Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis or bone loss is not just a condition of aging. While aging normally causes a loss of bone density (osteopenia), bone loss is also directly related to other factors. Poor nutrition is the biggest contributor to a loss of bone density. A very sad fact is that poor nutrition habits of a child or teenager is what leads to accelerated bone loss as an aging adult. The main offenders are overconsumption of soda pop, caffeine, salt and alcohol. Excessive and regular use of these popular "junk" foods leads to bone tissue wearing down. Recently, researchers have found that there is a connection between the immune system and the loss of bone density. When the immune system is worn down and is not working properly, it can lead to the over production of immune system cells called cytokines which start an inflammatory process that breaks down bone tissue. Living a wellness orientated lifestyle can prevent this immune dysfunction from occurring. Another main cause of bone loss is hormonal imbalance. Women who have had their ovaries removed suffer a drop in hormone levels which leads to bone loss. The nervous system is responsible for controlling the hormonal body chemistry as well as immune system function. A properly functioning nervous system also regulates bone production in the body. In addition to a healthy diet, one of the best things a person can do to prevent bone loss and even increase bone density is resistance exercise. Weight training exercises increase bone density.

Thought for the Week: "When men differ...both sides should equally have the advantage of being heard in public...for when truth and error have fair play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter." --------- Benjamin Franklin

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractors are not medical doctors. The chiropractic science is not medicine. A chiropractor repairs by adjusting, fixing, replacing; He does not use any medical remedies. Chiropractic is nontherapeutical, non-medical. Chiropractic does not treat symptoms, but improves the function of structure and thus the body." ------- Paraphrased, D.D Palmer 1910