Warning: Calcium Will NOT Stop Osteoporosis

Our bones are in a constantly being broken down and rebuilt. Osteoporosis, meaning "porous bone," arises when bone is broken down faster than it can be rebuilt. Our bones not only provide the hard coat-hanger that supports and protects our internal organs and tissues but the components of bone are also the body's gatekeeper of calcium and magnesium. One in four women has osteoporosis and one in eight men. Bone fracture is a dangerous result of osteoporosis. Many people who have hip fractures as a result of osteoporosis never get out of long-term care facilities. And hip fractures result in death in up to 20 percent of cases. A Dual-Energy Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is the most accurate method to determine osteoporosis.

We should think of bone as a calcium and magnesium bank. When the body needs calcium or magnesium it withdraws what it needs from bones. Hopefully you are making regular deposits of these two important nutrients through diet or calcium and magnesium supplements. If you aren't depositing enough calcium your bones will become bankrupt and osteoporosis can develop. So how can we maintain strong bones?

From what we have been taught we would think that calcium loss is the only cause of osteoporosis and that simply taking doses of calcium would solve the problem. But the true story is—calcium alone will not reverse or halt bone loss. Yes you just read it right. Actually, studies using calcium alone have shown bone loss, not bone gain.

The type of calcium you take is very important. Less than 10 percent of calcium carbonate and 16 percent of calcium gluconate is absorbed so make sure you are not taking these types of calcium. Studies show that calcium citrate is much better absorbed. And you need other bone building nutrients like ipriflavone, vitamin D, magnesium, minerals and vitamins.

We are waiting far too long to take our calcium supplements. Most women do not start taking calcium until age 50 and men don't think they need it. Seventy-five percent of teenagers do not get adequate calcium in the diet. During the crucial bone-building years ages 12 to 20 this group needs the same dosage of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D as the 50 and older crowd.

Vitamin D is also essential to bone health because it calms the cells of the immune system. We know that when we are under stress the stress hormone cortisol causes calcium to be pulled from our bones to be made available to deal with the stress. Nutrients known to calm this stress response in our bones include curcumin, boswellia, ipriflavone and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential to bone health and stop this type of calcium loss.


Estrogen also protects the bones from the loss of calcium due to stress mentioned above. Lack of healthy estrogen in women, who are tired or adrenal exhausted or those who have had hysterectomy, is associated with promoting bone loss. But the since the release of the Women's Health Initiative Study in 2002 the Osteoporosis Society no longer recommends estrogen because of the increased risk of breast cancer, dementia, heart attacks and stroke. So look for adrenal support nutrients in the health food store to ensure your adrenals are making the estrogen you need when your ovaries aren't.

Ipriflavone, a safe plant estrogen, is recommended for its ability to build strong bone when combined with calcium citrate. Many clinical studies have shown that it increases bone strength. It does this by enhancing the action of hormones in the bone. It has no effect on estrogens in the breast, uterus or ovaries so it is very safe. In long term studies when taken with calcium and vitamin D significant bone strength was gained in the hip and spine of study participants.

Biosil, made up of orthosilicic acid, is used directly to make collagen the glue that holds our bones together making them very strong. Collagen is found in the matrix that ensures mineralization of bone. An exciting double blind, placebo-controlled study involving 184 women performed by Dr. Spector, renowned osteoporosis researcher, found that 6 drops of BioSil per day along with Vitamin D and calcium enhanced bone mineral density of the femur (hip bone).

Recently, dentists reported that receding gums are an early indicator of osteoporosis. Weak, fragile nails are also symptoms of poor bone health. To prevent osteoporosis take BioSil with FemmEssentials and if you have osteoporosis take BioSil with OsteoSense Plus for strong bones.

Healthy thyroid function plays a role in bone health. Too high a dose of medication for thyroid problems also results in bone loss. Low thyroid function, where not enough thyroid hormone is present, also promotes bone loss.

Eat a diet full of dark green organic vegetables and nuts and seeds all rich in calcium and magnesium. Take your Biosil and FemmEssentials or OsteoSense Plus with orange juice for maximum absorption. Too many people are drinking their calcium supplement with milk which actually inhibits absorption of calcium. Start a weight bearing exercise program. As little as 10 minutes a day will keep the bone doctor away.