Is Osteoporosis Scurvy of the Bones?

Have you heard the phrase “scurvy of the bone?” It refers to an alternative way of understanding osteoporosis.

Receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia can be frightening. If it happens, your doctor will likely prescribe calcium supplements or problematic meds called bisphosphonates.

Is this the only way to address the problem of degrading bones as we age? Other factors are at play in osteoporosis, and addressing those factors may help keep the condition at bay. For instance, patients suffering from vascular disease while taking calcium supplements may eventually develop calcified blood vessels and calcified heart valves.

For those with high blood pressure, the primary med used to treat it is a thiazide diuretic, which causes your body to retain calcium and lose potassium and magnesium. Artery calcification can happen throughout the body, but this problem may be avoidable. Your bones will utilize calcium and nutrients properly as long as the right hormones and nutrients are present.

Keep in mind as well that weight-bearing exercise is very important to the health of your bones and skeleton. Add in some weight training to your weekly routine, even if it’s using 5 lb. weights. It makes a difference.