Journal of Natural Health Oct 99 v5#4 6018.9

Whitewing Labs, Inc.

Journal of Natural Health, October 1999

Osteosafe^Ž:
Part of Women’s
Healthy Bone Program
by Megan Shields, M.D.

As a doctor and health care professional, I often find myself placed in the role of teacher. It is important to know how to talk to my patients or even act as their “health coach.” I must also learn to listen. Years of practice have supported me in finally doing both.
What do I hear? Besides, very strictly speaking, health complaints, I also hear stories of hopes, dreams, and fears. One health concern these days is fear of debilitating osteoporosis. Increasing numbers of my patients are relating stories of their grandmothers, mothers or friends (depending on their age) being hospitalized for hip fractures. Tragically, for all too many, a hospital or nursing home is where they remain, incapacitated and often suffering from ensuing complications. This is especially troubling when you know this disabling and life-threatening condition is often preventable—or, at least, highly manageable—through nutrition and exercise.

Is Estrogen the Answer?
Fifty percent of my mature female patients come in already taking estrogen and many of them aren’t aware that they have other choices. Most don’t have to be on estrogen drugs for the rest of their lives to maintain strong bones. In fact, common sense and better education tells us that we should consider other front-line treatments besides simply automatically suggesting estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).
In my practice, 50 to 70 percent of women on estrogen are not pleased taking a medically prescribed drug, particularly one their doctor has recommended for the rest of their life. Many studies support that estrogen may help to prevent thinning bones (as well as acute menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and suffering from an acute medical emergency. Might the medical establishment unneccessarily be playing

roulette with women’s health? Are there other, safer, more principle-centered approaches available to today’s women?
This is where my role as a health coach comes into play. I’ve seen the miraculous healing powers of the human body many times in working with my patients, and I want to pass along these principles for the patient to engage their innate ability to heal.
The keys are a healthy, active lifestyle, quality diet, and intelligent use of nutritional supplements. Your diet and exercise programs are the foundation for keeping osteoporosis at arm’s length while taking care of your health in general.

Take a Quality Nutritional Formula
Bones are a miracle of minerals that must be nourished in order to maintain their interwoven matrix of strength and flexibility. Yet surveys show the daily diet for too many women is a menu for disaster. When it comes to the nutrients most essential to healthy bone formation, many women simply aren’t receiving enough from their diet.

    Some 99% of the body’s calcium is found in bones and teeth. The bones require a constant source of calcium in order to prevent loss of bone mass and for the ongoing process of rebuilding. Yet when it comes to calcium, one of the most important bone-building minerals, some 80 percent of women do not consume enough to meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Starting early in life and getting enough calcium at all ages is essential.
    A recent Israeli study found that supplemental magnesium can lead to bone density increases of up to eight percent while those women who did not take extra magnesium lost bone mass. Yet, in spite of the importance of the mineral magnesium to bone growth, its vital role in catalyzing a wide range of other bone-building nutrients, and the fact that about half of all magnesium in the body is found in the bones, only 25 percent of all women meet even the minimal requirements of the RDA.
    One of the most important yet undervalued vitamins for overall bone health is Vitamin D. Adequate levels of various forms of this vitamin are needed for calcium absorption. Women can eat all the calcium-rich foods they want but without enough of this hormonally active vitamin, their rate of absorption will be limited.
    Each of these important bone nutrients should be taken in supplement form. But, nevertheless, a quality diet is also important that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
    I recommend the OsteoSafe formula from Whitewing Labs for a comprehensive blend of bone-nurturing nutrients. When combined with adequate exercise and a great diet, rich in whole foods and low in saturated fat and sweets, OsteoSafe can help women to maintain healthy bone density. OsteoSafe can be ordered by using the order form in the center of this journal.