Drink about 1/4 cup, 20-30 minutes before meals. They are an acquired taste so treat it as a medicine rather than a sweet treat!

    Bone density is something all women better than 40 need to be aware of. Get a bone density scan. If you are younger than 50 use it as a baseline and if you are over 50 it can help assess how your bones are holding up.

    If you have transitional/family history of osteoporosis, tell your doctor, she may order a density test.

    Whether your bone density is at its peak at menopause or not, in order to sustain bone strength and integrity, a healthy diet of calcium rich foods and plenty of exercise needs to be your lifelong commitment.

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    • Bone Health

    Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

    • Age-Above 65
    • Past Fractures
    • Family History
    • Hyperparathyroidism
    • Early menopause
    • History of falls
    • Amenorrhea (lack of period)
    • Smoking
    • Chronic use of corticosteroids or thyroid medication

    Foods High in Calcium

    • Wild Rice
    • Rice Bran
    • Sesame Tahini
    • Sea Vegetables
    • Tofu
    • Enriched Orange Juice
    • Leafy Green Veggies
    • Carrot Juice
    • Sunflower Seeds
    • Canned Wild Salmon with bones

    Bone Robbers

  • 200 mg of salt/day causes no change in calcium excreted. 2000 mg or 1 tsp causes increased calcium excretion in the urine.
  • Foods high in phosphorus found in pop and processed foods.
  • Too much protein increases amount of calcium excreted in urine.
  • High sugar intake increase calcium excretion.

    • Bone Enhancers

  • Weight Bearing Exercise
  • Drinking plenty of water every day
  • Plenty of sunshine and Vitamin D
  • Consuming a diet high in calcium-rich foods

    • You can also help slow down bone density loss after menopause by consuming foods rich in phytoestrogens.

    Important Information About Calcium Supplements!

  • Take in small doses of 300 mg per dose with plenty of water with each meal. Larger doses may be excreted.
  • Take calcium with meals.
  • Avoid taking with fiber or iron supplements.
  • Take a liquid Calcium Citrate with Magnesium for better absorption.

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