A Chiropractor's Supplement Recommendations To Minimize Osteoporosis
As a chiropractic physician my recommendations are made based on a variety of factors including spinal biomechanics, research evidence and practical considerations such as ease of advice implementation and cost particular products. I would like to disclose that, although I may get a referral fee from some of the items advertised or reviewed, this will never impact the integrity of my reviews or recommendations. I hope you find my recommendations useful; however, if you have a specific spinal problem or condition, and have not yet done so, it is recommended that you contact your qualified health care provider for recommendations that may apply to your particular case.
Peter C. Spathis, DC
Bone Density Supplements To Reduce Osteoporosis & Spinal Compression Fracture Risk
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone density, results in brittle bones that are more prone to fracture. This is especially common as we age which increases the risk of fracture with falls or other injuries. In certain cases, the bones of the spine are not strong enough to support the weight of the body and can collapse. This condition, known as spinal compression fracture, results in spinal bones (vertebrae) that become flattened like a pancake. When this happens, the acute phase is characterized by intense spinal pain in the area of the compression fracture which, without treatment, can last for several months. Often having a smaller stature to begin with, and due to postmenopausal hormonal changes, women are more prone to this condition although both sexes are at risk. Before considering specific bone density supplements, it may be useful to review the general rationale for using supplements for the purpose of maintaining bone density as well as some other factors that are important in achieving this goal.
It is important to keep in mind that supplements, nomatter how good, are just that - supplements. This means that, by themselves, they will have a limited effect on improving or maintaining bone density if the body is not given a reason to do so. From a natural perspective, one of the biggest reasons to maintain bone density is to provide some type of "comfortable stress" to the bones that requires them to stay strong. Lying in bed does not required strong bones, lifting weights does. However, we do not want to give the bones more stress than they can handle, especially in the older population, as this may exceed their structural integrity. How can we acheive this balance? The key is "progressive resistance exercise" (please click on this link for more about Resistance Training Equipment & Information). If progressive resistance exercise is perfomed it will give the body a reason to absorb and use supplements to help maintain bone density and results will be greatly improved compared to just taking supplements alone. Please consult with your qualified health care provider to ensure that you can tolerate progressive resistance exercise before beginning any exercise routine.
So we've given the body a reason to maintain bone density, what nutrients are important for this process? Key nutrients are: calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K and zinc. With this in mind, the following supplements are reviewed and recommended:
**Please note, your primary care physician and/or qualified specialist provider should be included in your management decisions with regard to bone density and osteoporosis. You may require a bone density study or other testing and/or a treatment plan that includes prescription medications. Please discuss your specific case with your qualified health care provider to ensure that you receive any needed further testing and/or management in addition to ensuring that any supplements you take are appropriate in your specific case.**
This product contains key ingredients necessary to help maintain bone density at a very reasonable price. Some may question the inclusion of maltodextrin in the "other ingredients" section with a concern that this may influence blood sugar levels. I believe the amount of maltodextrine in question would make any significant effect unlikely but advise anyone who is diabetic, has difficulty with blood sugar control or has any other concerns regarding the maltodextrin, to discuss this with their qualified health care provider before use.
This supplement contains vitamin D3 as well as some calcium and K2. However, what makes it different from the traditional approach to maintaining bone density is the inclusion of a vine that grows in Africa and parts of Asia known as cissus quadrangularis. In addition to being "possibly effective" for helping people lose weight, it may have several additional health benefits, including to help maintain bone density. As with every new supplement, please review use with your qualified health care provider to ensure you don't have health, drug or other contraindications to use. For example, cissus quadrangularis may lower blood sugar. Although this may be a good thing in some cases, those taking medications for diabetes may have their blood sugar drop too low and should be monitored for hypoglycemia or avoid use altogether if/as directed by their primary care and/or specialty physician.
Calcium, magnesium and D3 are the main ingredients advertised for this product, however, it also contains manganese, boron, lysine and other products that may help with calcium absorption and bone health. Combined with its above average customer review rating, those who hate taking pills will likely prefer this product to other bone density supplements.
