An estimated 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, about eight million (or 80 percent) of whom are women. Nearly, one in two women over the age of 50, will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis at some point in their lifetime.  

A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. According to the World Journal of Orthopedics, 22 percent of those who fracture a hip due to osteoporosis will die within 12 months of their injury. Osteoporosis is a serious, life-altering, and often fatal illness that deserves more attention.  

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent disease” because it develops slowly over time, usually without noticeable symptoms. Many folks are unaware they have this condition until breaking a bone. Spinal compression fractures can result from a fall or occur spontaneously, either with or without pain. Other common fractures due to osteoporosis include the feet, ankle, forearm, or wrist. A hip fracture is a life-threatening injury that can occur after a fall—or in some cases, just by stepping off the uneven ledge of a sidewalk.  

The primary risk factors for developing osteoporosis include consuming a processed, inflammatory, and nutrient-poor diet; a lack of exercise, being a women, having low vitamin D, estrogen, or testosterone; being over the age of 60; and taking medications such as steroids, antidepressants, antacids, Prilosec, and Omeprazole.  

The diagnosis of osteoporosis is made using a DEXA scan, which measures the density of bone. This scan cannot detect the “why” behind low bone mass. It does not differentiate if a patient can generate bone at an adequate rate or lose bone too quickly. The serum Propeptide Type 1 Collagen and C-Telopeptide tests can be used before, during, and after a prescribed therapeutic intervention to see whether the patient is responding favorably.  

Blood tests to identify the deficiencies that contribute to osteoporosis include, Vitamin D, Thyroid Hormones, Estrogen, Testosterone, DHEAs, and inflammatory blood markers. These are just some of the tests that need to be monitored and managed to make and preserve healthy bone density. Traditional medical treatments often include a prescription for Bisphosphonates, which stop the breakdown of bone. However, these medications can cause many side-effects. While they appear to create denser bones, as seen on a DEXA scan, the bones are often more brittle and less flexible as a result of taking those medications. 

Consuming a whole food, nutrient-dense, primarily organic diet of pasture-raised animal proteins and wild-caught fish is the first line of defense against any chronic disease including osteoporosis. Avoid eating inflammatory, processed foods, refined sugars, and other artificially sweetened beverages, especially those with caffeine. These ingredients deplete bone-building nutrients, like calcium, magnesium, copper, and chromium.  

Avoid nut and seed oils like sunflower and safflower oils, found in most snack foods and processed boxed foods. Vegetable oils like canola, corn, and soybean oils are found in nearly all salad dressings and condiments. These oils are often genetically modified and high in omega 6 fats, which are inflammatory and cause an increased rate of bone loss when consumed in excess. Drink filtered water, to equal about half your weight in ounces per day. Avoid water from plastic bottles as these are toxic to our bodies and the planet.   

Exercise is also fundamental to building and maintaining healthy bones. When you put a load on the muscles, it strengthens the bones in response. Wear a weighted vest while walking and perform resistance exercises to activate the large muscle groups like your shoulders, chest, legs, and glutes. Aim for 30 minutes of weight training 2–4 times per week. Stress management will also balance your cortisol and other hormones to maintain optimal bone mass.   

Osteoporosis is a serious health issue. If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, choose organic, nutrient-dense foods over processed, inflammatory foods, and make resistance, weight-bearing exercises part of your normal routine. 

Work with a functional medicine practitioner to test and manage inflammatory markers, take high-quality supplements as necessary, and consider bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to build stronger, more flexible and fracture-resistant bones. This will help you embrace the best version of yourself for as long as possible.    

 Dr. Laura Korman is the lead practitioner at Korman Relief and Wellness Center, located at 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd., Port Charlotte. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 941-629-6700 or visit https://www.drlaurakorman.com/