(NaturalHealth365)  Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become brittle and prone to breakage, is so widespread that 50 percent of all women over age 50 (and 25 percent of all over-50 men) will eventually suffer an osteoporosis-related bone fracture.  A new study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals systemic inflammation and frailty as key contributors to osteoporosis and fracture risks.

Unfortunately, the consequences of osteoporosis extend even beyond the pain and disabling effect of broken bones.  In fact, recent research highlights a shocking connection between osteoporosis and life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

Fortunately, a combination of natural nutrients may help prevent osteoporosis – and offer protection against the devastating diseases that can accompany it.

Pro-inflammatory molecules released by bone loss are linked to increased risk of deadly diseases

The creation of bone is regulated by the actions of the body’s osteoblasts (bone cells that create new bone) and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone).

At about age 35, the “balancing act” begins to shift – and the rate of bone breakdown starts to overtake the rate of bone development, leading to bone loss.  Researchers are now learning that aging bones contain more “senescent” cells – meaning they have stopped reproducing themselves and now exclusively promote the breakdown of bone tissue.

These senescent cells release pro-inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream, laying the groundwork for disease.  Senescent bone cells have been found in plaque deposits in heavily calcified arteries.

And, having large numbers of senescent cells in the bones is linked in studies with accelerated aging – particularly affecting the brain.  Finally, people with osteoporosis have an increased risk of cancer.

Keep in mind, when over-activated, the bone proteins that normally regulate bone maintenance and healing can lead to uncontrollable cell growth and replication.

Discover a natural way to strengthen your bones

The antioxidant vitamin C plays a critical role in preventing bone loss – which it does by preventing the oxidative stress that destroys bone structure.  Vitamin C also plays a pivotal role in the formation and structure of bones by forming collagen and developing other bone proteins.

If the body’s need for vitamin C is unmet, insufficient collagen production can result – leading to easily fractured bones.  Many natural health experts believe osteoporosis is a vitamin C deficiency or “scurvy of the bones.”

Bone-building vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, and bell peppers.  However, supplementation may be necessary – especially if you have osteoporosis.  By the way, for superior bioavailability (absorption), natural health experts advise using a liposomal form of vitamin C.

Boron reduces the loss of indispensable calcium from the bones

This little-known trace mineral packs a powerful punch when it comes to supporting bone health.

Simply put, boron helps the body produce and use vitamin D – a mainstay of bone health.  The mineral also helps regulate calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels – all “MVPs” of bone maintenance and support.

A study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal showed that 3 mg of boron daily helped prevent calcium loss and bone demineralization in postmenopausal women.

Natural health experts may advise 3 to 6 mg of boron daily.  You can increase your dietary boron intake by eating organic nuts, beans, avocados, and whole grains.

Calcium: The primary structural component of bones

Bones contain 99 percent of the body’s calcium stores – integral to bone building.

But, for your body to use calcium to build bone, you must have sufficient levels and adequate amounts of vitamin D.  Deficiency in both minerals can cause bone loss and symptoms of muscle pain, muscle cramps, and weakness.

Calcium exists in sardines, including the bones, dark leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts.  Most adults require between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium a day.

Magnesium deficiency is a cause of “incalculable” suffering

Magnesium works in concert with calcium to suppress hormones that break down bones – while activating enzymes needed to produce new bone.  Unfortunately, experts estimate that about half of all Americans fail to consume enough of this important mineral.

More than 40 percent of post-menopausal women have low magnesium blood levels, which can trigger excessive bone breakdown.

In one landmark study on magnesium benefits, the researchers lamented that the deficiency of such an “inexpensive, low-toxicity nutrient” is currently causing diseases that are a source of untold “suffering and expense” worldwide.

Eating organic dark leafy greens, potatoes, raisins, chocolate, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and avocados can help ramp up your dietary intake of magnesium.  Of course, your holistic healthcare provider may recommend supplementing with magnesium to avoid shortfalls.

Most natural healers recommend 250 to 750 mg a day.  Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium taurate are considered the most bioavailable forms.

Vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption

Vitamin D reduces the activity of the pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that are released from senescent bone cells during bone breakdown.  Unsurprisingly, vitamin D shortfalls are bad news for your bones and the rest of your body.

Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a major contributor to osteoporosis – as well as to cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and lowered cognitive functioning.  This fat-soluble vitamin is found in cold-water fatty fish (like wild-caught salmon), as well as in mushrooms and egg yolks.

Because the body manufactures vitamin D in response to sunlight, many natural health experts advise getting 20 minutes of direct sunlight three or four times a week.  However, supplementation may be necessary to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, especially in northern climates.

Just remember to opt for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) over vitamin D2.

Vitamin K2 directs calcium in the body

Vitamin K2’s job is to route calcium where it belongs – in the bones and teeth – while keeping it out of blood vessel walls (thereby helping to prevent heart disease).

Vitamin K2 improves bone mineral density and is particularly beneficial for improving bone mineral content of the femoral bone – which is particularly susceptible to fracture during falls.  Researchers have found that vitamin K2 is synergistic with vitamin D3 – meaning that each nutrient enhances the beneficial effect of the other.

In an influential study published in Maturitas, supplementation with a combination of vitamins K2 and D3 protected and increased vertebral bone mass in postmenopausal women.

Food sources of vitamin K2 include liver, egg yolks, and natto, a food made from fermented soybeans.

Your doctor may recommend 100 mcg per day of vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7, a highly available form of the nutrient.

Prescription drugs can jeopardize zinc supply

Zinc is needed for bone cells (osteoblasts) to create bone tissue – and is crucial for the entry of vitamin D into cells.  And, yes, patients with osteoporosis have been found to have low levels of zinc.

Ironically, pharmaceutical osteoporosis drugs – such as Boniva and Reclast – actually rob the body of this important trace mineral.  The RDA for zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 for men.

You can increase your dietary zinc intake by eating organic pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, nuts, yogurt, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli.  Grass-fed beef, oysters, and pasture raised poultry are also rich in zinc.

As with the other vitamins and minerals, consult your holistic doctor before supplementing with zinc.

With millions of people either suffering from osteoporosis – or at serious risk – it’s time to fight back.  And, your best weapons in the battle to slow and reverse bone loss could be these non-toxic, natural micronutrients.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
LifeExtension.com
SaveOurBones.com
UniversityHealthNews