Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a scary name for many people. Women know about this process because they have been told for decades that they are most at risk. An entire generation has been brought up on concepts about building strong bones and fearing osteoporosis. But the myths about osteoporosis often do not match the reality.

Consider that we have always been told that osteoporosis was caused from a lack of calcium in our diets. In fact, there is data available that shows this is not the case. Take, for example, Singapore, where calcium consumption is approximately 600 mg/day compared to the U.S. where calcium is approximately 1000 mg/day. In spite of this, Singapore has only 10 percent of the hip fracture rate as does the U.S. People of Hong Kong consume about 400-500 mg/day, yet they have 30 percent the fracture rate of the U.S. In Finland, they consume 1400-1500 mg/day of calcium and have 50 percent less hip fractures compared to the U.S. From this data, it is obvious that increased calcium consumption does not by itself mean a decrease in hip fractures. Yet the dairy industry, antacid manufacturers, vitamin companies, and many health care practitioners continue to push people to consume more calcium.

An article from "Medscape" offers exercise as a possible answer to preventing osteoporosis. Since the body reacts to exercise by strengthening areas used, using the bones through exercise can prevent bone loss. When asked what type of exercise to do, experts suggest that it be an exercise that the person enjoys. This way they are more likely to continue.

From a chiropractic standpoint, we also understand that it is the innate healing ability of the body that has to adapt and strengthen the bones. With this in mind, we also understand that a properly functioning nervous system is essential for both function and adaptability. It is, therefore, a good idea to keep your spine free of nervous interference (subluxation) and give your body the best chance to adapt normally and healthily.