OSTEOPOROSIS

By David L. Duffy, MD

Normal bone consists of deposits of calcium in the protein framework. Cells called "Osteoblasts" lay down the protein framework and promote calcification. Cells called "osteoclasts" have the capacity to break down bone. During life there is a dynamic balance between the breaking down and building up of bones.

You may have noticed elderly women with hunched backs walking slowly down the street. They suffer from osteoporosis. The bones have become so thin that spinal vertebrae have collapsed, causing a stooped posture. If the bones are very thin they are at risk for spontaneous bone fractures, especially fractures of the hips

A normal person reaches a peak bone mass at age 25. Thereafter they lose about one-half of a percent of bone mass per year. When women experience menopause the level of estrogen hormone in their body declines. After menopause, women lose 3-5% of bone mass per year.

There are many factors which affect the health of the bones. Some people have a genetic defect in the receptor for Vitamin D. Since Vitamin D is a co-factor in the metabolism of calcium, these people have difficulty producing bone and develop osteoporosis. Men usually have greater bone density than women. The normal decline of bone density throughout life is associated with a decline in the number of bone building osteoblasts. The decline of estrogen with menopause is associated with a greater activity of bone absorbing osteoclasts. Physical activity simulates the bone to be strengthened. Physical inactivity decreases bone mass and weakens bone. In general excess acid in the body promotes breakdown of bone. Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking all increase the risk of osteoporosis. When the diet is deficient in calcium the body may borrow calcium from the bone's calcium reserves. If the calcium is not replaced the bones are left in a weakened state.

In modern medicine there is a test of bone density given to middle-aged and elderly women. The bone density of the patient is compared with the "normal" level of a 35 year-old woman. Osteoporosis is defined by a "T score" of -2.5. This means that the bone density is a certain level below normal. This lower level of bone density is statistically associated with a high risk of developing a bone fracture.

When the bone density is below "normal" but has not reached the level of osteoporosis, the condition is called " osteopenia" (poverty of bone).

From a medical viewpoint the bone density of post-menopausal women should be monitored. They should be given supplemental calcium and medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva to strengthen their bones. These medications inhibit osteoclasts which are the cells which break down bone.

There is controversy in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. The medical textbooks strongly recommend medication for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, Dr. John Abramson, MD, in his book “Overdosed America” gives an alternative viewpoint (pp. 210-220). He was concerned about the overuse of medications for osteoporosis. His careful review of the research literature led him to the following conclusions:

1. It is natural for bone density to decrease as we get older.

Thinning of the bone is not necessarily a "disease" which automatically needs treatment.

2. Two out of three hip fractures occur in women who are over 80 years old. Ninety percent of these hip fractures are due to falls.

3. A study of the use of Actonel in women over age 80 had no effect on the incidence of fractures.

4. When patients were on a regular exercise program they had
36% fewer fractures. Exercise was twice as effective as Fosamax.

Given this information what can we learn from Arnold Ehret's viewpoint? When a person uses a mucusless and mucuslean diet he or she will eliminate excess acid in the body. A diet containing 50 to 60% fruits and vegetables gives an abundance of acid-binding nutrients. (Remember Ragnar Berg's Tables, Chapter XIV in Ehret's Mucusless Diet Healing System). In the Mucusless Diet abundant sources of calcium include dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds, especially sesame seeds, and root vegetables. Ehret certainty favors regular exercise.

When a woman has osteoporosis what should she do? Her doctor will probably recommend calcium supplementation and medication like Fosamax or Actonel. It would be wise to combine this with a mucuslean diet and exercise. If the bone density tests show progressive improvement, there may be a point when medication can be stopped. It would be great if we had a large group of "Ehret diet" women to compare with a group of "normal Western diet" women. The Mucusless Diet Healing System should help both men and women have clean, strong bones rather than a bony junkyard.

Mucusless Diet Healing System. Mucusless Diet Healing System

Contemporary Insights to Professor Ehret was written as an introduction to to the 75th anniversary edition of Professor Arnold Ehret's Mucusless Diet Healing System. Mucusless Diet Healing System is available from Ehret Literature Publishing for $4.95 (US) online.Click here to purchase the 75th anniversary edition of Professor Arnold Ehret's Mucusless Diet Healing System.