Category: Bone

Osteoporosis 骨質酥鬆

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone tissue resulting in thin, brittle bones that are prone to fracture. Peak bone mass is reached about age 35 for men and early 30s for women. Bone density decreases with age.

Maintaining adequate calcium intake along with physical activity will slow the process. For women, the menopausal years also pose a risk for developing osteoporosis and require increased calcium intake.

Applied nutrition

A diet that is low in calcium with a high intake of tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol with a lack of weight-bearing exercises will increase the risk of severe osteoporosis. Act to increase calcium intake and absorption and to also prevent arthritis risk.

High animal protein intake has been shown to reduce bone mass – as compared with people on vegetarian diets. Always strive to maximise plant protein intake to satisfy daily needs.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Calcium + magnesium Necessary for maintaining strong bones Women under 50, men under 65: 2x twice daily. Else 4x twice daily
Glucosamine For bone and soft tissue development As directed on label
Double X Provides essential vitamin D, boron, copper, zinc and nutritional balance As directed on label
Protein powder protein and soy isoflavones promote bone mass At least two scoops, twice daily (40g total)
Vitamin B Provides strength to protein in bone tissue and promotes progesterone production 3x twice daily
Multi-carotene Strong antioxidant retards ageing process 2x twice daily
Vitamin C Important for collagen and connective tissue formation 4-6x twice daily

Gout 痛风

Gout is a kind of arthritis caused by excessive uric acid buildup in the joints. Uric acid is a substance that forms when the body breaks down a substance called purine. This substance normally dissolves in your blood and passes through the kidneys into urine. In people with gout, uric acid builds up and forms sharp crystals that can collect around the joints, causing excruciating pain.

Gout is often called a rich man’s disease since it is often associated with rich food and alcohol. In fact, it affects people from all walks of life, most commonly men between the ages of 40-50. It may be brought on by crash dieting, drinking, certain medication, overeating, stress, surgery or joint injury. Approximately 90% of the people who suffer from gout are male. Uric acid kidney stones may be a related problem

Possible signs and symptoms

Inflammation, swelling and tenderness in the joint of the first toe. Touching or moving it is intensely painful.

Applied nutrition

  • Achieve and maintain an idea body mass.
  • Eat fresh, unrefined and unprocessed foods. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy, beans, seeds, nuts olive oil and cold-water fish (salmon, tuna and halibut).
  • Avoid purine-containing foods such as organ meats, shellfish, yeasts (beer, bread, baked foods), anchovies, sardines, herring and mackerel.
  • Avoid alcohol, animal fats, red meat and poultry, sugar, dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk foods and caffeine.
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of purified water daily.
Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Reduces uric acid production 1 scoop
,
2x daily
Omega 3 Repairs tissues, aids healing and restores proper fatty acid balance. An excess of saturated fats often underlies this disorder 2 tabs,
2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Lowers serum uric acid levels; controls inflammation 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex Needed for proper digestion and all bodily enzyme functions. B5 also reduces stress 2 tabs,
3x daily
Selenium E Improves circulation (to flush acids out and repair affected areas) 1 tab,
1x daily
Calcium + magnesium Reduces pain and stress caused by this disorder, helps sleep 2 tabs,
3x daily
Glucosamine Repairs joint tissue. Has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties 3 tabs,
3x daily

Back Pain 背疼

The back is an intricately designed structure made up of bone, muscles, nerves and other soft tissue. The back is particularly vulnerable to injury and back pain can be disabling. Pain felt in the lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries.

Lower back pain is the number 2 reason why people in Hong Kong see their doctor – second only to colds and flu.

Possible causes

Small fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis; rupture/herniation/degeneration of the spinal disks; muscle spasms (very tense muscles that remain contracted); poor posture leading to misaligned vertebrae; strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back; other medical conditions like fibromyalgia.

There is a particular risk if you: work in construction / logistics requiring heaving lifting or other spinal activity; have bad posture; are pregnant; are over 30 years of age; smoke; do not do regular exercise; are overweight; have arthritis or osteoporosis; have a low pain threshold; are stressed or depressed.

Back pain from organs in the pelvis or elsewhere include:
bladder infection; kidney stones; endometriosis; ovarian cancer; ovarian cycles; and testicular torsion.

Non-nutritional assistance

Back pain has contributory causes outside poor nutrition. Advice on posture, exercise and massage is necessary. If pain is a disturbance to normal life, consider referral to a registered chiropractor.

Applied nutrition

Proper nutrition will help sustain the benefits of chiropractic treatment, improvements to posture and exercise.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Helps tissue repair as it is a major component of bone tissue. 1-2 scoops,
3x daily
Omega 3 These fatty acids are necessary for health and cannot be generated by the body (essential fatty acids). These increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They may be of assistance in relieving symptoms associated with back pain. 1 tab,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Needed to prevent bone loss. Calcium is a natural tranquillizer. Together with magnesium, it relives anxiety, tension, nervousness and muscular spasms. 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex Needed for proper digestion, formation of cells, production of myelin and the protective coating around the nerves. Prevents nerve damage. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Parselenium E A powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals. Increases joint mobility. Low levels of vitamin E is found in people with arthritis and Lupus. 1 tab,
2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Powerful free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory agent. Bioflavonoids enhance the activity of vitamin C. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Glucosamine HCI Very important to the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial joint fluid. 3 tabs,
3x daily

Arthritis 风湿病

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. It causes painful joints, swelling and stiffness, which can be due to a variety of causes. There are also many different forms of arthritis – two of the most common being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis generally manifests itself in pain, swelling and inflammation at the affected joint.

Osteoarthritis is associated with ageing and can affect any joint. The cartilage of the affected joint is gradually worn down, eventually causing bone to rub against bone. Bony spurs develop on the unprotected bones causing pain and inflammation. There are other causes such as congenital effects, trauma and metabolic disorders. Joints appear larger, are stiff, painful and usually feel worse the more they are used throughout the day.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which initially attacks the synovium, a connective tissue membrane that lines the cavity between joints and secretes a lubricating fluid.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein A  high-quality protein supplement specially formulated wholly from plants. It supplies balanced amounts of the nine essential amino acids. 1-2 scoops,
3x daily
Omega 3 These fatty acids are necessary for health and cannot be generated by the body (essential fatty acids). These increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They may assist in relieving symptoms associated with arthritis 1 tab,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Needed to prevent bone loss. Calcium is a natural tranquilizer. Together with magnesium, it relives anxiety, tension, nervousness and muscular spasms. 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex  Needed for proper digestion, formation of cells, production of myelin and the protective coating around the nerves. Prevents nerve damage 3 tabs,
3x daily
Parselenium E A powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals. Increases joint mobility. Low levels of vitamin E is found in people with arthritis and Lupus. 1 tab,
1x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Powerful free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory agent.  Bioflavonoids enhance the activity of vitamin C. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Glucosamine HCI Very important to the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial joint fluid. 3 tabs,
3x daily