Naturopathic Newsletter September 2008

September, 2008

I would like to introduce you to the latest addition to the wellness team at Paciencia Holistic Center, Line Nantais. Line has joined the team as my administrative assistant to aid and assist me in providing the best level of care for my patients and the community. 

From September to December, the Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue exit (#39) from east bound highway 20 will be closed. Patients coming to the clinic off the Galipeault Bridge will have to take the Morgan Rd. Exit (#42), and either take the lakeshore to Ste-Anne's, or get back on west bound highway 20 and exit at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.

OSTEOPOROSIS (OP) is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease in Western societies, such that 1.4 million Canadians suffer from this condition. This translates into 1 in 4 women over the age of 50, and at least 1 in 8 men over 50 has the disease.

OSTEOPOROSIS is defined as a skeletal disease characterized by low bone density, and a deterioration in bone microarchitecture leading to bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist.

OP differs from OSTEOPENIA, which is characterized with lower than normal bone density without the increased susceptibility to fracture. Osteopenia is often considered as a precursor to OP.

The statistics related to hip fractures are particularly disturbing. Hip fractures result in death in up to 20 percent of cases, and disability in 50 percent of those who survive.

The cost of treating OP and the fractures it causes is estimated to be $1.3 billion each year in Canada alone.

No single cause for OP has been identified. However, certain factors seem to play a role in the development of osteoporosis. We call these factors "risk factors" because each factor influences our risk of developing the disease. Several of these factors have been shown to be stronger predictors of bone loss than others and are therefore considered major risk factors. 

Major risk factors:

Age 65 or older

Vertebral compression fracture

Fracture with minimal trauma after age 40

Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if your mother had a hip fracture)

Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone

Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients

Primary hyperparathyroidism

Tendency to fall Osteopenia apparent on x-ray

Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)

Early menopause (before age 45)

Minor risk factors: 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Hyperthyroidism

Prolonged use of anticonvulsants

Prolonged heparin use

Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lbs.)

If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25

Low calcium intake

Excess caffeine (consistently more than 4 cups a day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks) Excess alcohol (consistently more than 2 drinks a day)

Smoker

Risk factors are additive, meaning that the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of developing OP. If you are over 50 and have at least one of the major risk factors or two or more of the minor risk factors, it is recommended that you talk to your ND or GP about being tested for osteoporosis.  

 

1. Consume adequate amounts of non-dairy calcium-rich foods, such as: kale, collard greens, kelp, almonds, brazil nuts, turnip greens, watercress, tofu, broccoli, parsley, dandelion greens, driesd figs, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, miso, pecans, ...

2. Stop smoking.

3. Reduce alcohol.

4. Avoid caffeine.

5. Avoid sugar.

6. Regular, weight-bearing exercise: 30-60 minutes, at least 4x/week

7. Consider high quality mineral supplement containing:

a. calcium carbonate: 1000-1500 mg daily, or calcium citrate/malate: 500-750mg daily

b. magnesium oxide: 400-800mg daily, or magnesium citrate/malate: 200-400mg daily

c. vitamin D: 400-2000 IU daily

d. trace minerals, such as boron: 3mg daily, zinc: 15mg daily, chromium: 100mcg daily, manganese: 15 mg daily, and copper: 1.5mg daily

 

 

SEPTEMBER 14th at 12pm on CJAD 800AM: Naturopathic Approach to Menopause

SEPTEMBER 16th from 9:30-11am at West-Island Women Center (10 week course): Women Health

SEPTEMBER 20th, 27th, and October 4th from 9:30-12:30 at John Abbott College Continuing Education: Naturopathic Nutrition - Foundations in Food

SEPTEMBER 23rd from 7:30-9pm at Pierrefonds Public Library: Foods Against Cancer