"A woman's risk of a hip fracture, the most dangerous result of osteoporosis, is equal to the risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers combined."

Osteoporosis can be devastating. This crippling condition can cause an individual to have slumped posture and shuffle gingerly, so as not to risk a fall. Perhaps it has affected your grandmother, your mother, a sister, or an aunt. As this silent epidemic continues its course, osteoporosis will probably touch your life in some way.

One-half of the female population over age 50 will eventually develop this condition.

A woman's risk of a hip fracture, the most dangerous result of osteoporosis, is equal to the risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers combined.

One in eight men will develop an osteoporosis-related fracture in his lifetime.

If left unchecked, some experts predict a 50 percent increase in the number of people diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone mass in just 15 years.

Osteoporosis is reaching epidemic proportions, even though it is largely preventable.

"By following a comprehensive prevention plan that can also be used to complement osteoporosis treatment, you can beat the odds and defy the statisticians," states Freedolph

Anderson, M.D., women's health specialist and author of Build Bone Health (Green Bay:

Diet. Omit foods that can decrease bone mass and incorporate more items that enhance bone health (refer to sidebar below).

Lifestyle factors. Certain activities within your control can contribute to bone loss, while others, such as exercise, can greatly contribute to bone health (refer to sidebar below).

Nutrients. Dozens of specific nutrients have been shown to benefit bone health, especially calcium, magnesium, boron, and vitamins D and K.

Ipriflavone. This unique natural substance has been shown in clinical studies to minimize bone loss and maximize bone mass, which are the key goals of any osteoporosis prevention and treatment plan.

"The most successful bone-building/ osteoporosis prevention and treatment program features a comprehensive attack;" concludes Dr. Anderson.

Following are dietary and lifestyle guidelines from Build Bone Health, by Freedolph Anderson, M.D.

Eat plenty of fresh green, leafy vegetables and colored foods, such as tomatoes and peppers. These foods are great sources of bone-building nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin K.

Eat other foods high in calcium and magnesium, such as kale, seeds and nuts, broccoli, brown rice, avocado, and beans.

Reduce intake of animal fats, and consume more "good" fats found in fresh, cold-water fish, as well as olive, canola, evening primrose, and flax oils.

Reduce intake of sodium, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. They all leach calcium from the bones.

Don't smoke! Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Eat a moderate amount of protein. Too much or too little protein can lead to poor bone health.

Exercise frequently and consistently, with a special focus on weight-bearing exercises such as walking.

Eat organic whenever possible, and eat whole grains instead of refined flour.

 

One of the most impressive agents for bone health is ipriflavone, an isoflavone or compound that naturally occurs in foods and plants. Alfalfa is the richest dietary source of ipriflavone. However, it is also found in propolis (from bees) and some plants. Now that scientific studies have confirmed the bone-health benefits of ipriflavone, researchers have discovered a technology that isolates and mass-produces it. Today, ipriflavone is available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement in many bone-building formulas.

The history of plant isoflavones dates back to the 1930s when cattle responded to the estrogenic effects of clover. From there, researchers began studying a variety of plant components to determine their specific therapeutic value.

A Hungarian pharmaceutical company actually isolated and discovered ipriflavone in 1969," states pharmacist Steven Lee, research director of Technical Sourcing International. Lee was instrumental in bringing ipriflavone to the United States. He has studied this substance extensively

"In the early 1980s, pharmaceutical companies in Eastern Europe, Italy, and Japan started investigating ipriflavone's ability to enhance bone density" explains Lee. "Since the mid to late 1980s, ipriflavone has been an approved therapeutic agent for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in Europe and Japan:

Dr. Anderson believes ipriflavone is "perhaps the most thoroughly examined compound in the natural health industry"

Stimulate the synthesis and secretion of calcitonin, a hormone that promotes calcium metabolism.

Promote bone formation and increase bone mineral density.

Decrease fracture rate and complement prescription estrogen therapy.

Ipriflavone has an impressive scientific record. It has been the subject of more than 60 different clinical studies in Italy Japan, and Hungary featuring almost 2,800 patients with confirmed

osteoporosis. More than 16 randomized, placebo-controlled human studies have demonstrated either maintenance of, or an increase in, bone mineral density

Healthcare professionals in the United States are also witnessing positive clinical results. Popular radio host and medical director of the Hoffman Center in New York City Ronald Hoffman, M.D., has many ipriflavone success stories. "I use ipriflavone as either an adjunct to medical treatments such as Fosamax™ or estrogen, or as a stand-alone treatment. Ipriflavone works specifically on bone receptors and is very safe. I have used it on hundreds of patients."

Susan Brown, Ph.D., author of Better Bones, Better Bodies (New Canaan: Keats, 1999) and director of the Osteoporosis Education Project in East Syracuse, New York, is presently conducting various ipriflavone pilot studies. "Ipriflavone is being used as an adjunct therapy for those who require a stronger program to limit bone breakdown and enhance bone formation. Ipriflavone holds more promise as a safe and effective bone-building agent than the drugs presently being used."

In his book, The Osteoporosis Solution (New York: Kensington, 1999), Carl Germano, R.D., C.N.S., calls ipriflavone an effective alternative to estrogen and believes it is the biggest breakthrough yet in osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

While effectiveness is critical, safety is equally important. In the case of ipriflavone, the information available indicates that it is not only effective, but it is also safe when taken at the recommended dosage.

"Certainly, when you compare ipriflavone to the drugs presently on the market for osteoporosis, it has fewer side effects," states Dr. Anderson.

The only side effect noted to date has been minor gastrointestinal discomfort. Toxicity studies reported that this side effect was equal to the placebo group. To prevent stomach upset, take ipriflavone with a meal.

Ipriflavone is metabolized in the liver. This can cause some concern and should he studied further. Until this issue is clarified, people with liver disease or weakness of the liver should avoid taking ipriflavone unless their physician indicates otherwise.

"We are also not sure how ipriflavone interacts with other medications that are metabolized in the liver, like oral contraceptives, epilepsy medications, some tranquilizers, and some antidepressants;" explains Dr. Anderson.

Ipriflavone is safe for both adults and teenagers. Although it has not been studied on pregnant or lactating women, it is believed to be safe for that group as well. At this time, it is not recommended for small children.

The dosage of ipriflavone used in the studies was 600mg per day in divided doses (200mg three times daily). "There is no indication that more than 600mg daily is ever required;" says Dr. Anderson.

"Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder encountered in clinical practice;" according to an October 1997 report by Mayo Clinic researchers. "It is also one of the most important diseases facing our aging population."

There was a time when physicians viewed osteoporosis as an inevitable part of the aging process, completely out of our control. However, osteoporosis is not a "normal" part of aging. In fact, it can be prevented and treated effectively.

As we search for ways to maintain optimum health and prevent illness, we can look to Mother Nature once again. She has provided us with a wonderful new tool we can use to prevent and treat the most damaging and widespread bone condition of our time-osteoporosis.

Karolyn A.Gazella is the president and founder of IMPAKT Communications, Inc., publishers of the International Journal of Integrative Medicine and Health Security newsletter.

She is the author of Help Yourself: The Beginner's Guide to Natural Medicine and Buyer Be Wise: The Consumer's Guide to Buying Quality Nutritional Supplements. She is the co-author of Activate Your Immune System. Karolyn has also written hundreds of articles and several booklets on natural health issues.