Archive for the ‘Osteoporosis’ Category
Vitamins D and K Combine for Heart & Bone Health
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For seniors who are concerned about fostering their senior health avoiding the age-related diseases of artheriorsclerosis and osteoporosis are important goals. For many years the role of vitamin D in promoting healthy bone structure has been well known. Only recently has vitamin D’s role in assisting cardiovascular health been established. In 2009 a nationwide health survey reported that vitamin D deficiency was linked to cardiovascular disease in a large sample of the folks in the USA.
In parallel with vitamin D, vitamin K contributes to the replenishment and formation of bone tissue. A vitamin K deficiency will interfere with the formation of bone tissue. Replenishing bone tissue requires both vitamin K and vitamin D, because they work synergistically to optimize bone mineralization. Similarly, a deficiency of vitamin K and vitamin D can lead to arterial calcification which leads to cardiovascular disease. This dual deficiency appears to explain the ‘calcification paradox’ seen in seniors who suffer a loss of calcium from their bones and an abnormal increase in calcium in their arteries. The dynamic duo of vitamin D and vitamin K operate together to to prevent calcium deposits in vascular tissue and to optimize bone mineralization. There is good news for seniors who are concerned about avoiding the age-related diseases of artheriorsclerosis and osteoporosis. Seniors who want to foster their senior health can supplement with vitamin D and vitamin K to prevent both osteoporosis and artheriorsclerosis, because both vitamins are now available in supplement form.
Soy Is a Healthy Nutritional Source for Seniors
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Many articles in the press have promoted the health benefits of consuming soy as a food. In fact in 1999 the FDA allowed a health claim to be made for soy as a food. This action by the FDA was very unusual; it came under attack by certain folks who were later identified as representing a narrow slice of the food industry. These critics apparently felt threatened by the success of soy which would take away some of their pre-soy approval profits. The end result of this story has a happy ending for seniors who are concerned about fostering their senior health. As a result of the criticism, many clinical studies and research were performed on soy and the verdict is in; soy is a very healthy source of nutrition for all ages including seniors.
Soy proteins and its isoflavanones provide a wide range of health benefits through direct and complementary paths in our bodies. They operate by various means to reduce inflammation and block oxidation. These healthy effects provide a multilayer protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis as well as many other unhealthy conditions that accompany aging. It turns out that soy protein and isoflavones have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This is very good news about soy for seniors who are concerned about taking preemptive aging steps to promote their cardiovascular health.
Which Vitamin Protects Your Heart & Bones?
- Image by pjah73 via Flickr
Most seniors are knowledgeable about the need for sufficient calcium to keep their bones healthy and avoid osteoporosis. What many do not know is that a particular vitamin is required to maintain both healthy bones and a healthy heart. Doctors have known for some time that a lack of calcium in bone results in osteoporosis, but calcium deposits in the arteries result in cardiovascular disease. What is needed is a way to regulate the amount of calcium needed for healthy bones and healthy arteries.
Studies in the Japan have revealed that a particular form of vitamin K contributes to maintaining strong bones in seniors. It is found in a food called natto which contains vitamin K2. This form of vitamin K is also found in egg yolks, organ meats, and dairy products. In one study in Japan folks who were suffering from osteoporosis were treated with vitamin K2 and the number of spinal fractures was reduced by over 50%. In parallel studies have shown that even modest amounts of vitamin K2 fight cardiovascular disease by keeping calcium out of the arteries which prevents the formation of dangerous calcified plaques.
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Zinc Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
- Image by go elsewhere… via Flickr
As seniors age one of the diseases that stalks them is osteoporosis. This disease is an enemy of senior health; it can rob seniors of the enjoyment of their senior years. Recent research into the nutritional components that support strong, healthy bones revealed that a well known mineral plays an important role in decreasing bone aging. The mineral that was identified in the study is zinc. The researchers were studying the role of zinc as an essential component of nutrition in the development of humans. What they discovered was the strength of bones was correlated with their zinc content.
Of particular interest for seniors was their finding that identified how increased zinc content was related to the strength of bones. In addition they discovered that zinc had a stimulatory effect on bone formation. Both these findings are good news for seniors who are concerned about taking preemptive measures to ensure their senior health. The researchers found that several properly prepared compounds of zinc could actually provide a restorative effect on bone loss that was age related.
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