From Proyar Laboratory, we want to share with you the 2nd part of an exclusive article for our clients, written by Dr. Jorge Alonso, MD, MN 67,640, Director of the Postgraduate Program in Phytomedicine at U.B.A., and President of the Latin American Society of Phytomedicine.

Osteoporosis (Part 2) See first part

The role of minerals

• Calcium: is the fundamental mineral of bone metabolism, with diet being its main contributor. Practically 99% of the total calcium in the organism (around 1,000 grams in an adult) forms part of the bone skeleton, being replaced by 20% each year. Together with phosphorus, they represent 75% of all minerals. The absorption percentage after intake varies between 25 and 40% of what is ingested. This figure depends on the amount of vitamin D that is present in the organism.
• Phosphorus: is a mineral necessary for the adequate development of the skeleton and teeth. It is present in all cells of the organism, depending on vitamin D and calcium to perform its functions. Having a negative charge, it neutralizes minerals with positive charges (such as sodium and calcium among others).
• Magnesium: together with calcium and phosphorus, it is another of the fundamental minerals in bone metabolism. 60% of body magnesium is incorporated into the skeleton. It stimulates an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase that intervenes in the formation of calcium crystals located in bone. On the other hand, it contributes to improving calcium absorption at the intestinal level.

Protective actions

• Physical activity: For example, menopausal women who practice swimming have 50% fewer chances of contracting osteoporosis. Flexions facilitate calcium deposit in bones. Walks in the sun are very welcome.
• Reduction of salt in the diet.
• Vitamins D and K
• Vegetarian diet
• Amino acids: lysine, arginine.
• Weight reduction
• Good intestinal flora

Actions that worsen

• Tobacco, alcohol
• Obesity
• Corticosteroid use
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hyperparathyroidism (due to decreased parathormone)
• Antibiotic overuse: depletes intestinal flora
• Internal states of inflammation with reduced pH
• Intestinal parasitosis
• Confinement and sedentary lifestyle

Diagnosis

The most commonly used methods when making a diagnosis are: plain radiography, and bone densitometry (the most accurate). In contrast, blood tests can tend to confuse, since in several cases, calcemia, phosphatemia and alkaline phosphatase are usually normal.

Continued in third installment.