Natural Bone Supplementation
Since celebrating my 83rd birthday last fall, my health has taken a definitive turn for the worse. Everyday I awake to excruciating pain in my bones, muscles and joints, preventing me from completing many basic chores around the house. Throughout my life I’ve been opposed to painkillers and synthetic drugs, and I wasn’t about to start taking them now.
I consulted with my physician to determine alternative means for mediating the pain, and he offered several natural bone supplements I could try. The first few didn’t do much for me, but I eventually found a supplement that alleviated much of the pain and allowed me to return to my daily routine. He also suggested some dietary and lifestyle changes, and I can honestly see my condition improving with each passing day. I feel like I’m 75 again!
Strontium Citrate Promotes Long Term Bone Health
As the Baby Boomers are reaching their golden years, diseases typically afflicting senior citizens are on the rise. One of the first conditions of these conditions that come to mind is osteoporosis. Thanks to medical research and myriad companies looking to develop the next miracle drug, there have been significant advancements in supplements to promote bone health. Not surprisingly, one of the most effective of these supplements comes straight from the earth.
Strontium is a mineral found in the Earth’s ore, and recent studies suggest that strontium citrate supplements can promote bone strength and prolonged health. Despite a large number of studies, scientists have yet to find any adverse side effects contributed to strontium use, which is somewhat of a miracle in this day and age. Due to these findings, strontium citrate is on the rise as a safe and effective means to combat bone frailty.
Finding Effective Bone Supplements
When my parents hit their mid-60s, they both began to suffer from significant bone and joint deterioration. As soon as I heard of their medical condition, I immediately began conducting research and consulting physicians in order to find the best way to combat the debilitation. It turns out that there are literally dozens of natural supplements that promote joint and bone health.
Over the course of a few months, my parents tried several supplements with varying results. One of the most effective was their hyaluronic acid supplement. With consistent use of the supplements and several changes to their diet and lifestyle, both of my parents have seen a marked improvement in their mobility and a reduction in pain.
Vitamin Variations
As you probably know, all vitamins come in several forms. Vitamin D, for example, has D1 through D5 variations, and most of these have at least a couple of different possibilities for their chemical composition. Vitamin D3 is available in three different forms:
Cholecalciferol: Is an inactive form of vitamin D3, similar in structure to testosterone, cholesterol and cortisol.
Calcifediol: This is the form that is measured during a blood test and is the hydroxylated form of cholecalciferol.
Calcitriol: Once calcifediol has been hydroxylated, it turns into calcitrol, which is the most active vitamin D3 hormone
Maintaining Strong Bones
As we begin to age, our bones are one of the areas that are most susceptible to injury. Calcium deficiency and other factors can contribute to arthritis and bone brittleness, which puts you at a greater risk of breaks and bone disease. Fortunately, science has revealed effective ways to maintain strong bones through exercise and augmenting your diet.
It used to be assumed that lifting weights was detrimental to bone health, but research has shown that resistance exercises can actually serve to strengthen bones and increase density. As we get older, it is also advisable to begin taking bone supplements. Calcium and strontium are two of the main nutrients to look for when seeking supplements that promote healthy bones.
An Overview of Vitamin D
Although our body produces vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight, many of us still have deficiencies—especially if you live in mild or temperate climates. There are several variations of vitamin D, but D2 and D3 are the most relevant to humans. Vitamin D3 is also referred as cholecalciferol and is classified as a secosteroid, which is a molecule structurally similar to a steroid.
Vitamin D3 can be broken down into three categories, but calcitriol is the active form. Regulation of metabolism and other essential functions are made possible through vitamin D and a deficiency can affect these processes and heighten the risk of other diseases. If you have a deficiency, you best bet is to begin taking some sort of vitamin D3 supplement.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a naturally occurring compound in connective, neural and epithelial tissues. Up until relatively recently, scientists had little knowledge of this goo-like molecule. Some of the main purposes of the compound include cell proliferation and migration.
Since hyaluronic acid is found in tissues throughout our bodies, it makes sense that a supplement utilizing the acid could be created that addresses common problems in these areas. Today, hyaluronic acid is used to treat osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. There is also ongoing research into other uses for the acid, including cartilage repair and the treatment of dry skin.
Strontium for Bone Health
Many of the supplements on the market today are derived from obscure plants that many of us can’t pronounce. However, many supplements we use are in their most basic form, straight off the Periodic Table of Elements. One such element is strontium, an alkaline metal that occurs in certain minerals.
Although the metal has several commercial uses, one of its main functions today is to act as a supplement for bone pain. Not only does strontium work to stimulate bone growth, but it also helps to slow the rate of bone loss. Strontium for bones is commonly used to treat patients who are suffering from osteoporosis, bone cancer and other similar ailments.
MSM Supplements
There is a litany of medications on the market today advertised to promote bone health, and one of the newest supplements to garner attention is MSM. MSM stands for Methylsulfonylmethane, which is an organosulfur compound. The chemical occurs naturally in some foods, but today it is MSM supplement options are being touted by various sources.
Generally, a MSM supplement will be combined with glucosamine or chondroitin to help with various forms of arthritis. There are other medical problems that MSM may be able to help, including inflammation. While there are several hypothesized uses of MSM, there is still much research to be done to develop quantitative support
How to Fortify Your Body’s Natural Defenses
With flu season reaching its annual apex and concern about the H1N1 virus running rampant across the country, there’s never been a better time to focus on healthy living. Of course that means eating a healthy, balanced diet and sticking to a rigorous exercise routine, but there are other techniques you can use to strengthen immune system as well. In his 2007 book “Maximum Healing,” H. Robert Silverstein shares a few helpful pointers.
It’s a well-known fact that vitamin C helps bolster the body’s natural defenses, so it’s never a bad idea to take a few Nature Made time-release vitamin C supplement tablets. Maintaining clean hands is also of the utmost importance. Even if you wash your hands frequently all year round, it’s best to do so even more often during flu season. Refrain from sharing food or drinks if the other person is demonstrating flu-like symptoms.