Osteoporosis is no joke.
We all know that. But what can be done about it? What are our options?
There are some new developments in this field that are looking promising. These advances may be a long time coming to the market, however, so the standard exercise advice for Osteoporosis prevention is still the way to go.
The good news is that researchers at UC San Francisco and UC Davis showed that in mice, the hormone known as Maternal Brain Hormone (CCN3) increases bone density and strength. This hormone is only produced during lactation.
Their results, published this month in Nature solve a long-standing puzzle about how women’s bones remain healthy and strong during breastfeeding, even as calcium is stripped from bones to support milk production.
What they discovered in mice is that the female hormone CCN3 blocks an estrogen receptor in the brain, which leads to increased bone mass. Yipee!
When they gave the CCN3 to older mice of both sexes, bone mass increased dramatically for them as well, in just a few weeks.
In some female mice who lacked all estrogen or were very old, CCN3 was able to more than double bone mass!
They also tested human cells in a laboratory setting and found the same results.
This is excellent news, as bone loss occurs not only as we age, but also in younger women who have been treated for breast cancer.
These same scientists are continuing their research and will follow up with human trials as well.
Fingers crossed that this is something that will soon be an option for all of us and with WAY fewer side effects than the current Osteoporosis medication.
Meanwhile, isometric exercises combined with weight bearing aerobic exercises like walking and hiking is the best way to prevent more bone loss.
If you do not have a habit of walking daily, now would be a good time to start.
If you live in Western Mass or nearby, join us for a 30-minute walk and then 20-minute meditation on August 19th at 10 am. We’re meeting at gate 2 at Stanley Park in Westfield. The gardens there are a lovely place to walk.
Exercises that add resistance to movement make muscles work harder and become stronger. These exercises put stress on bones, so they can make bones stronger as well. Resistance includes strength-training exercises like using free weights or using the weight of your body isometrically (pushups, squats.) Don’t be scared off by the word “free weights,” you don’t need a gym for weight training. Soup cans from your pantry and milk and juice containers from your fridge are free weights too!
As for isometric exercises, I have included a video of the exercise I recommend you start with. I call it a “Super Squat,” and you even get to lean on the wall while you’re doing it! It gives the biggest bang for your buck, so to speak, which is why I recommend it.
Give it a try today!
Best of Health,
Kathi
