Bone & Joint Health

Common Antibacterial Chemical Linked to Osteoporosis

Throughout your lifetime, your body produces bone in order to maintain high bone density. However, with age, this process slows and bone loss can begin to outpace healthy bone production, resulting in a condition called osteoporosis. This condition can affect men, but it primarily affects older women as decreased levels of estrogen that accompany menopause contribute to the process. In women, estrogen helps protect the bones, but a deficiency causes bone growth to slow. With a new study showing a common antibacterial chemical linked to osteoporosis, looking for natural ways to boost bone health becomes a more pressing concern.

The Consequences of Osteoporosis

When a person develops osteoporosis, the health of their existing bones also becomes compromised. Since bone density is lost, the bones can become fragile and brittle. This is why people with osteoporosis are at a greater risk for fractures in the hips, spine and wrists. Although there are no observable symptoms of the condition, those who develop osteoporosis may exhibit a stooping of the spine. They may also experience bone pain as the condition worsens.

As previously mentioned, osteoporosis is most commonly the result of a decrease in estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. However, there are some lifestyle habits that can increase the risks of developing the condition. For instance, unhealthy eating habits deprive the body of essential vitamins and nutrients that help keep the bones strong and healthy. Additionally, smoking can also negatively impact bone health.

While there is no cure for osteoporosis, the condition can be treated by making lifestyle changes. Eating a healthier diet and taking certain dietary supplements can help strengthen the bones and slow the progression of the disease. Additionally, physical activity helps build body strength, including helping to stave off bone loss.

New Study Finds Common Chemical Linked to Osteoporosis

Triclosan, a chemical that was previously banned from use in antibacterial hand soap but can still be found in other personal care products like toothpaste, mouthwash and bar soap, has been found to pose serious health risks to millions of people in the way that it affects bone health. A recent study, which was conducted at China’s Hangzhou Medical College School of Public Health, sought to clarify why triclosan is so harmful to bone health.

The study drew data regarding adult women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The data was gathered via face-to-face interviews from 1,848 adult women of various ages. In evaluating the women, bone density was tested, osteoporosis markers were examined and urine was tested for triclosan.

The research team discovered that women with higher levels of triclosan in their urine also had more mineral loss in their bones. Similarly, those with lower triclosan levels had healthier bone density. These results were not found in younger women, which may suggest that the effect triclosan has on bone density is cumulative.

The next step in the study was to compare triclosan levels with the presence of osteoporosis, but there were only a limited number of subjects with the condition. Of the post-menopausal women, only seven were found to have osteoporosis. These women were evaluated in four regions of the body for the presence of triclosan, but the compound could not be linked to osteoporosis in three of those regions. Within the fourth region, the upper thigh area, triclosan was associated with the development of osteoporosis.

While the study did show a link between triclosan and osteoporosis, the evidence wasn’t as compelling as was expected at the start of the study. The research did confirm that triclosan affects bone density in some way, but the research team admitted that further studies would be needed to more fully prove this common chemical linked to osteoporosis. Going forward, the next step will be to confirm a causal relationship between the compound and the development of osteoporosis.

Natural Ways to Boost Bone Health

Trying to avoid products that contain triclosan is one step you can take to keep bones healthy, but there are also many more natural ways to boost bone health. Here are just a few ways you can promote better bone health and stave off the loss of bone density.

Eliminate Bad Habits

As previously discussed, smoking is harmful to bone health. In particular, it can prevent new bone growth by decreasing estrogen production. Drinking alcohol can also negatively affect bone health.

Increase Physical Activity

Exercise protects your bones in a number of ways. First, it helps to build muscle, which serves as a better protective layer over bones than fat tissue. Additionally, frequent exercise will help improve balance, range of motion and agility, which are all useful in helping to prevent falls.

Vitamin D and Calcium

If you remember the milk commercials from your childhood, you already know that calcium is essential to bone health and growth. Every adult should be consuming 1,000 mg of calcium daily, but women over 51 years should be getting 1,200 mg daily. Anyone over the age of 71 should also be getting a minimum of 1,200 mg of calcium a day. Your body also needs vitamin D, which is used to help absorb calcium. The best way to get vitamin D is through moderate sun exposure, though it can be also be found in dietary supplements.

Additional Supplements for Bone Health

There are a number of other vitamins, minerals and natural compounds that can help keep bones strong. For instance, a steady supply of magnesium will aid dietary calcium in promoting better bone strength. Magnesium is found in dark, leafy green vegetables, nuts and whole grains.

An adequate supply of vitamin K will also help bone strength by binding calcium to the bones. In regard to vitamin K, taking too much can be just as harmful as developing a deficiency. If you choose to take a vitamin K supplement and you are on blood thinners, talk to your doctor first.

Finally, methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, can help treat the pain and discomfort associated with osteoporosis. It does this by reducing internal inflammation and alleviating joint pain. MSM has also been found to boost the health of the immune system, which may help protect against bone loss and other traits of osteoporosis.

The best way to add these vitamins to your daily diet may be to take a comprehensive, high-quality supplement designed to promote better bone health. While a healthy diet and plenty of exercise is always essential to overall health, taking a supplement can help ensure you get all of the vitamins, minerals and bone-building ingredients you need each day.

Vitamins and Aging: Can Taking Vitamins Reduce Disease Risk?

Jun 19 by Ewcopywriting

Recent research has found that increasing vitamin intake may reduce the risk of chronic disease as we age. Whether by consuming a more diverse diet or by taking a high-quality dietary supplement, ingesting sufficient amounts of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the chances of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other medical disorders. Similarly, getting enough of other important vitamins has been shown to encourage better metabolic health and mobility in seniors.

Vitamins and Aging: Vitamins Help Stave Off Illness as We Age

Numerous studies have presented strong evidence that getting proper levels of certain crucial vitamins can help lower the risk of major chronic disease that comes with age. This research suggests that many health problems could be avoided by simply increasing the amount of vitamins we ingest on a daily basis.

For years, it has been known that sufficient levels of vitamin D, along with calcium, are necessary to maintain strong bones and protect against fractures. At the same time, proper amounts of beta-carotene are necessary to assist zinc and vitamin E in slowing the rate at which macular degeneration (age-related vision loss) progresses. Additionally, vitamin E has been shown to assist lycopene, an antioxidant phyto-nutrient, in lowering the risk of prostate cancer.

These are just a few examples of ways that sufficient vitamin intake can benefit overall health in seniors. Further studies may reveal more important ways that consuming proper amounts of vitamins can benefit health and wellness as we age.

Certain Vitamins Help Post-Menopausal Women Manage Metabolic Health

Previous research has found that estrogen and vitamin D work well together in promoting better bone health, but a new study has found that this duo may benefit women in other ways. In particular, vitamin D and estrogen may help lower the chances of developing metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women.

Metabolic syndrome is a growing concern that affects both genders, but may be especially destructive to post-menopausal women. Metabolic syndrome involves a variety of health concerns, including obesity, hypertension and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. When left untreated, metabolic syndrome can increase the risks of developing other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The study, which took place in southern China, involved studying the effects that vitamins had on 616 post-menopausal women, ranging in ages from 49 to 86. As the study began, none of the participants had been taking estrogen or vitamin D supplements. At the start of the study, each women underwent examinations to determine the levels of vitamin D and estrogen in their blood. They were also assessed for their risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

The researchers found that there was a strong link between estrogen levels and vitamin D. Where there was a deficiency of vitamin D, there were also lower levels of estrogen. Conversely, women with higher estrogen levels also had higher levels of vitamin D in their blood.

The study also found a correlation between higher levels of vitamin D and more positive test results. The women with high vitamin D levels had better lipid counts, better regulated blood pressure and lower blood sugar counts. Alternatively, a lower estrogen count was linked to poorer results in determining the risks for metabolic syndrome. Women with lower levels of estrogen also exhibited higher blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides. They also suffered from high cholesterol.

The research team concluded that the risk of metabolic syndrome was raised in women with lower estrogen levels. This was especially true for women who also exhibited lower levels of vitamin D. Since the estrogen levels and vitamin D deficiencies are linked, raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial. Women may be able to reduce their risks of developing metabolic syndrome by ensuring that they get enough vitamin D in their diet or by taking a high-quality multivitamin.

Can Supplements Help Improve Mobility Among Seniors?

As people age, one of the biggest problems they face is decreased mobility, defined as the ability to move around independently. It has been determined that 30 percent of seniors do experience mobility problems. Mobility is often inhibited by long-term health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease and arthritis. At the same time, with age, muscles, bones and tissue deteriorate, inhibiting mobility. Now, recent research into the link between vitamins and aging may have found a solution: A new study suggests an increased intake of vitamin K, commonly found in leafy green vegetables, may help boost mobility in seniors.

Previously, research has found that a vitamin K deficiency can affect the development of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and other conditions that affect mobility. The latest study, which was led by M. Kyla Shea, sought to look for a more direct link between vitamin K and senior mobility. In conducting the study, the research team examined the records for 635 men and 688 women from data assembled as a part of the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Approximately 40 percent of the subjects were black and the subjects varied in age from 70 to 79.

It was found that a low level of phylloquinone, which was one of two biomarkers used to measure vitamin K levels, increased the risk of inhibited mobility. The researchers determined that low phylloquinone levels increased the risks of developing limited mobility by 1.5 times. Developing a mobility disability was determined to be twice as likely for seniors with low phylloquinone levels when compared to those with sufficient levels of the compound. The study’s authors noted that there was no noticeable difference in results between men and women.

While the research does identify a link between vitamin K deficiency and mobility issues, more research is needed. If a clearer connection can be made between vitamin K and mobility, these findings may help millions of seniors maintain a better quality of life. Vitamin K can be found in broccoli, spinach, kale, dairy products and certain multivitamin/multi-mineral formulas.

Joint Supplement Glucosamine Lowers Cardiovascular Risk

May 31 by Ewcopywriting

Glucosamine is a natural supplement used to help support bone and cartilage health, and more specifically in cases of minor joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and other joint concerns. Early laboratory tests found that glucosamine helps reduce minor joint pain by addressing the inflammation that surrounds the joints, allowing the cartilage to naturally regenerate on its own. While intended to alleviate joint pain, the findings in a new study suggest glucosamine lowers cardiovascular risk as well.

What is Glucosamine and How Does it Help Joint Pain?

Glucosamine is a substance that’s found in the cartilage surrounding the joints in the hands and knees. It can be derived from natural sources, as it is found in the shells of shellfish, or it can be created synthetically in a laboratory. While there are two types of glucosamine, hydrochloride and sulfate, glucosamine sulfate is most commonly used in dietary supplements. Even though glucosamine can be found in shellfish, eating this type of seafood won’t give you the boost of glucosamine you may expect, as it is only present in their shells. In fact, the compound hasn’t been found in any edible foods, which means natural supplements are the best way to obtain the compound.

In studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine in treating joint pain, subjects were given an average of 500 milligrams up to three times daily. Results from these studies indicated that the supplement may cause indigestion when taken on an empty stomach. For this reason, it’s best to take glucosamine sulfate with your meals. In addition to an upset stomach, glucosamine may also cause heartburn, headaches, and drowsiness, however since glucosamine sulfate is a natural compound, it’s rare for the supplement to cause these side effects. Side effects most often occur when the individual takes more than the recommended dosage, or takes the normal dosage more frequently than necessary. Glucosamine should be avoided if you have a shellfish allergy.

While glucosamine sulfate has been found effective in helping to alleviate minor joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, it has failed to relieve pain caused by other conditions. Some patients found it ineffective in treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), asthma, allergies and various sports injuries. Scientific research has not yet explored the potential for treating these other conditions, so it cannot be recommended for other types of treatments.

New Study Finds Glucosamine Lowers Cardiovascular Risk

According to a Tulane University study, adults who take a glucosamine supplement may be helping their cardiovascular health along the way. The researchers found that taking glucosamine helps lower the risks of developing various types of heart disease and may even help reduce the risks of a stroke.

The study, led by Professor Lu Qi, examined the health records of 466,039 subjects, which included information about vitamin and supplement intake, by accessing the records of the U.K. Biobank Study. The researchers noted that at the outset, no one in the study had cardiovascular disease. One-fifth of the participants reported taking a glucosamine supplement at the start of the study.

The Tulane researchers examined the health records for their subjects at the beginning of the study and at a seven-year follow-up. The follow-up portion of the study also examined the death records for any subjects who had passed away within that time frame. In examining the records, they looked at any incidences of cardiovascular issues, which may have resulted in coronary heart disease or stroke. They also looked for any indications that death resulted from cardiovascular disease.

In comparing the records, the researchers concluded that people who took glucosamine had a 15 percent lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, they found that their risk of developing a stroke, coronary heart disease or of dying from a cardiovascular-related event was reduced by up to 22 percent. The research team accounted for other factors that might have affected the results of their analysis. They said age, gender, body weight, diet, lifestyle and the use of other medications did not play a factor in determining the results. Although the study was only observational, the research team concluded that glucosamine appeared to lower cardiovascular risk. They added that future research is needed to verify their findings.

Professor Lu Qi did note that cigarette smoking seemed to play a role in the results. Smokers who were currently taking glucosamine supplements exhibited a 37 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. That risk was only reduced by 18 percent in former smokers and 12 percent in people who had never smoked. The purpose for this curiosity may lie in the effect that glucosamine has on inflammation. While cigarette smoking increases inflammation, the glucosamine supplement counteracts that effect. The supplement does this by inhibiting the production of C-reactive protein, which is linked to the higher inflammation present in smokers.

Glucosamine for Joint Pain and More

While regular use of glucosamine can help alleviate minor pain caused by osteoporosis and may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, Professor Lu Qi’s team advises caution. More direct research is needed to confirm these findings before the cardiovascular benefits of the supplement can be recommended. In the meantime, glucosamine can still be used to support joint and cartilage health, and to help soothe minor joint pain. Taking a high-quality supplement that contains glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints and cartilage can help improve the quality of life for people suffering from osteoarthritis or minor joint pain. For those individuals, improved cardiovascular health may be an unexpected and welcome benefit.

Powerful Broccoli Compounds Slow Arthritis, Protect Cellular Health and More

May 23 by Ewcopywriting

There are 21 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia; most of those people don’t get the treatment they need. Those that do seek treatment are prescribed anti-psychotic drugs that treat the symptoms of the illness, but produce severe side effects, such as cardiovascular problems and “the shakes,” or body tremors. This has caused researchers to look for alternative treatments for schizophrenia that might resolve the underlying condition without producing severe side effects. Now, recent research suggests broccoli compounds may not only effectively reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and arthritis, but also help protect against tumor growth.

How Do Broccoli Compounds Affect the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

We have known for several decades that schizophrenia is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. We also know that glutamate is involved in the development of schizophrenia and that the enzyme is present in glutathione. When studying the levels of these enzymes in the various parts of the brain, researchers have found that schizophrenia patients had lower glutathione levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. There was an average of three percent less glutathione in the anterior cingulate cortex, while there was an eight-percent lower level of the enzyme in the thalamus of the brain.

This is important because glutamate is transformed into glutathione by another enzyme called sulforaphane. Left alone, glutamate sends more messages to the nerve cells that result in the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. However, when sulforaphane transforms glutamate into glutathione, those messages are reduced and brain activity is better regulated.

In the most recent study, a group of five men and four women were administered 100-micromole doses of sulforaphane twice per day. The compound, which is extracted from broccoli sprouts, was administered in capsule form throughout a seven-day trial period. The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to study the levels of glutathione in various parts of the brain. The imaging tests were conducted before the first dose of sulforaphane was administered and again after the week-long study was completed. They found a 30-percent rise in glutathione levels that confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment.

Although the most common side effect reported from the sulforaphane treatments was an upset stomach, more research is needed. It’s still unclear who high or frequent the dose would need to be to prevent or control symptoms of schizophrenia. For this reason, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking a sulforaphane supplement to treat your symptoms.

How Does Eating Broccoli Protect Against Tumor Growth?

A study conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that a certain compound, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), can inhibit tumor growth in mice. This is especially important in that it seems to enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer growth when the immune system is compromised. The compound works by increasing the production of PTEN, which is a protein that suppresses tumor growth in the body. PTEN is often diminished in human beings, though I3C seems to correct this imbalance.

Another protein, WWP1, is commonly found in cancer patients and has been discovered to suppress the tumor suppressing genes. By switching off the correct gene, I3C causes the WWP1 protein to become inactive. In this way, PTEN production isn’t inhibited and the protein can more actively suppress tumor growth.

Identifying I3C as the compound essential for ensuring PTEN can do its job in fighting tumor growth is only the first step. More studies will have to be conducted to determine how much I3C is required to inhibit the functioning of WWP1. As it stands, Dr. Pandolfi, who led the most recent study, suggests we would have to consume several pounds of broccoli, kale and cruciferous vegetables per day to obtain the necessary levels of the compound.

Another Compound Found in Broccoli May Slow the Progression of Arthritis

A University of East Anglia research team has announced that they’re ready to begin human trials on a possible new treatment for osteoarthritis. The treatment is based on broccoli compounds, in particular sulforaphane, that can be effective in attacking an enzyme in the body that degrades cartilage, helping to protect the joints. While the compound is also found in cabbage and Brussels sprouts, the researchers are asking their 20 test subjects to consume large quantities of broccoli. For this study, the broccoli has been specially crossbred with a stronger wild type of broccoli that’s primarily found in Sicily. This “super-charged” broccoli is particularly rich in nutrients.

In the trial, subjects will be asked to consume the super-charged broccoli every day for a two-week period. At the end of the 14-day trial, each subject will undergo knee surgery to have the damaged tissue extracted. It’s the hope of Dr. Rose Davidson and her team that the broccoli will have had a positive effect on the damaged tissue.

Each patient in the study will be asked to eat 100 g (3.5 oz) of the broccoli. Dr. Davidson compares this to a handful, which is the minimum serving size of vegetables we should be eating on a daily basis. Even so, Davidson acknowledges two weeks is hardly enough time to reverse or prevent tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis. Instead, she says she’ll be happy to find any positive effect at all. She says she’s looking for a sign that will justify continued research into the effects of sulforaphane.

If the upcoming study produces positive effects, it may be further evidence that a healthy diet — particularly one that includes broccoli compounds — can treat and prevent degenerative illnesses. While we know that eating right and engaging in physical exercise is important for continued good health, studies like this can show specific medical conditions can be avoided by eating the right foods.

Three Little-Known Benefits of Vitamin D

May 02 by Ewcopywriting

Getting sufficient amounts of vitamin D may be less emphasized than maintaining proper levels of other important vitamins, however this nutrient is vital to the functioning of our bodies. In fact, every single cell in the body has a receptor devoted to collecting vitamin D, suggesting it’s used more as a hormone than as a vitamin.

Even though we can get vitamin D from sunlight exposure and a variety of natural foods, more than a billion people throughout the world lack sufficient quantities of vitamin D. Now, new research has uncovered three little-known benefits of vitamin D that may encourage you to look for natural sources of this vital nutrient.

Vitamin D: Are You Deficient?

There are some situations that increase the likelihood of developing a vitamin D deficiency. Some of these factors, such as having darker skin and reaching your senior years, are beyond your control. However, there are some lifestyle practices that can affect the levels of vitamin D in your system. If you’re overweight or obese, or if your diet doesn’t include adequate servings of fish and dairy products, you likely have low levels of vitamin D.

Exposure to sunlight also has a strong impact on the amount of vitamin D in the body, which is why people who live farther from the equator have the lowest levels. Additionally, sunscreen also prevents your body from absorbing vitamin D. While too much unprotected sun exposure raises the risks of skin cancer, short bursts of exposure to the sun’s rays helps the body get the benefits this nutrient provides.

When you don’t get enough vitamin D, you’re doing more harm than you may realize. This nutrient is key to maintaining a strong immune system, which explains why people with vitamin D deficiencies get sick more often and take longer to heal from injuries. Lack of vitamin D can also leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated, leading to struggles with depression. A prolonged deficiency can even compromise your physical health, causing bones to become fragile and brittle. People lacking sufficient vitamin D also experience hair loss and muscle pain more frequently.

Recently, research has uncovered three additional, but less well-known, benefits that vitamin D provides to the body.

Vitamin D May Explain Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes

Since type 2 diabetes is a growing problem that affects more people each year, much of the research has looked into the causal factors of the disease. As a result, we know that diabetes is affected by the condition of various systems throughout the body. Several of these studies have found that diabetics have a significantly higher risk of developing periodontal disease, while those with periodontal disease also have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

The bidirectional link between diabetes and periodontitis prompted a University of Toronto research team to look at the role vitamin D plays in this relationship. Since periodontitis is a bacterial disease marked by inflammation of gum tissue, researchers believed that the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D might affect the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.

By examining patient records gathered for a 2010 survey, the research team found that adequate levels of vitamin D did help reduce inflammation. Vitamin D was also found to attack the oral microbes that were responsible for causing gum disease to develop. Additionally, they found that 40 percent of people with gum disease also had a vitamin D deficiency. While more research is needed, the team hopes the findings will be duplicated. If so, increasing vitamin D levels may help treat gum disease, which, in turn, may make it easier for people to manage type 2 diabetes.

The Benefits of Vitamin D on Colorectal Cancer

Another recent study sought to determine how vitamin D affected the growth of advanced colorectal cancer. The participants in the study were divided into two groups. Those in the first group were given high doses of vitamin D in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments, while those in the second group received low doses of vitamin D. For the first two weeks of the study, the first group was given 8,000 international units of vitamin D per day. That dose was reduced by half after those first 14 days. The second group received 400 IU doses per day throughout the trial.

The participants receiving a larger dose of vitamin D experienced a halt of the progression of their colorectal cancer for a period of 13 months. The second group, which received lower doses, experienced a delay of 11 months in the progression of the disease. Although further research is necessary, the team is hopeful that this research will lead the way to a safer and more effective method for treating colorectal cancer. If these results can be confirmed, a regiment of vitamin D supplements combined with chemotherapy may help treat this type of cancer more effectively.

Vitamin D May Help Relieve Joint Pain

We already know that vitamin D is partly responsible for bone health and muscle growth, but could it also provide relief from joint pain? Vitamin D works as an anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can help alleviate swelling around the joints. Backing up this supposition, a 2016 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis often had pronounced vitamin D deficiencies. The study also found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis had lower levels of vitamin D than those who did not suffer from the degenerative disease.

A variety of degenerative diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, may also be affected by exposure to vitamin D. Researchers believe increasing your intake of vitamin D can significantly lower your risks of developing these diseases. More research is needed to confirm these findings, but the fact that vitamin D deficiencies are common suggests most people could benefit from increasing their vitamin D intake.

While the best way to enjoy the benefits of vitamin D is by exposing yourself to more sunlight, eating certain foods can also help. One of the best dietary sources of vitamin D is seafood; salmon, tuna and other oily fish provide an excellent source of the nutrient. Beef liver is another good source of vitamin D. Additionally, fortified milk and breakfast cereals, egg yolk and mushrooms all provide vitamin D. Taking a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement can also help you to maintain healthy levels of this crucial vitamin. Ensuring you’re getting adequate amounts of vitamin D can help you to protect your health and feel better each day.

Blocking Estrogen Receptors in Brain Boosts Bone Mass

Feb 26 by Ewcopywriting

While most of us have often heard the term osteoporosis, many people don’t fully understand what this disease entails. Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease in which the production of new bone decreases or stops completely. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, becoming more porous; with osteoporosis, the body’s reduced ability to produce new bone tissue leaves the existing bone weaker and more brittle.

While men can develop osteoporosis, it more commonly affects post-menopausal women. This is because a woman’s body produces less estrogen as she reaches menopause, and estrogen is the hormone responsible for guarding against the onset of the disease. As the body experiences a diminished level of estrogen in the body, it becomes more susceptible to bone loss. Since people with osteoporosis have weaker bones, they’re also more susceptible to suffering from fractures and other bone injuries.

Osteoporosis is a growing problem that currently affects 53 million people in the United States. One reason instances of the disease are so widespread is that poor lifestyle choices, such as tobacco smoking and unhealthy diets, boost the risks of developing the condition. Since osteoporosis affects the bones, there are few noticeable outward signs of this disease, though one may feel bone pain or begin walking with a stooped posture as osteoporosis develops and worsens.

Currently, there is no cure for osteoporosis. In addition to encouraging patients to engage in more physical exercise and to eat healthier foods, doctors often prescribe drugs to help prevent additional bone loss. However, new research suggests blocking specific brain receptors may more effectively treat osteoporosis by actually increasing bone mass.

Recent Studies May Lead to a New Treatment For Osteoporosis

Researchers recently joined forces from the University of California at Los Angeles and San Francisco to take a deeper look at how estrogen and osteoporosis are related. Led by Dr. Holly Ingraham, the researchers examined how the brain used estrogen to affect metabolism at various stages in an individual’s life cycle. The group concentrated their observations on the hypothalamus, because this is the part of the brain that regulates the relationship between the endocrine system and the nervous system.

Working with animals, the researchers blocked estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus to see what effect a lack of the hormone would have on the metabolism. The result? Researchers noticed that the animals became less active and gained weight. While this may not seem surprising initially, the team was shocked to learn that the weight gain was largely the result of a significant increase in bone mass. Astoundingly, in some animals, bone mass was boosted by as much as 800 percent overall. In addition to building up bone mass, the researchers found that the strength of the bones was also multiplied.

The study examined mice that had already experienced 70 percent bone loss at the start of the study. By denying estrogen to the arcuate nucleus, bone mass was restored by up to 50 percent in those mice. This leads the research team to conclude that, while estrogen in the blood supply does promote the growth of bone, it actually inhibits bone growth once the hormone is exposed to the hypothalamus. The researchers are hopeful that further research will lead to new treatments for osteoporosis, particularly in post-menopausal women.

Maintain Strong Bones with These Lifestyle Changes

Get Enough Protein

Your bones are largely comprised of protein, so a low-protein diet can actually do you more harm than good. It is ideal to take in 0.8 to 1.0 grams of protein per kilogram of weight per day. The best sources of protein are red meat derived from grass-fed cattle, freshly caught fish, eggs, poultry, yogurts, cheeses, nuts and seeds and legumes.

Get More Exercise

While those suffering from osteoporosis should stay away from exercises that involve jumping and bending, weight-bearing exercise can help to build up bone strength. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates are ideal for helping to increase bone strength and mass.

Prevent Falls and Other Accidents

If you have started to experience bone loss, you’re already susceptible to breaks and fractures, so it’s important to take action to prevent falls. Making use of a walker or cane is a good idea, but also be sure to use railings wherever they’re provided. It may also be a good idea to invest in new shoes that have skid-resistant soles.

Get More Vitamin D

Taking a dietary supplement specifically formulated to provide natural ingredients that support bone health can also help. Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and MSM are just some of the nutrients that can help keep your bones healthy and strong.

In addition to taking a supplement, you should try to spend more time outdoors. Wearing a good quality sunscreen will allow your body to absorb vitamin D without exposing yourself to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Since vitamin D is vital for strong and dense bones, getting up to 20 minutes of sunshine per day can help you fight off bone degeneration.

Even if new treatments for osteoporosis are still a few years away, there are things you can do to minimize bone degradation now. Essentially, living a more active lifestyle and eating more protein can have a big impact on your bone health. Even as new treatments become available, pursuing healthier choices can only help to boost your bone mass and strength, allowing you to maintain a good quality of life for a longer period of time.