Osteoporosis is typically defined as a condition in which there is a persistent, net loss of both bone tissue and bone minerals due to an imbalance between the processes of bone formation and bone resorption. For instance, a relatively excessive blood concentration of the hormones which promote bone resorption (such as parathyroid hormone, cortisol, T3, and T4) can tip the scale toward the development of osteoporosis. Conversely, a relatively deficient blood concentration of the hormones which promote bone formation (such as HGH, IGF-1, estrogen, testosterone, calcitonin, and the active form of vitamin D) can tip the scale in the same direction. However, the etiology of osteoporosis is not unifactorial and is more complex than typically appreciated by physicians who simply prescribe hormone-replacement therapy or bisphosphonates for this condition (which is not a good idea, unless the patient is desiring to develop breast cancer, osteonecrosis of the jaw, or atrial fibrillation).
The interplay between parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) in the regulation of blood calcium levels is quite simple and well understood, so let’s focus on what is usually ignored or not well known regarding osteoporosis’ etiology. Firstly, gastrointestinal absorption of calcium is largely dependent upon a sufficient concentration of the active form of vitamin D, but “inorganic” versions of calcium (such as those found in most supplements) are very poorly absorbed and utilized regardless of vitamin D levels. Organic calcium salts (from plant-based supplements or whole foods) have been chelated or bound to a carbon-containing compound (like an amino acid or organic acid), which allows them to be more easily recognized and assimilated by the body. Conversely, the calcium present in pasteurized, homogenized milk is hardly assimilated by the human body as such milk is notably alkaline and lacks the enzymes needed for proper calcium absorption (calcium is absorbed best in an acid medium). So organically-grown vegetables (such as bok choy, cabbage, white carrots, turnip greens, mustard greens, almonds, broccoli, kale, and lima beans) are much better sources of usable calcium. Other issues which can impair the absorption of calcium include: pharmaceuticals used to treat acid reflux; surgical resection of some part of the GI tract; persistent use of glucocorticoid drugs (they promote urinary calcium excretion); and GI inflammation due to microbial infection, high sugar consumption, or gluten-related damage [1]. The second major factor that can be at play in the development of osteoporosis is the immune system’s hyperactivity due to intestinal hyperpermeability (or Leaky-gut syndrome). When business that shouldn’t be leaking out of the gut begins to, the immune system gets placed on high alert, and the adrenal glands and the liver can become notably weakened from having to respond to the onslaught of toxins/antigens. Such overactivity of the immune system can lead to an autoimmune response against osteoprotegerin (a glycoprotein which inhibits bone resorption), which can contribute to osteoporosis by increasing the rate at which bone is resorbed [2]. The toxins leaking out of the gut can also damage the hormone receptors embedded within the membranes of bone cells, so that the hormones which promote bone formation become less effective at doing so. The last factor we’ll discuss is strongly tied to the first two. To avoid going unnecessarily deep, the liver uses alkalizing minerals (such as calcium and sodium) to assist in its detoxification duties. When the liver is forced to deal with an onslaught of acidic toxins (from a leaky gut), it can begin protecting its sodium reserves, forcing the body to begin pulling calcium from the bones to buffer the acidic toxins [3]. Furthermore, an overly-taxed liver will be less efficient at recycling estrogen, which can forestall estrogen’s beneficial influence on bone formation (especially in women). A stressed liver can also pass on un-detoxed toxins to the kidneys, which can interfere with calcium reabsorption by the kidneys. Lastly, a leaky gut (and any excessive or persistent stress in general) can overstimulate the adrenal glands and their release of cortisol, which decreases intestinal absorption of calcium – this indirectly leads to a secretion of parathyroid hormone (which increases osteoclast or bone-resorbing activity). So you can see that simply prescribing estrogen, a calcium/vitamin D supplement, or bisphosphonates does not effectively correct the underlying progenitors in the development of osteoporosis. Of course, depending upon an individual’s specific etiology, a different resolution plan may need to be instituted, but I hope this article was helpful in illuminating the true origins of osteoporosis as conventional medicine’s typical understanding of this condition is embarrassing. References:
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AuthorDenton Coleman is an Exercise Physiologist and Medical Researcher. Archives
October 2023
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