Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
In a 2009 research study (below), Florida researchers have shown that within only three months of taking dried plum (prunes), women who were post-menopausal (and so prone to bone break down) were able to show significant increases in bone formation. Recent studies have also associated certain proton-pump inhibiting medications (that reduce stomach acid production) with a greater chance of developing not only bone fractures, but also reduced magnesium levels in the body. Note that stomach acid is important to absorb many minerals and vitamins necessary for bone formation including magnesium, zinc, manganese, vitamin B12, etc. Magnesium is the second most dominant mineral in the bone and is crucial to optimize to protect and increase bone density.
A new method to improve balance, reduce falls, and improve bone density is to incorporate what is called ‘whole body vibration’ to your exercise routine. Toronto researchers found a significant increase in bone mineral density in the hips of post-menopausal women. This is a 5-15 minute session that we offer in-office.
At Four Seasons Naturopathic Wellness, we incorporate new research findings such as these, with other methods of building bone and total body health.
Ageing Research Reviews. 2009 Apr;8(2):122-7.
Viewpoint: dried plum, an emerging functional food that may effectively improve bone health.
Hooshmand S, Arjmandi BH.Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Reumatismo. 2011 Mar;63(1):5-10.