Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass and develops, among other things, due to a lack of calcium. But how does a deficiency arise? This article describes the main causes. All causes are related to nutrition and lifestyle.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass. This leads to brittle bones. The chance of bone fractures increases. Osteoporosis is usually only discovered after a bone fracture.
Development
A deficiency of calcium in the body can occur in three ways.
- There is too little calcium in the diet.
- Calcium is not properly absorbed.
- Calcium does not end up in the right place.
Possible causes of calcium deficiency
These are possible causes of a lack of calcium in the body.
- Acidosis.
- Lack of exercise.
- Lack of vitamin D.
- Lack of vitamin K.
- High blood sugar level.
- Lack of the mineral magnesium.
- Lack of the mineral boron.
- Lack of the mineral strontium.
1. Acidosis
Acidosis occurs as a result of poor diet, smoking, stress, or lack of exercise. If the body is too acidic, it is not able to produce energy properly and remove waste products. The liver, kidneys, and intestines become overloaded, and the body has to extract minerals from bones and teeth to neutralize the acid. This leads to loss of bone mass.
2. Lack of exercise
Insufficient exercise contributes to lower bone mass at any age. This is because bones constantly need load to be broken down and rebuilt. At a younger age, sufficient exercise leads to more bone growth, and at an older age, it leads to the maintenance of strong bones.
3. Lack of vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet and their incorporation into the bones. Both calcium and phosphorus are necessary for the formation of bones. Good sources of calcium are green vegetables and nuts. Phosphorus is found in grains, seeds, and nuts.
If there is too little vitamin D in the body, there is:
- less calcium absorption in the intestines.
- more calcium released to the blood by the kidneys.
- calcium taken from the bones.
This leads to loss of bone mass.
4. Lack of vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for bone growth. Vitamin K removes calcium from the blood vessels and brings it to the bones. A lack of vitamin K therefore ensures that too little calcium reaches the bones, resulting in loss of bone mass. Vitamin K is found mainly in green vegetables, olive oil, cheese, and quark.
5. High blood sugar level
A prolonged elevated blood sugar level has an acidifying effect on the body. See the consequences under point 1.
6. Lack of magnesium
Magnesium is needed for the production of hormones, helps in the formation of muscles and bones, and ensures relaxation of muscles and nerves. It is found mainly in nuts (almonds), seeds, and green vegetables.
Almost two-thirds of the magnesium in our body is in the bones. A moderate magnesium deficiency causes bone loss. A severe deficiency causes reduced bone growth and brittle bones.
7. Lack of boron
The mineral boron (borium) is needed for the uptake and use of calcium. It improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium and strengthens the effect of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Boron also increases the production of hormones that are important for bone formation. Most fruits and vegetables contain boron.
8. Lack of strontium
Strontium is a mineral that prevents bone breakdown and stimulates bone formation. Strontium is found in spices, seafood, legumes, and vegetables. Dietary supplements with strontium increase bone density and prevent a decrease in cartilage.
Treatment
Treatment starts with a diagnosis by a family doctor or medical specialist. They sometimes prescribe medicines to reduce the symptoms immediately. A physiotherapist focuses on reducing the risk of (new) fractures and falls. He or she informs patients about the consequences of osteoporosis and advises on an active lifestyle.
Nutrition
Treatment can be supported in a natural way by paying attention to nutrition. A dietitian or an orthomolecular practitioner focuses on addressing the causes of osteoporosis in the area of nutrition. The aim of the treatment is to make the body healthy again with necessary and useful nutrients.
The practitioner asks questions about diet and lifestyle. It is also measured whether there is a deficiency or surplus of certain substances in the body. The treatment plan will be aimed at changing diet and/or lifestyle. It may also be advised to use one or more dietary supplements.
Finally
Advising and treating osteoporosis is customized care. Various health professionals are happy to help you. Always do this in consultation with the rheumatologist or family doctor.