Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

There are current studies that show that drugs like Actonel and Fosamax  (don't know about Boniva), while they do increase bone density, they  quality of bone is of poor quality.  You also can't take these  drugs if you have acid reflux or other digestive problems.
  
  You still cannot beat weight bearing exercise, while eating enough  calcium.  Howver, you need to spread out calcuim intake over the  day because you body is only able to process about 600 mg in a  stilling, so taking 1000mg supplement is waisting 400 mg.  Take  one 500 mg twice/day will give you almost twice the usable calcium over  one 1000 mg.
  
  Carolyn Burgess

MarisR@xxxxxxx wrote:

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that probably has its start with childbearing or even younger.  There  is no good way to significantly reverse the bone loss.  That said, however, there seems to be a difference between quantity of bone and quality of bone.  Bone quality can be improved dramatically, with fracture risk reductions of 50% or more.  Currenlty available weekly drugs including Actonel and Fosamax work great.  There is a new monthly pill called Boniva.  If none of them produce the desired result, there are stronger drugs available.

None of the medications can be used without Calcium.  After menopause the current recommended dose is 1500mg per day, with Vitamin D taken with it.  Without the D, you can't absorb calcium.

None of that is any good without weight-bearing exercise.  Walking, aerobics, rollerblading, etc.  My assumption is that riding counts, as it sure seems to bear weight on my feet too, but I don't know of any studies to show it.  The exercise causes the stimuloation in the bones so that the body knows where to put the calcium, and where bone remoeling is needed. 

OK?

 

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --WOW-- what
a ride !! "

Maris Ramsay