Osteoporosis is not just weak bones but an intelligent response to a chronic systemic breakdown in our bodies due to multiple lifestyle assaults. It becomes concerning around menopause for most women, due to the added stress of declining estrogen levels on an already depleted bone tissue. Osteoporosis can also be a result of secondary factors such as bone damaging medications or autoimmune diseases among others. To achieve good outcomes in the treatment of osteoporosis all causes must be identified and addressed in a patient. The great news is that the therapeutic approach to support the health of our bones has positive systemic implication on the entire body. Simply put, lifestyle changes that improve bone density also improve overall health.
Although the conversation on osteoporosis has been centered for decades on consumption of calcium and estrogen replacement therapies, this approach has been proven again and again as an oversimplified solution to a condition that involves a constellation of factors in its genesis and progression. Besides calcium, there are at least 7 other elements and many trace minerals that are essential to optimal bone physiology including magnesium, phosphorus, copper, among others and they are acquired via a nutrient dense diet, absorbed, and ushered into our bones in the context of healthy digestion and sound metabolism.
A comprehensive lifestyle assessment, blood work and diet analysis can determine the metabolic and physiologic factors which could be involved in systemic breakdown causing low bone density. By identifying digestion, hormonal, stress, blood sugar regulation and overall nutrition, a functional medicine doctor can create an individualized plan to address and rectify these concerns which may be the root cause of your declining bone health.
Did your doctor recommend exercise? What exercise is safe and effective in building bone density? Simply integrating some “weight-bearing” exercises in your routine and going for walks could have some benefits to your health, but it will not lead to positive outcomes in bone density. Positive changes in bone architecture, density and resilience are evoked by exercises that significantly load the bone and the muscular system. Unfortunately, these are the very exercises that our frail population mostly avoids in the fear of injury. And sadly, even physical therapists shy away from prescribing them to their patients due to lack of training on their safe implementation.
If you are trying to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, look for an evidence-based program proven to improve bone density and the risk of fractures. We can build bone if we stimulate the tissue specifically and consistently with exercise which evokes bone growth. The program you choose should be professionally structured, managed and supervised by a medical professional to keep you safe.
The benefits of building stronger bones go beyond increased bone density; improved overall muscle strength, improved posture, better energy, and better balance will help maintain healthy bones for life to keep you strong and independent as you age.
Join us to learn how to prevent weak bones and decrease the risk of fractures that could rob us of our independence, mobility & quality of life.
Thursday, November 10, 2022
4:00 – 5:00pm
Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation
399 Campus Drive, Suite 110, Somerset, NJ
RSVP is required: Please email Lisa@NMRNJ.com or call 908-218-1004
Dr. Claudia Tamas, Director of Women’s Health, Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is the first clinician in the U.S. to be a licensed provider of the ONERO™ program developed by The Bone Clinic in Australia. ONERO™ is the culmination of a decade of research and clinical application in osteoporosis and offers effective, safe, and specific exercises which not only improve bone density, but create resilience by shaping bone architecture, improve overall muscle strength and prevent falls.
