Bone Density

Bone density is used as an indicator of bone strength. Theoretically, it's a measure of how much of your bone is mineral, and how much is empty space. In truth, what's actually being measured in a bone density scan is the bone's ability to transmit or reflect energy (in the form of ultrasound or radiation). But what people are trying to figure out when they check bone density, is really the strength of the bone. No one really cares how well bones absorb and reflect gamma rays, unless we can use this information to predict how likely they are to break.

Unfortunately, low bone density is very common, and always has been. Especially among post-menopausal women. Because more people live long lives, and because the "baby boom" generation are now in their 40's-60's, Low bone density is a more popular problem than ever.

When bone density is a little lower than normal, this is called osteopenia. Osteo means "bone", and penia means "shattering". If bone density is even lower, it's called osteoporosis, meaning "porous bones". These are differing degrees of the same condition, rather than two seperate conditions. In people with lowered bone density, the bones not only break more easily, but heal with more difficulty.

Most people take a rather simplistic approach to treating bone density. This approach consists of supplementation of the minerals that bones are made of, and sometimes the addition of estrogens.

Calcium is the main mineral that bones are made of. It is also quite commonly used as a supplement to maintain bone density. Unfortunately, it is not very easy for the body to digest. Calcium carbonate (the stuff chalk and limestone are made of), is the cheapest form of calcium. it's a good antacid, but WORTHLESS as a calcium substitute. By worthless, I mean that not only will a person typicall absorb no calcium from it, they will also be unable to absorb calcium from any other source while it is in their digestive system, due to its antacid properties. This applies to "coral calcium" as well as to other calcium carbonate sources.

Calcium citrate has shown some good results in a number of studies on bone density, especially when combined with magnesium citrate. EVen so, it does more to help maintain bone density than to replace it once it has been lost.

Calcium from food is really the most natural and absorbable form of calcium. Green vegetables have more calcium in them than dairy products. Soup stock made from bones also contains all the necessary nutrients needed to make bones.

Phosphorus is another significant mineral in bone, though in much smaller amounts than calcium. Most of the osteoporosis drugs on the market (such as fosamax and boniva) are actually made of phosphorous. They often work too, because they cause the body to deposit more calcium in the bones. they can be dangerous, however, and serious side effects such as pain, scarring of the stomach, and loss of ability to swallow are not uncommon.

In addition to supplementing the minerals that bones are made of, some people use estrogen to help maintain bone density. Studies show that it is modestly effective, in exchange for a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Still, it might be appropriate in some individuals.

In the herbal and natural healing realm, there are many ways of addressing bone density loss or inadequacy. Weight bearing excercise is probably effective in more cases than any other intervention. Of course, eating a diet that is high in minerals is a sensible thing for just about any person to do. There are also some herbs, such as lamb's quarters, that contain extraordinary amounts of minerals. Healthy fats and oils can also help with bone density, since the liver can use them to produce vitamin D (in the presence of sunlight). Animal fats contain vitamin d naturally.

There is also an endocrine component to bone density. A hormone produced by the thyroid gland, called calcitonin, is the primary agent in the body responsible for putting the minerals into the bone, or to put it another way, for siganling the cells of the bone to collect minerals. for some reason, this component is generally neglected in the treatment of bone density. Fortunately, there are herbs out there such as withania and myrrh that can help with thyroid function, or the production of thyroid hormones in other parts of the body such as the adrenal glands. In my practice, I've seen this make some significant differences in bone strength and density.

Stress hormones, which are steroids, also adversely effect bone density. Herbs such as basil and rhodiola, which decrease the circulating quantities of these hormones, also can help to preserve and create bone strength.

When bone minerals are lost from the body, they are lost through the kidneys. For this reason, nourishing and tonifying the function of the kidneys (which are almost always deficient in people with bone density issues) can be helpful to the preservation and rehabilitation of bone strength. Working with the kidneys and digestive system to keep an alkaline pH in the body is also important, since a system that is too acidic will leech minerals from the bone.

A lichen called rock tripe is used as a specific remedy for osteoporosis and degeneration of the skeleton in many parts of the world. It contains great amounts of minerals as well as other substances that help to strengthen the bones.

While osteoporosis/osteopenia is a complicated problem with many contributing factors, strengthening the skeletal system need not be an overly complicated process. On average, The patients that I see for this indication end up taking two or three herbs, and (after the first few visits to get things on the right track) following up twice a year or so for this particular issue. But there are a lot of options and possibilities for ways to approach the situation, so it's possible to tailor the treatment to the individual patient.