A comprehensive guide to using Alga Calcarea for bone health support and osteoporosis prevention
Osteoporosis, a condition marked by thin, brittle and fragile bones, is an important public health concern affecting millions worldwide. Although more common in women age 50 and older, it can also affect men and younger individuals.
This comprehensive guide identifies the main causes of osteoporosis, emphasizes the impact of genetics, diet, medical, and lifestyle factors on bone health and demonstrates the benefits of calcium supplements and exercise-based plant when it comes to increasing bone density and preventing bone diseases.
The critical nature of bone health
Bone health is foundational to overall well-being. Bones, beyond providing structure, serve as reserves for minerals critical for various organ and tissue functions and electrolyte management.
Maintaining good bone health from early in life can help prevent bone and joint deformities, organ disease, skeletal and cardiac muscle weakness, and complications such as osteopenia (thinning of the bones). and osteoporosis.
What affects bone density? Common risk factors for osteoporosis
Bone density, a critical factor in overall bone health, is influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits.[1]
Compared to the genetic component, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity are controllable elements that can significantly affect your bone health. Even small changes can lead to big improvements in bone strength, health and stability.
Genetic factors
Genetics not only dictate the maximum bone mass an individual can achieve, they also influence bone structure, the rate of bone loss, and the response of the skeleton to environmental factors such as diet and physical activity.
Dietary factors
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Low intake of calcium and vitamin D
The average American diet is deficient in calcium. Inadequate calcium intake is a public health concern, given its critical role in bone and general health.
Similarly, vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and utilization, is often deficient, especially in populations with limited sun exposure or in institutional settings such as nursing homes.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is important throughout life. Being undernourished and underweight increases the risk of fractures and bone loss.
Weight loss, especially in the elderly, must be carefully managed to prevent associated bone loss.
Lifestyle factors
Regular physical activity is important for bone health at every stage of life. It helps increase or maintain bone mass and reduces the risk of falls. That’s why people who spend more time sitting than being active have a higher risk of osteoporosis.
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Smoking and drinking alcohol
Lifestyle choices such as smoking and heavy alcohol use can also reduce bone mass and increase the risk of fractures. Smoking directly affects bone cells[2]while excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the balance of bone turnover[3].
Reproductive health and menopause
Reproductive health can, in some cases, effect on bone density to women. Pregnancy and lactation generally do not harm the skeleton of an adult woman. Menopausal women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to hormonal changes that affect bone density.
Regular monitoring through DEXA scans and proactive lifestyle adjustments are great steps to prevent osteoporosis.
Medical conditions and medications
Certain medical conditions and medications can affect bone health. Notably, corticosteroids, which are unfortunately widely used for various conditions.
Besides suppressing the immune response and negatively affecting tissue healing and hormonal health, corticosteroids is also known for their adverse effects on bone health.
Conditions such as hyperthyroidism or diseases that require hormone production suppression therapy also affect bone density. It is important for individuals with these medical backgrounds to undergo regular bone health screenings.
What is the best supplement for osteoporosis?
The effectiveness of calcium supplements, particularly plant-based options like Alga Calcarea, is gaining attention.
This mineral-rich algae is known for its high bioavailability of calcium and other minerals. Iin a seven-year study, the effectiveness of Alga Calcarea has been shown to improve bone density by more than 7%. [4].
This is one of the reasons why Alga Calcarea is an ingredient in our all-natural mineral and amino-acid supplement, Green Min H+.
Addressing common misconceptions about osteoporosis and general bone health
Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. Balanced nutrition, adequate exercise, and proper supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
It’s also important to understand that bone health is about more than calcium; a holistic approach that considers all essential nutrients is key.
Can calcium, minerals, and other essential nutrients come from food alone?
Many people still live under the impression that food alone is enough to provide the body with everything it needs. Unfortunately, land depletion, food processing, and increased toxicity in the environment have a negative impact on our health.
Adding essential nutrients to your diet is an effective way to treat any imbalances. When looking for the best nutritional supplement, look for a fermented supplement known to have increased bioavailability and efficacy.
Also try to make sure your chosen products are ethically sourced, certified organic when possible, packaged in glass, and shipped without plastic.
The importance of early prevention of osteoporosis
Prioritizing bone health from an early age can set the foundation for stronger bones later of life.
A balanced diet rich in minerals and vegetables, essential supplementslow sugar consumption and regular physical activity all play a part in preventing osteoporosis,
When it comes to exercises that help maintain and improve bone density, weight-bearing and high-impact exercises are a great choice. Activities such as running, walking, and strength training also help stimulate bone turnover, an important process for bone health.
Preventing falls is also important for protecting bone health, especially in the elderly. Strategies such as muscle strengthening, balance training, and home risk assessment can significantly reduce the risk of falls and subsequent fractures.
One of my favorite pieces of equipment is the Tonal Fitness Wall, which helped increase my strength by 75% within 4 months of using it. So far, this is the best fitness equipment I have found and everyone from my friends and family seems to love it too.
Resources
[1] Office of the Surgeon General (US). Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2004 Determinants of Bone Health Linda G. Haddad, Michael Weaver, Xing Chengguo, Debra Lynch Kelly, and Saunjoo Yoon
[2] J Osteoporosis. 2018; 2018: 1206235. Published online 2018 Dec 2. doi: 10.1155/2018/1206235 The Effect of Tobacco Smoking on Bone Mass: An Overview of Pathophysiologic Mechanisms
[3] Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb; 19(3): 1515. Published online 2022 Jan 28. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031515 Alcohol Consumption, Bone Mineral Density, and Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis Justyna Godos, Francesca Giamperi, Emanuele Chisari, Agnieszka Micek, Nadia Paladino, Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández, José L. Quiles, Maurizio Battino, Sandro La Vignera, Giuseppe Musumeci, and Giuseppe Grosso
[4] J Am Coll Nutr. 2016;35(2):91-9. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2015.1090357. Epub 2016 Feb 17. A 7-Year Longitudinal Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of a Vitamin/Mineral Enhanced Plant-Sourced Calcium Supplement. Gilbert R Kaats, Harry G Preuss, Sidney Stohs, Nicholas Perricone.
