by Dr. Smith
12. July 2010 18:53
Every woman should understand completely the risk factors for osteoporosis. The rate at which bone density is lost begins to increase at around 10 years before menopause and gradually declines after a peak at menopause. I have written about the dietary risk factors in previous blogs including the great need for vitamin D supplements in our culture. Other risk factors include:
- History of smoking
- Mother had osteoporosis
- History of extensive steroid use
- Small, thin body build.
In the years leading up to menopause, and thereafter, women should have bone density tests every year or two.
Remember, Vitamin D is paramount in fighting osteopenia and osteoporosis.
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by Dr. Smith
7. July 2010 00:33
Bone density has been the object of much publicity in the last decade. The loss of life style, interruption in activity, medical expense and disability from osteoporosis is greater than cancer of the uterus and cervix combined. Every post-menopausal woman must understand the need for a bone density test.
The test is done with a machine similar to an x-ray machine called a DEXA. The readings the DEXA give the doctor are on a scale which compares the patient to “young normal,” or, the bone density of a woman in her 20’s. A bone density reading of “0” means that the patient has the bones of a young normal. A reading of greater than 0, such as +.15, means the bones are better than young normal. A negative reading such as -.15 means the bones are worse than young normal. A reading of -1.5 is termed “osteopenia,” and -2.5 is "osteoporosis."
Vitamin D is paramount in fighting osteopenia and osteoporosis.
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by Dr. Smith
29. June 2010 00:56
As discussed in my previous article, osteoporosis is a function of calcium metabolism dependent upon not only calcium intake levels but also the pH (acidity) of the foods consumed. We talked about Eskimos who have a very high incidence of osteoporosis compared to tribal Africans who have a low incidence. The difference lies in their diets and exposure to sunlight. Eskimos have a very high consumption of protein including a lot of meat. Meat has an acidic pH effect on the body. The Africans have a high consumption of fruits and vegetables which have an alkaline pH effect on the body. We don’t see many Eskimos growing gardens and we don’t see many Africans eating whale meat. Therein lies the difference. Apply these facts to the American diet which is overall, too acidic. As a general rule, the more natural foods such as fruits and vegetables, are more alkaline and therefore better for prevention of osteoporosis. Meat is acidic. The protein in milk is acidic. Interestingly, the protein in milk has the effect of compromising the benefit of the calcium content. That is why, for years, we have not seen milk advertised as a product for strong bones, because the truth is, the high protein content negates the positive calcium benefit.
The other obvious factor is exposure to sunlight. The skin synthesizes vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. For a significant part of the year, Eskimos do not get any sunlight. Eskimos should be taking vitamin D, as should all the rest of us, if we do not get at least :30 minutes of sunlight exposure directly to the skin daily.
If we are unable to get 30 minutes direct sunlight exposure daily, we should be taking up to 5000 IU of vitamin D per day.
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by Dr. Smith
16. June 2010 00:12
Calcium metabolism has a lot to do with the pH of your blood. As a refresher, pH is the measurement of acidity and is recorded on a scale of 0 to 14 with 0 being the most acid possible and 14 being the most alkaline. The pH of water is neutral at 7 and blood is 7.4. The blood pH varies according to a number of factors, especially our diet. If we have a diet that is too acidic, (the typical American diet, by the way), the blood will become too acid as a result of what we eat. The body’s response to neutralize our overly acid food intake is to use calcium as a buffer. It is like the technique of putting baking soda (very alkaline) on the terminals of a car battery to neutralize the acid. The body’s baking soda, in effect, is calcium. If our diets are low in calcium or vitamin D, or both, the body will withdraw calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid diet and maintain the blood pH at acceptable levels. The body will sacrifice the bones to maintain acceptable blood pH levels. That is why, as discussed in last week’s blog, Africans who have a very alkaline diet and lots of sunshine have little osteoporosis and Eskimos who have an acid diet and much less sunshine have a very high incidence of osteoporosis.
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by Dr. Smith
7. June 2010 23:34
An interesting study was done a few years back trying to determine why Eskimos have a very high incidence of osteoporosis and Africans have a relative low incidence. They discovered two answers. First, Africans eat lots of fruits and vegetables and Eskimos do not. Fruits and vegetables are high in phytonutrients and low in protein, both factors being conducive for healthy bones. Second, Africans get a lot more sunlight, which is nature’s osteoporosis treatment. Vitamin D deficiency, or technically, vitamin D3, is synthesized in the skin in the presence of sunlight. So if you care about your bones and have a concern about osteoporosis, take your vitamin D3, about 5000 IU per day. Or, get at least 30 minutes direct sun exposure daily. If there is any doubt, do both, it will not hurt you. Next week we will discuss osteoporosis in more detail.
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by Dr. Smith
24. May 2010 20:24
The Kansas City Star recently quoted cardiologist James O’Keefe stating that the general population is predominantly deficient in vitamin D. African-Americans are especially susceptible because the skin pigment blocks the sun’s vitamin D producing rays. Some of the lowest lab readings of vitamin D occur in black people.
The good news is that a simple vitamin D supplement will solve the problem nicely. I discussed the remedies including sun exposuree and vitamin D supplements in my last blog. In the next blog we will be discussing the health implications of vitamin D deficiency. There are a couple forms of vitamin D available on the market. The one most active in the body is vitamin D3.
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by Dr. Smith
17. May 2010 19:07
You should know your cholesterol and your blood pressure numbers. Now, from current research regarding vitamin D, (technically, it is vitamin D3,) vitamin D deficiency is becoming a consideration to doctors everywhere. To have your vitamin D3 level correctly tested by your doctor, ask him/her to do the blood test called (25OH) D3. Then, when the results come back from the lab, you should be looking at a blood level of 50. The current lab “normal” levels are around 30 but are soon to be upgraded to more accurately reflect the vitamin D deficiency epidemic we are experiencing. To get your blood levels up to 50 either spend 30 minutes a day with your skin exposed to the sun, or, take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 per day and have the blood level checked again in 2 months.
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by Dr. Smith
11. May 2010 00:35
My patients are more frequently coming in with a prescription in hand for vitamin D or more correctly, vitamin D3. Vitamin D deficiency is being recognized by doctors as a contributing factor in many illness from autism to cancer. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,70 percent of U.S. kids have low vitamin D levels. Of those, 9 percent were actually deficient., having less than half of what their body needs. The problem is kids nowadays spend more time indoors than they should. Adults, too, for that matter. To remedy the problem, I recommend 5,000 I.U. of vitamin D3 daily for everyone except children for whom I recommend 2,000 graduating up to 5,000 as they grow to adult size.
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by Dr. Smith
26. March 2010 18:55
The Autism Reserch Institute has funded a study investigating the potential connection between vitamin D deficiency and autism. The investigators need participants for the study. To participate is very simple. There is no expense and no risk whatsoever. The purpose is to see if vitamin D can prevent autism development in a newborn child who has an older sibling with autism. There is significant scientific data which suggests that this theory may be plausible.
Approximtely 7% of families with an autistic child have a second autistic child. Therefore, to qualify for the study, participating families must have an autistic child currently and are either pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The vitamin D will be given to the mother during pregnancy and to the newborn for the first 3 years of life.
The investigators are urgently seeking people to participate in this study. Again, there is no risk and no expense to participants. If you would like more information, please get in touch with me at the Contact Us link on this web page.
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by Dr. Smith
22. March 2010 18:36
How do I know if my child with autism has a vitamin D deficiency? It is really very simple. The Vitamin D Council offers a test kit whereby you can use a drop of blood from a home test kit to get an accurate vitamin D reading. If you have the wherewithal to prick your child’s finger or your own finger, you can do this test without a trip to the doctor.
Based upon current research, the normal acceptable blood level is now considered to be above 50 ng/ml in both children and adults. The cool thing about doing the test at home is you can take your vitamin D for a month or so and then retest without repeated visits to the doctor. If you prefer to go to the doctor for the test, be sure he orders the test called 25(OH) vitamin D. The doctor’s lab “normal” range will be significantly below the optimal 50 ng/ml so you will want to remember that when you begin your vitamin D supplementation.
Vitamin D is inexpensive and is available on line. In my practice for people who have vitamin D deficiency, I recommend 5000 IU per day for adults, 1000 IU per day for children under age 2 and from 2000 up to 5000 for older children with dosage graduated based upon body weight. Remember to retest during summer months. If you and/or your child are out in the sun a lot the total dose may not be necessary.
You can get your home vitamin D test kits through the Vitamin D Council.
