Osteoporosis Treatment Naturally with Whole Food Supplements 

Osteoporosis is the degeneration of bone which becomes more and more fragile. Often the fragility results in breaks and fractures. Osteoporosis has been labeled as a disease worthy of fighting. Statistically women experience osteoporosis four times more then men. Conventional osteoporosis treatment may involve drugs which have their typical negative and multiple side effects. So, if you’re concerned about osteoporosis, you should know a little bit more about the important role of vitamin K. (See Alkaline Food and Super Green Food):

"Making sure a woman's diet contains adequate amounts of vitamin K may help prevent bone loss (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003; 77: 512-6). This study supports previous research indicating that low dietary vitamin K intake is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture.

"In the study, vitamin K intake was assessed, using a food-frequency questionnaire, in 1,112 men and 1,479 women (average age, 59 years). Among the women, those consuming the least amount of vitamin K (25th percentile or lower) had significantly lower bone mineral density of the hip and spine, compared with women consuming the most vitamin K (75th percentile or higher). Among the men, there was no association between vitamin K intake and bone density.
 "While vitamin K is best known for its role in blood clotting, this vitamin also plays a key role in bone formation. Vitamin K is required for the production of a structural protein in bone called osteocalcin, which serves as the matrix upon which mineral crystals form in the process of laying down new bone. Without adequate vitamin K, osteocalcin cannot be produced, and bone formation becomes impaired.
 "Studies have shown that women with osteoporosis have significantly lower blood levels of vitamin K, compared with women of the same age who have normal bones. In addition, when women with osteoporosis take supplemental vitamin K, the urinary excretion of calcium falls by about 50%, suggesting that less calcium is being leached from the bones.” (Gaby, MD, Alan, HealthNotes Newswire, 3/27/03)

Adjunctive Nutritional Schedule
* Bone-Joint Nutrients: 8 tablets per day
* Anti Inflammation: 6 capsules per day
* Whole Calcium Supplement: 6 tablets per day
* Alkaline Food (with arthritis) or Super Green Foods: 6 tablets per day
* Flax Seed Oil: 1 tbl per day

For additional support with vitamins A and D foods add:
* Cod Liver Oil: 3 capsules a day

Before you run out to the local drug store for vitamin k pills you should know that vitamins are suspect on many levels in terms of quality, long term benefits, and side effects. On a regular basis a “health authority” has to adjust their prescription of vitamins as cures to health woes. However, none of the issues associate with vitamins exists with the consumption of whole food nutrition as well as direct dietary adjustments.

Sources of vitamin K include green foods as well as several whole food formulas, including Super Greens Food: alfalfa, wheat grass, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, lettuce, spinach, and some vegetable juices, as well as green, leafy vegetables.

The key to strong bones, joints and cartilage is to eat the right kinds of foods, including foods with phosphorus (See Bone-Joint Nutrients) not just calcium. And, good oils and fats help lubricate joints. Vitamin A and D foods also encourage strong bones, as does weight-bearing exercise. (See Cod Liver Oil) Also, the musculoskeletal system (especially bones) needs a good supply of vitamin K as well. (See Alkaline Food)

We take it all for granted — our musculoskeletal system — until something goes wrong, whether it’s a minor sprain or something more serious such as broken bones or arthritis. Then we realize how difficult life becomes trying to do even the simplest things. Dealing with problems of the joints, tendons, muscles, cartilage and supportive structures has to do with prevention as well as feeding the musculoskeletal system with supportive nutrients. (See Bone-Joint Nutrients). Diet and nutrition has much to do with the health of these important structures.

Musculoskeletal problems include:

• Arthritis
• Joint pain and problems
• Chronic back aches
• • Neck aches
• Restless sleep
• Sports injuries (tennis elbow, knee injury)
• Problems from auto accidents
• Hyper extended joints
• Osteoporosis
• Vitamin D deficiency related problems
• Joint stiffness
• Damage to the ligaments and tendons
• Sprains and broken bones
• Hip fractures

Chondroitin, MSM, Glucosamine Sulfate
These three substances, chondroitin, MSM and glucosamine sulfate, are made naturally by nutrient-dense foods and their actions within the body due to sulfur-bearing amino acids. Foods to eat include cartilage and green vegetables as well as sulfur containing vegetables. All of these are contained within Bone-Joint Nutrients.

Glucosamine is made in the body from glucose (a sugar) and the amino acid glutamine.  Glucosamine is used as the starting material for tendons and ligaments, mucous membranes in the digestive and respiratory tracts, nails, skin, bone, eyes, heart valves, and synovial fluid in the joints. In its sulfated form, glucosamine provides cartilage with its structure, strength, and "shock absorbing" properties. (See Bone-Joint Nutrients)

Glucosamine sulfate is produced in the body through several enzymatically controlled reactions.  Food sources containing high concentrations of glutamine include raw parsley and spinach.  Glucosamine is found in the largest amounts in cartilage tissue.  Cartilage-containing products are available and include those harvested from shark and bovine sources. Contained in Bone-Joint Nutrients are cartilage (bovine trachea), sulfur bearing amino acids. Alkaline Food contains raw parsley and spinach as well as other alkaline producing minerals. Glucosamine sulfate does not appear in significant amounts in most diets and is made in the body.

Other helpful natural health care:

• Chiropractic
• Massage
• Osteopathic adjustments
• Water aerobics
• Weight bearing exercise for building stronger bones
• Chinese medicine

Disclaimer
Always coordinate your health program with a qualified health care practitioner regarding treating Osteoporosis. The nutrients in each Adjunctive Nutritional Schedule are not meant to treat or cure disease, but rather to support health. The FDA has not evaluated any statements made herein. All products have been formulated based on sound scientific and medical research. No artificial ingredients are used.