Naturopathic advice in the event of diagnosed osteoporosis:

Osteology is the part of medicine that deals with bone diseasesthe study of bones. Osteoporosis, for example, is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system; it is a bone disorder.

Bones play an important role in:

The structure of the body
Soft tissue support and visceral protection
Movement and posture
Development of blood cells (haematopoiesis) in the red bone marrow of flat bones

Bones are made up of 70% mineral salts, which give them rigidity and firmness, and organic matter including fatty tissue, proteins and biochemical cellular components. It is therefore important to maintain a constant level of calcium in the blood. In fact, when the destruction of bone tissue exceeds its synthesis, bone density decreases. The cells of interest are osteoblasts (young bone cells that play a role in bone structure), which are attacked by osteoclasts (destructive cells that lead to bone resorption and destruction in order to recover mineral salts). The resulting pathology is osteopenia orosteoporosis.

A naturopathic approach to osteoporosis can offer alternative or complementary ways of managing and preventing the progression of this condition.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, often recognised as a silent disease, raises many questions. By deciphering its subtleties, we can better understand its manifestations and implications. Here’s a more detailed look at this metabolic disease affecting bone structure.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease that affects the structure of bone tissue, with a reduction in bone mass due to the normal ageing process.

It is important to understand that there are different forms of osteoporosis, each with its own specific characteristics. These variations are as follows:

Primary osteoporosis :

Constituting the majority of cases, around 95%, primary osteoporosis is itself subdivided into two distinct types:

Type I primary osteoporosis :

Primarily targeting women aged 51 to 75, this type of osteoporosis is closely linked to post-menopausal hormonal changes. The reduction in oestrogen during this period increases the function of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue.

Type II primary osteoporosis :

Also known as “senile osteoporosis”, it affects both men and women from the age of 70. This form of osteoporosis is a natural consequence of ageing.

Understanding the different manifestations of osteoporosis is crucial to its proper management. Whether it is post-menopausal or senile osteoporosis, it is essential to be informed and to take preventive measures to maintain optimal bone health. An in-depth knowledge of the nuances of this disease is a valuable asset for anyone wishing to preserve their well-being.

Secondary osteoporosis:

Secondary osteoporosis accounts for 5% of cases, and is caused by certain conditions such as chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism or the use of drugs such as corticoids, barbiturates and heparins. Alcohol and tobacco accelerate bone loss (kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis).

Its main causes are diverse; they may be due to age and ageing, the female sex, excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency, genetic predisposition, the menopause (particularly early menopause), corticosteroid therapy lasting more than 3 months, or certain endocrine pathologies (hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism).

Some naturopathic advice for diagnosed osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that requires special attention, particularly in terms of nutrition and lifestyle. Naturopathy, which focuses on natural interventions, offers strategies to support those affected by this disease. Here is a series of naturopathic recommendations for optimising bone health:

Ensure adequate calcium intake

Calcium is the main mineral making up our bones and teeth. Adequate intake from an early age can prevent bone loss later in life. Although dairy products are a common source of calcium, other foods such as green leafy vegetables and nuts can also help meet your daily needs.

Incorporate silicon into your diet

Silicon plays a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of bone collagen. It is a trace element that is often overlooked, but its presence is essential for strengthening bone density. Sources of silicon include wholemeal cereals, bananas and green beans.

Importance of vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption inthe intestine and helps maintain calcium and phosphate levels for bone mineralisation. Vitamin D can be synthesised by the skin during exposure to the sun or obtained from foods such as cod liver oil (250.00 µg), smoked herring (22.00 µg) and other sources mentioned below:

Butter
Mushrooms
Cereals
Pilchard in tomato sauce (tinned) 14.00 µg
Dehydrated vegetable stock 13.80 µg
Fried mackerel 12.30 µg
Grilled sardines 12.30 µg
Raw farmed Nile tilapia 12.20 µg
Anchovy, raw 11.00 µg
Baked farmed rainbow trout 11.00 µg
Sardines in olive oil 10.80 µg

Prioritise physical activity

Physical exercise, particularly lifting weights and weight training, stimulates bone formation and improves bone density. Activities such as walking, dancing or climbing stairs can help strengthen bones and prevent bone loss. We recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.

Adopt a holistic approach to toxins

Tobacco and alcohol consumption have been linked to a reduction in bone density. It is therefore essential to reduce consumption or abstain completely in order to optimise bone health. The harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol on bone can be exacerbated with age.

Be careful with diets

Very restrictive diets can deprive the body of essential nutrients needed for bone health. Dairy products, for example, are a rich source of calcium and vitamin D. If you choose to avoid dairy products, it is crucial to find these nutrients elsewhere.

Combine calcium with vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, the most effective form of vitamin D, improves the body’s absorption of calcium. Taking these two nutrients together can maximise their beneficial effects on bone density.

Caution with certain drinks when taking medication

Alendronate is commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis. However, the caffeine present in tea and coffee can interfere with the absorption of this medicine. It is therefore recommended that these beverages be avoided or consumed several hours apart from the medication.

Dietary recommendations of the French Society of Rheumatology and the GRIO:

Recommended foods	Benefits	Foods to avoid	Reasons
Mediterranean diet	Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. Promotes bone density.	Unbalanced diets (Western)	Can compromise the necessary nutritional balance.
Dairy products (2-3 times a day)	Provide calcium and high-quality protein.	Vegan diets (without substitutions)	Lack essential nutrients such as calcium and protein.
Fish (at least 2 times a week)	Source of protein and potentially omega-3 fatty acids.	Weight-loss diets (without excess weight)	Risk of reducing the intake of necessary nutrients.
Fruit, Vegetables, Pulses, Cereals	Provide vitamins, minerals and fibre.	Excessive alcohol consumption	Harmful to bone health.
Olive oil	Source of good fats and antioxidants.	Daily consumption of soft drinks	Can adversely affect bone density.

What plants should I take for osteoporosis?

Horsetail (EPS):

As this plant is naturally composed of silicon and potassium, it has remineralising properties that can be used to help consolidate fractures, bone fragility, post-menopausal osteoporosis, cramps and spasmophilia.

Bamboo (TM):

Over 92%rich in silica, bamboo is a remineralising agent indicated for osteoporosis.

Scots Pine (Buds) :

The Scots Pine bud has a regenerative action on hard tissue (bone and cartilage). It is generally indicated for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Mountain Pine (bud TM):

- Pinus montana and Rosa canina are especially active in post-menopausal osteoporosis
- Pinus montana and Rubus fruticosus are active in senile osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in general

Alfalfa (EPS):

Alfalfa is essentially naturally loaded with mineral salts and silicon, and is a remineralising plant.

Micronutrition: an asset in the fight against osteoporosis

20 October: World Osteoporosis Day

According to the Inserm report, 5.5% of the general population are affected by this skeletal disease, characterised by a reduction in bone mass and a deterioration in the structure of the tissue of which it is composed. And most of these 4 million people are women: around the age of 65, 39% of women suffer from osteoporosis, and this proportion rises to 70% in women aged 80 and over.

A silent disease that reveals itself with age

Osteoporosis corresponds to a deterioration in bone remodelling that “depends on genetic factors, but also on hormonal factors, with a role for vitamin D, oestrogens, testosterone and parathyroid hormone” It is the role of oestrogen that explains the two to three times greater prevalence in women. “Oestrogens slow down the breakdown of bone tissue and encourage the formation of “new” bone. However, at the menopause, oestrogen levels plummet, causing bone loss to accelerate over a period of 5 to 10 years This disease increases the risk of so-called fragility fractures: mainly fractures of the hip (neck of the femur), vertebrae and wrists. It is thought to cause 490,000 fractures every year, significantly reducing patients’ quality of life through the associated pain and loss of mobility.

Physical activity, calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis

Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle help to prevent osteoporosis: physical exercise helps to maintain good bone mineral density. What’s more, in the elderly, by maintaining muscular strength and balance, it reduces the risk of falling, and therefore the risk of fracture. In addition, a personalised calcium supplement combined with vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption) helps to strengthen bones.

Recent studies have also strengthened our understanding of the link between muscle mass and bone health. A significant study(PMID 36181112) has shown that in adults, especially women and the elderly, higher muscle mass is associated with better bone mineral density, which is crucial for the prevention of osteoporosis. This information underlines the importance of physical activity not only for bone density, but also for maintaining healthy muscle mass.

The importance of vitamin K2 in calcium supplementation

As a complement to our article on natural approaches to combating osteoporosis, it is essential to discuss the important role of vitamin K2, particularly when it comes to calcium supplementation (1).

The role of vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 is gaining recognition for its positive effects not only on blood coagulation, but also on heart and bone health. It plays a crucial role in directing calcium towards the bones, where it is needed, and away from the arteries, where it could cause damage.

Benefits for bone health

Preliminary studies indicate that vitamin K2 supplements may reduce fractures and improve bone quality in people with osteoporosis. In Japan and other parts of Asia, a form of vitamin K2 (MK-4) is even used in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Effects on cardiovascular health

Vitamin K2 helps maintain heart health by acting on the elimination of calcium from blood vessels. Calcium build-up in the body can lead to calcification of tissues, organs and blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure, kidney disease and other health problems. Vitamin K activates a protein that helps prevent the deposition of calcium in the arteries, thus contributing to heart health.

Preliminary research has shown that vitamin K2 may be more effective than vitamin K1 at eliminating calcium. One study found that people consuming at least 32 micrograms per day of vitamin K2 in their diet had a 50% lower risk of death from heart disease linked to hardened arteries. In addition, high consumption of vitamin K2 (but not vitamin K1) was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events in women.

A recent study establishes the link between intestinal microbiota and skeletal health

An American research team has just published its findings in the scientific journal Frontiers in Endocrinology. The research provides evidence of a link between certain types of bacterial profile in the microbiota and healthier bone structure. Based on a study of faecal samples from two cohorts representing a total of more than 2,000 people, the researchers established the link between the presence of two types of bacteria,Akkermansia and Clostridiales DTU089, and deterioration in bone health.

Fight against osteoporosis with naturopathy