Questions You May Have About Osteoporosis

Bones are divided into two macroscopic forms: cancellous bones (aka spongy or trabecular bone) and cortical bones (or compact bone). Cortical bones make up most of the skeletal system (up to 80%), while the rest is cancellous bones (roughly 20%). ¹

What is Trabecular Bone?

Trabecular, or cancellous bone, is a spongy, porous type of bone found primarily in the ends of the long bones and in the vertebrae (spine). It has a greater surface area and is the most actively remodeled tissue as opposed to cortical bone. It plays a critical role in the support of the skeletal structure, which is where bone marrow is created and maintained. The earliest effects of therapeutic agents are seen in trabecular bone. ^{2 3}

What is Cortical Bone

Cortical bone is the strong, compact outer layer of bone found on the long bones, which makes up about 80% of the skeleton. Cortical bone forms the hard protective layer around the internal cavity. Cortical bones have high resistance to bending and contortion, so they can support the weight and movement of the body. The primary purpose of cortical bone is to provide strength and protection for the bones. It is composed of many layers, and in comparison is smooth compared to trabecular bone. ⁴

The hip bones are made of both cortical and trabecular bone tissue.

How Does Osteoporosis Affect Bone Structure?

Osteoporosis is essentially an imbalance in the matrix of the bone between bone resorption and bone formation in the bone remodeling process. This results in decreased bone density as well as the integrity of the bone’s structure, primarily in the interior trabecular bone tissue. This imbalance leads to a more porous bone matrix, making the bones more fragile and open to an increased risk of fractures. Bone quality is affected by the quality of its matrix and its regulators. Osteoporosis weakens the bones, leaving them less dense and spongy, as well as a thinning of cortical bones.^{5 6} ⁷ This imbalance causes the bone remodeling process to produce greater osteoclast activity or resorption (disposing of old bone tissue) and lower osteoblast activity (new bone cell formation). This leaves the bones weaker and less able to support the body’s structure and function.

How Can You Better Protect Trabecular Bone?

In essence, this means the “right diet”, “sound nutrition”, the “right supplements”, the “right exercises” (which includes targeted weight loading, resistance training, and balance training), the “avoidance of as many antinutrients” as possible, and “balanced hormones by well-regulated hormonal pathways” as can be achieved through seed cycling.

Optimal Gut Health – This is what you will find in the first pages of “Opening the Doors to Reversing and Healing Osteoporosis.” It is vital to understand the importance of optimal gut health. The gut (mostly the small intestine) makes up over 70% of the immune system. The immune system is what heals our bodies when in need of repair, as well as ongoing maintenance. The gut is also where all nutrient absorption begins or ends. If the gut’s health is compromised, the healing needed for any bone improvement will be hindered. Optimal gut health calls not only for the avoidance of bad foods that damage the gut, but also the intake of specific foods and Probiotics. ⁸ ^{9 10}
Nutrition – The right nutrition and essential nutrients are absolutely critical. This means one must follow the right diet. The “right” diet includes whole foods, preferably organic, but void of processed foods with contaminants. It must include the right kinds of nutrients, such as animal proteins, which have been shown in multiple studies to give the greatest benefit, especially in older folks. It also must include adequate protein from the right sources. It also must have adequate amounts of fats and cholesterol needed for optimal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins needed for healthy bones, and to make the hormones needed for building new bone. Nutrition also calls for the right supplements. These should be as clean as the food you eat and void of as many antinutrients as possible. ^{11 12} ¹³ ¹⁴
Exercise – Exercises that have been shown to benefit the most are those that put a load on them, and the more targeted, the more effective they will be. Resistance training for the muscles that support the skeletal structure is key. Strong muscles are required to properly support the bones. Lastly, exercises to improve balance and prevent falls are essential, as most fractures occur as a result of a fall. ^{15 16 17} ¹⁸
Antinutrients – The avoidance of antinutrients is critical. Antinutrients are substances that can either hinder what we take in or what we’ve already obtained, and some antinutrients can rob the bones of needed minerals or vitamins from the body after having consumed them. ¹⁹
Hormones – Balanced hormones are essential for obtaining and maintaining good bone health. Balanced estrogen/progesterone and testosterone play significant roles in maintaining bone density, and their levels can decline with aging or hormonal imbalances, leading to conditions like osteoporosis. While there are drugs and drug therapies, many of which can do harm, one of the best things one can do for balanced hormones is Seed Cycling. ^{20 21 22}

When these are all applied and maintained properly, the result will be a synergy that will work to better protect trabecular bone.

Why Are Spinal (and other) Fractures Often Painless?

This is a question that is often asked by those suffering from Osteoporosis. Spinal fractures can, for some, be painless or go unnoticed, as they may not cause immediate severe pain, especially if they develop gradually due to conditions like osteoporosis or spinal tumors. Symptoms can be subtle and mistaken for other issues, causing a delayed or false diagnosis. Fractures that happen suddenly can cause severe pain, while fractures that happen slowly over time may cause little pain or go unnoticed. ^{23 24}

Little can be done for most fractures by modern medicine. Nature, however, has some answers that can expedite the healing process. ²⁵

You may have other questions. Hopefully, you will find these answers helpful. Many other questions can be answered in the pages of “Opening the Doors to Reversing and Healing Osteoporosis.”

Remember: Healthy Bones Are Happy Bones!

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