Calcium and Vitamin D for optimal bone health. The body’s bones/skeletal system contains a huge amount of calcium. Close to 100% of the body’s total calcium is in the bones. Calcium is a nutrient that helps the body rebuild/repair bones. �
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This means an individual needs enough calcium throughout their lifetime for healthy bones. Individuals with osteoporosis have an increase of fracture/s, which means it is even more important to have the proper amount of calcium.
However, the body also needs enough vitamin D to properly absorb the calcium. When the body does not have enough vitamin D, the body will not be able to utilize all the calcium being taking in. Maintaining bone health requires keeping track of calcium and vitamin D intake.
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Calcium
How much calcium the body needs depends on various factors, that include age. Listed are basic recommendations of calcium intake by age, but individuals should talk with a doctor about how much calcium is best for them on a daily basis. �
Children and Young Adults
1-3 years of age 500mg
4-8 years of age 800mg
9-18 years of age 1,300mg
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Adult Men and Women
19-49 years of age 1,000mg
50+ years of age 1,200mg
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Women Pregnant and Breastfeeding
Under 18 years of age 1,300mg
19+ years of age 1,000mg
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This can help to get a general idea of how much calcium is needed every day. The best way to get enough calcium through what is eaten and drank regularly. Here are some foods that offer the proper amount of calcium:
Cooked Broccoli 60mg in 8 oz.
Fruit Juice with Added Calcium 200-260mg in 6 oz.
Low-fat and Skim Milk 300mg in 8 oz.
Low-fat Plain Yogurt 415mg in 8 oz.
Swiss Cheese 220-270mg in 1 oz.
These are estimates for the amount of calcium these foods offer. Always look at the food label to get an accurate number. These are also just examples of what foods can help meet the calcium requirement for the day. If unable to get enough calcium from the diet, supplements can be taken to make sure the appropriate amount is met.
An example of not being able to get the proper amount is individuals that are lactose intolerant. This can be a challenge to get the calcium needed. For individuals not getting enough calcium should talk with a doctor, nutritionist, or health coach about supplements. They will help figure out the best calcium supplement and how much to take. However, getting too much calcium can be detrimental to overall health. That’s why finding the best balance is key.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is what helps the body absorb calcium. The body makes vitamin D when outside in the sun. This is a perfect reason to go outside more often. 15 minutes of exposure to the sun every day will significantly increase vitamin D production. Some individuals are not able to make enough vitamin D, no matter how much sunlight exposure. However, Vitamin D is also found in various foods like:
For some individuals, it can also be a challenge to get enough vitamin D. There are vitamin D supplements that can help fill daily requirements. A doctor can tell if supplements are needed with various tests that can tell how much vitamin D the body is getting. There are two types of vitamin D supplements: They are D3 and D2. Research shows that D3 and D2 are both good for bones. And just like calcium, the amount of vitamin D needed depends on age: �
Getting enough calcium and Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and a healthy body. Our nutritionist and health coach can help get you back on track to optimal health.
Chiropractic Care and CrossFit Rehabilitation
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Fischer, V et al. �Calcium and vitamin D in bone fracture healing and post-traumatic bone turnover.��European cells & materials�vol. 35 365-385. 22 Jun. 2018, doi:10.22203/eCM.v035a25
Bone broth is a soothing, low in calories, flavorful comfort food that is packed with nutrients and highly beneficial for the spine. Bone broth is made from slowly simmering meat or poultry and is an old-fashioned home remedy for a variety of ailments. These include:
Improves joint movement
Helps wounds heal faster
Improves immune system function
Rebuilds bones
Nutrients are connected with healthy bones and joints. These include:
Calcium
Phosphorous
Vitamin D
Collagen protein
All of these are concentrated in animal bones. The bones are cracked and cooked in a stockpot of water on a slow simmer. The breakdown releases vitamins, fatty acids, manganese, zinc, iron, and selenium. The broth helps supply the bones with these nutrients.
Bone broth is also effective when keeping track of weight because it is nourishing and hearty but low in calories. One cup of broth eaten or drank a half-hour before a meal can keep appetite in check. When hunger stays in check it is easier to maintain a healthy diet, portion sizes, and not overeat.
Bone Broth Recipe
Simmering bones in water with added vegetables, spices, vinegar, and herbs over low heat for a few hours is bone broth. A recipe for bone broth typically includes a tablespoon or two of vinegar or lemon juice. This helps soften the bones to break them down and release more nutrients. This will make around 2 quarts or 8 cups of bone broth. In a stockpot combine:
2 to 3 pounds of leftover cooked beef, chicken bones
1 chopped onion
1 chopped carrot
1 chopped rib of celery
1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 bay leaf
6 peppercorns
Enough water to cover the ingredients
Add 1 cup of chopped fresh or canned tomatoes for extra flavor
Bring to a boil over high heat
Reduce heat to a low simmer, partially covered, 4 to 6 hours
During the first half-hour of simmering, skim off the foam that collects at the top.
Strain cooled broth into a bowl or jar
Refrigerate the broth up to 5 days or freeze up to a couple of months
Don’t Overdo It
When it comes to nutrients in food, it is possible to get too much. An example is of an individual in training that drank one to two quarts of bone broth three days a week for six months. They began to suffer from chronic vomiting. The doctor diagnosed there was too much vitamin D from the fatty marrow in the bones used to make the broth. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Too much calcium in the blood was causing the vomiting.
Another potential issue with drinking too much bone broth is lead contamination. Many foods contain small amounts of lead. In animals, any environmental lead that gets into the body gets stored in bone tissue. A healthy, well-nourished individual can handle small amounts of lead. When it comes to bone broth, lead is only a concern if taking abnormal quantities. The broth can also be used as a base for soups and stews keeping the body healthy along with the emotional benefits of a nutrient-rich broth. The body will feel the difference.
Chiropractic Care Knee Injury
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The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Medications can be lifesavers when it comes to the treatment of various conditions. But they can also open the door to other serious conditions. Medications fall into pharmacological drug classes. Certain medications can interfere with bone health, and induce bone density loss. Users of these medications could put them at risk for osteoporosis and possible spinal fracture/s. Medications that can potentially weaken bones and how to protect yourself is the focus. Not all of the medications listed are for treating spinal disorders or neck and back pain.
Steroids
Steroids taken by mouth are commonly prescribed for spinal conditions. This includes:
Low back pain
Neck pain
Spinal inflammatory arthritis
These medications carry anti-inflammatory compounds that are pretty powerful. These help the pain but can cause bone loss with long-term use. These types of steroids put the bones at risk because of how they slow down the osteoblasts, which are bone-building cells. As the osteoblasts are slowed, the work of the osteoclasts, which are bone-absorbing cells gets increased straining the system and ultimately leading to bone loss.
Examples of steroids:
Dexamethasone
Methylprednisolone
Prednisone
Daily doses of more than 5 mg pose the biggest threat to the skeletal system. Ask a doctor about a short-term low-dose regimen, especially, if there is a heightened risk for osteoporosis or spinal fracture.
Selective Serotonin Receptor Uptake Inhibitor
Selective serotonin receptor uptake inhibitors help those with neck and low back pain in a variety of ways. These include reducing the mental and emotional effects of chronic pain. But, selective serotonin receptor uptake inhibitors can boost the fracture risk. This type of medication can cause bone loss in older women and reduced bone density in men and children.
Examples of selective serotonin receptor uptake inhibitors:
Ask a doctor for another type of selective serotonin receptor uptake inhibitor. Possibilities include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, that can achieve the same results without bone loss and fracture risks.
Certain Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are used to control seizures. However, they have been found to help individuals with spinal nerve pain. But there are some types of anticonvulsants that can increase the liver�s vitamin D metabolism. This lowers the blood�s vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential to the body�s ability to absorb calcium. That means that lower vitamin D levels can cause bone loss.
Talk to a doctor, chiropractor, or health coach about taking a vitamin D supplement/s to boost vitamin D levels.
Certain Diabetic Medications
There are two types of diabetic medications that can increase the risk of fracture. Thiazolidinediones known as TZD’s and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. The TZD’s increase the fat cells in the bone marrow, and lower the bone-building cells. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors can reduce bone density.
If there is a high risk of fracture, ask a doctor if an alternative medication to a TZD can be taken.
Examples of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors:
Canagliflozin
Dapagliflozin
Empagliflozin
If there is a greater risk of falls, ask a doctor if an alternative to taking a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor can be taken.
Hormone Medications
Medications that reduce estrogen or androgen levels in the body also increase the bone’s absorbing cell activity. And this can lead to bone density loss.
If there is an increased risk for osteoporosis or fracture, talk to a doctor about ways to protect the bones while taking these medications.
Antacids
Antacids both over-the-counter and prescription that contain aluminum help to neutralize stomach acid. There are other medications called H2-blockers also known as proton-pump inhibitors. These reduce how much acid the stomach produces. While these aid in reducing heartburn, stomach pain, etc, long-term use can reduce the body�s ability to absorb calcium and thus increase the risk for fracture.
These medications help reduce the risk of stroke, can interfere with the body�s ability to absorb calcium. They reduce the activity of the bone-building cells. This causes bone loss and increases the risk of fracture.
Examples of anticoagulants or blood thinners:
Enoxaparin sodium
Warfarin
Talk to a doctor about a possible alternative anticoagulant. A change in medication has been shown to put the bones at less risk.
Diuretics
Loop diuretics work by reducing inflammation/swelling along with water retention by increasing the kidneys urine production. These medications can cause the kidneys to remove key nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium to help increase bone production. Reduction in all of these increases the risk of bone loss and a spinal fracture.
Examples of loop diuretics:
Furosemide
Ethacrynic acid
Bumetanide
Talk to a doctor about an alternative known as a thiazide diuretic. These encourage the kidneys to retain calcium, thus increasing bone density.
Reduce The Risk
Protecting bone health is the objective. A bone mineral density test could help along with taking bone-boosting supplements. Learning about the risks of taking these medications can help prevent osteoporosis and spinal fractures. Keep track of all medications over-the-counter, prescription, holistic, all-natural, etc, and make sure all doctors, specialists understand what is being taken. A spine specialist or endocrinologist might not what the other doctor has prescribed, so keep everyone informed.
Rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy
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The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Individuals dealing with back pain or spinal condition that negatively impacts their general health want to know about what they can do to make the pain go away. Back pain and spinal issues that individuals experience can be reduced and alleviated with proper nourishment, exercise, and if necessary chiropractic or physical therapy to keep the body aligned. Fortunately, the majority of these individuals will not need surgery.
In addition to the back pain, they want to know what they can do to prevent the pain from radiating to other areas and becoming chronic. This is where proper nourishment for bone health comes into play. It is now becoming a part of the mainstream media as science and technology are finding the links surrounding body/bone health and how nutrition fits into it all.
We’ve seen and heard about Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health or the importance of fruits and vegetables to help prevent cancer. There is also the nutritional health of the bones and the spine is the largest, not to mention the spinal cord housing all the nerves that establish communication with the body.
Vitamins
Continual optimal health is based on the body’s vitamin and mineral composition. Many of the beneficial vitamins that keep the bones strong can be found in supplements. However, it is recommended to get into the habit of getting nourishment from real food in combination with supplements. This is because a person can follow a vitamin supplement regimen with no benefits. This is because their diet consists of heavily processed, unhealthy foods. Therefore eating highly nourishing foods is the best way to begin. Here are a few to consider:
Dairy
Dairy can be difficult for individuals with intestinal issues and other autoimmune conditions. It can seem daunting trying to figure out what to get and what to avoid. For those with lactose intolerance avoid dairy products altogether and look to calcium and vitamin D supplements. The quality of the dairy product/s also makes a difference. Therefore make sure it doesn’t have artificial ingredients or sugars. This is essential to keeping dairy as part of a healthy diet.
Offal
Offal is the term for internal organs of animals that are used as food. It offers a massive dose of bone-healthy vitamins. Before saying absolutely not, there are plenty of recipes to consider, remember this is about spinal bone health. Beef, calf, and chicken liver, are examples of high sources of:
Vitamin A, which repairs tissue and contributes to the formation of bone
Vitamin B12 which is important for healthy bone marrow
Vitamin K is necessary for proper absorption of calcium into the bones
Iron is a necessity for healthy cells and muscles that support the spine
Greens
Spinach packs vitamin A and B12. Kale and broccoli are great sources of Vitamin K and Iron. Nutritionists have a saying that goes “the greener the vegetable, the better.” Eating these vegetables in raw form is not for everybody, so find recipes that incorporate them into favorite dishes while adjusting to the flavors.
Oranges
Orange fruits are all great sources of vitamin A essential for repairing damaged tissue and in the formation of strong healthy bones and include:
Nectarines
Cantaloupe
Apricots
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
It does not matter if it is the brain, heart, digestive system, or the spine the body is as healthy as what it consumes. Small dietary changes can generate intense bone protection, especially when it comes to a healthy weight. Obesity and back pain are becoming too common. The condition has been studied extensively and the proof is overwhelming. The body was not designed to carry around this extra weight. Remember the spine is the central support structure and needs to be maintained with proper posture, exercise, and nourishment.
Improve Whole Body Wellness with Functional Foot Orthotics
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The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
There are certain foods that although healthy, for individuals trying to prevent osteoporosis, they could stunt healthy bone growth. There are ways to prevent osteoporosis, and eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is one of them. However, not all foods are beneficial for bone health.
Some nutrients can actually damage bones when consumed in high doses. These foods do not have to be completely removed from an individual’s diet. These foods and nutrients are still important so it would not be healthy to just stop. Individuals with or trying to prevent osteoporosis just need to make adjustments and consume them in moderation.
Caffeine
Too much caffeine more than four cups of coffee a day decreases calcium absorption, that increases risk for fractures. Coffee and tea contain caffeine naturally, but sodas create even larger concerns. Experts believe that the caffeine content in sodas is not the only danger. It is the substitution of milk and other calcium-based drinks.
Protein
Protein is essential for a balanced diet. This is because it helps build healthy muscle mass. A diet too high in animal protein (beef/pork) as opposed to protein from nuts and grains could contribute to calcium loss. Animal protein/s contain sulfur, that forms acid in the body. Acidic balance is necessary and so the body will release calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid and achieve balance.
What is considered too much protein?
No general amount has been determined. Therefore just an individual’s daily requirement, determined by body weight is what is recommended. Finding out how much protein is needed, take your weight in pounds, and multiply by .37. (Weight/lbs x .37 =) This will tell an individual how many grams they should be consuming every day. There are more specific techniques to get an exact number if need be.
Spinach
Green vegetables are considered some of the best foods to eat when the aim is to strengthen the bones. But spinach can prevent the body from absorbing calcium properly. This is because it contains oxalate. Oxalate interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Fortunately, spinach can still be included but may need to be adjusted/altered as to how it is prepared. In this case, spinach is best eaten cooked, as the chemical is destroyed through the process.
Salt
Too much salt makes it difficult for the body to keep the calcium, which can cause bone loss. Many processed foods are extremely high in sodium. Therefore, try to eat fresh foods and try sea, Himalayan, or healthy form of salt when seasoning meals.
Pure Wheat Bran
Pure wheat bran is the only food that can lower the absorption of calcium in other foods when eaten together. If taking a calcium supplement the effects of this process can be lessened by taking the supplement a few hours before or after eating foods with pure wheat bran.
These foods don’t have to be eliminated from your diet but should be consumed in moderation. The focus should be on a balanced diet. Building strong bones and maintaining them can be a delicious endeavor. Osteoporosis prevention is not the only benefit of healthy eating habits. A proper diet will promote and generate the optimal function of the body.
Learning About Food Substitutions
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The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
A bone graft is defined as using bone-in spine fusion surgery. Spinal fusion’s purpose is to link or weld bones together, in this case, the spinal bones. There are a variety of spinal conditions cause instability and pain:
Degenerative disc disease
Scoliosis
Trauma from an auto accident, sports injury, slip, and fall accident
Spine surgeons use a bone graft to:
Stop motion between two or more vertebrae
Stabilize a spinal deformity
Repair fractures of the spine
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Spinal Fusion Stimulates New Bone Growth
A bone graft does not heal or fuse the spine instantly. Rather a bone graft sets up a foundational frame for the individual’s body to generate and grow new bone. A bone graft stimulates new bone production. It is when this new bone begins to grow and solidify, that fusion takes place.
With these types of surgeries, instrumentation like screws, and rods are typically used for the beginning stabilization. But it is the actual healing of the bone that welds the vertebrae together creating long-term stability.
A bone graft can be used for structural purposes for supporting the spine, usually this is done in place of a disc or bone that was removed. Or it can be an onlay, this means that a mass of bone fragments will grow together to stabilize the spine bridging the joint.
There are two generalized bone graft types:
Real bone
Substituted bone graft
Real bone can come from the patient, which is called an auto-graft or from a donor’s bone, called an allograft.
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The Individual’s Bone or Auto-graft
An auto-graft is bone taken or harvested from the individual’s body and transplanted to a specific area, in this case, the spine. An auto-graft is considered the gold standard because it is the individual’s own bone, which contains:
These all help to stimulate the healing of the fusion. There are advantages for an auto-graft, which include a higher probability for fusion success and a lower risk for disease transmission. The only real setback for individuals of an auto-graft is the post-operative pain that usually comes with the procedure when harvesting an individuals’ bone. Bone can be harvested from one of the individual’s:
Iliac crests
Pelvic bones
Ribs
Spine
� Bone graft harvesting creates a new set of risks. These include:
Because of these risks and the possibility that the bone could be poor quality, a surgeon could decide to use another type of bone graft. When this happens a surgeon could go with what is known as a local auto-graft. This is bone harvested from the decompression itself.
These are the parts that are removed to decompress the nerves. They usually consist of bone spurs, lamina, and portions of the spinous process. These same bone pieces can be reused to assist with the fusion of the decompressed areas.
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Donor Bone or Allograft
An allograft is a bone harvested from another person, usually from a tissue bank. Tissue banks harvest bone and other tissues from cadavers for medical purposes. An allograft is prepared by freezing or freeze-drying the bone or tissues. This helps limit the risk of graft rejection. Bone from an allograft does not have living bone cells and is not as effective at fusion stimulation when compared to an autograft. However, it still does work. Tissue banks:
Screen all their donors
Supervise bone recovery
Test donations
Sterilize donations
Store for use
Look for tissue banks that are accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks. US Food and Drug Administration has strict regulations when it comes to human cell and tissue processing. These include rules about the eligibility of donors. These guidelines/protocols help reduce the risk of tissue contamination and the spread of disease.
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Bone Graft Substitute
These substitutes are man-made or are made from a manipulated version of a natural product. These alternatives are safe and can provide a solid foundation for the individual’s body to grow bone. Substitutes have similar properties of human bone, which include a porous structure and proteins that stimulate healing.
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Demineralized Bone Matrix – DBM
A demineralized bone matrix is an allograft that has gone through a process where the mineral content has been removed. This demineralization helps reveal bone-forming proteins like collagen, and growth factors hidden within the bone that can stimulate healing.
This procedure is often considered a bone graft extender. It is not considered a replacement. This is because its ability to fuse the human spine on its own has not been proven. DBM can be combined with the regular bone for more volume and is available in these forms:
Chip
Granule
Gel
Powder
Putty
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Ceramic-based Extenders
Ceramic-based extenders are mixed in combination with other sources of bone. This is because they consist of calcium matrix for fusion, but there are no cells or proteins to stimulate the healing process. These include:
Ceramic-based extenders do not present a risk for disease transfer but can cause inflammation. They are available in porous and mesh forms.
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Morphogenetic Protein – BMP
Different types of bone morphogenetic proteins or BMP’s are used to stimulate new bone growth. These proteins are found in human bone, however, they are trace amounts. They are then produced in larger amounts through genetic engineering.
This all depends on the type of spine surgery an individual undergoes. Bone morphogenetic protein could be considered an option in promoting new bone growth along with healing fusion.
Smart supplementation along with proper nutrition is one of the biggest factors and plays a large role in an individual’s health. You are what you eat is true. Feeding the body with vital vitamins and minerals promotes growth and healing. Filling up on processed, fatty foods does the opposite. The bones in the spine and throughout the body need nutrients to continue to rebuild and maintain strength throughout life.
A balanced diet rich in:
�Calcium
Vitamin D
Magnesium
This is the best way to nourish the body’s bones and ward off spinal problems, like spinal fractures, and osteoporosis. Inadequate diets or medical issues can create nutritional gaps. This is where vitamins or mineral supplements come in. Supplements are not a cure-all, but they can create a safetyhealth net when taken properly.
Supplement Smart
These supplements for bone health, fill in nutritional gaps. They are not necessary if the key nutrients the body needs from a proper diet are already there. However, individuals use supplements as a replacement for certain foods, this is not how they should be used. Actual food supplies multiple nutrients, along with minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for health and are not found in supplements.
Taking a Supplement to Strengthen the Spine
The body’s dietary needs change throughout life, so adding supplements as you age or during pregnancy can help maintain health. Calcium and vitamin D requirements vary based on age and sex.When it comes to protecting spine bone health, certain individuals may need supplements to ensure their bodies are processing calcium and vitamin D properly.
This includes:
Individuals who had intestinal bypass procedure
Those with food absorption conditions, like Celiac or Crohn�s disease
People who eat few or no dairy products, like vegans or those that are lactose intolerant
Is a calcium supplement right for you?
The only way to definitively know is by having a conversation with your doctor. Then you can supplement smart.
Supplement Safety
Because nutritional supplements can be purchased over the counter, individuals assume�incorrectly�that they are completely safe. Dietary supplements can interfere with absorption, other supplements, medications, and can be toxic if taken in high doses.
For example:
Calcium and iron supplements can prevent each other from being fully absorbed when taken together. This is true of many minerals, including magnesium, because they get into�absorption�competition with each other and so are best taken separately.
Supplements taken together can cause too much of either one to be absorbed. This is the case with high-dose vitamin D supplements, which can cause too much calcium absorption.
Too much calcium can increase raise the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Taking more than 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium per day is pointless because the body cannot process that much calcium at once.
Are your supplements helping or hurting you? The best way to know is to talk to your doctor whenever you change medication or a supplement program, even when just adding a new vitamin to the mix. An underused resource for supplement advice is a pharmacist. They will know whether the mix of supplements and medicines being taken pose any risk of negative interaction. And a pharmacist can help recommend a trustworthy product.
Supplement Success
Here are a few tips to get the most benefits if you and your doctor think a calcium supplement can help support spinal bone health.
Buy supplements with the USP symbol. This indicates that the supplement has been independently evaluated and certified.
Take your supplement as directed, ideally with a meal.
Take doses no higher than 500-600 mg, no more than 2-3 times a day, for a maximum of 1,000-1,200 mg.
Drink plenty of water as some supplements can cause constipation.
Do not take calcium supplements with a high-fiber meal or laxative. This can interfere with calcium absorption.
Supplements Support Spine Health
Remember that supplements are exactly that supplements. Eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium is the best way to build/maintain strong healthy spinal bones and prevent debilitating health problems. If you are concerned about your diet, talk with your doctor or a health coach about a smart supplementation regimen to meet your nutritional needs.
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