Posts Tagged ‘Bone Matrix’

Bones Are Protein

February 10, 2013 @ 10:40 pm
posted by Dr. Ginther

Bones are primarily made of protein.  Sure, we think of them as mostly calcium, but calcium is only a small portion of the total construct.  Most of Bone Matrix, the part that is not marrow, is collagen.  Collagen is protein.

Protein is essential in our diet.  But many are now cutting back on red meat because of the threat of cholesterol and triglycerides in fatty meats.  Others elininate meat for perceived ethical considerations.  But we still need protein!!  And we can get it.

Lean meats such as poultry, fish, and bison can answer the cholesterol and triglyceride issues.  So can low fat ricotta and cottage cheeses (28g/cup).  Mollusks and crustaceans too.  But what of non-animal sources?

Bone Not “Good Enough” = Anabolic Forteo

December 4, 2012 @ 10:40 pm
posted by Dr. Ginther

Bone that has Fractured = Bone NOT Good Enough = Bone which requires the Anabolic, Forteo.  Any fracture, especially vertebral compression fracture, can mean that the bone is NOT Good Enough.  A Falling Bone Mineral Density (BMD) can mean that the bone is NOT Good Enough.

Orthopedic Surgeons see patients because their bone has fractured.  Often this is a Fragility Fracture – a fracture due to a fall from standing height.  I treat osteoporosis because of the patients I saw as an orthopedic surgeon.  My orthopedic training makes Fracture Prevention my #1 goal.

Bone “Good Enough” for an Antiresorptive?

November 30, 2012 @ 7:07 am
posted by Dr. Ginther

How do you know when an Antiresorptive medication is best?  First, the situation needs to be beyond the capability to Take Control Naturally with Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D3 alone.  A dropping Bone Mineral Density (BMD) or a worsening Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) despite adequate Calcium and Vit D3 indicates the need for medication.

Second, the bone needs to be Good Enough that preserving it at current levels will prevent fractures.  Good enough means no Fragility Fractures and no Vertebral Compression Fractures detectable on the VFA by DXA machine or by lateral spine x-ray.