Think You Need More Calcium?

by Carly Neubert, BA, NC on July 28, 2016

Think You Need More Calcium

Think again.

Osteoporosis & Osteopenia

Over 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. And an estimated 34 million people are at risk for osteopenia. You may recognize both of these diseases as problems for "old people" with "old bones." But osteoporosis and osteopenia take a lifetime to develop into full-blown problems.

Osteoporosis is a severe lack of bone density. Your bones are constantly breaking down and building up. But if you aren't getting enough of the correct minerals, then your bones can't do the "building-up" part. You end up with demineralized bones and you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

You probably think the answer to these problems is a high calcium diet or a calcium supplement.

But what if osteoporosis isn't always caused by calcium deficiency? What if your osteoporosis is caused by toxic metal accumulation?

Toxic Metal Accumulation

Exposure To Toxic Metals

We are exposed to toxic metals every day of our lives. Some of the most problematic metals are mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Mercury is found in silver (amalgam) dental fillings. Over time your fillings may begin to break down and leak small particles of mercury through your tooth and into your bloodstream. Mercury is toxic to humans at any dose. We also encounter mercury in large predatory fish like tuna and swordfish. So when we eat these fish, we also consume the mercury that is in their tissues.

Lead used to be an ingredient in paint. Many "baby-boomers" grew up in homes with lead-based paint. As these paints break down and chip, they release lead into the air. Another way humans are exposed to lead is from water pipes and faucets. Prior to 1986, cities and homes were built with lead water pipes. As the pipes erode over time, lead particles are released into the drinking water. The same is true of lead faucets.

Cadmium pollution is mainly due to factories and farming. Cadmium is released into the air through cigarette smoke, burning fossil fuels, producing plastic, and burning electronics and batteries. But inhaling cadmium isn't even the worst of it. Foods that are grown in cadmium-polluted soils are especially dangerous. Rice, vegetables, and roots (like potatoes) can be especially high in cadmium and account for the biggest exposures.

All three of these toxic metals have been linked to bone demineralization. In other words, lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure can cause osteoporosis.

So what can you do to protect yourself against these toxic metals and osteoporosis? You could buy some land in the middle of nowhere so that you won't be exposed to air pollution. Then you could install your own plumbing to make sure you don't have lead pipes. And of course, you would have to grow your own food to make sure there would be no cadmium exposures. These options may sound tempting to some, but the reality is that most of us have to live in cities because of our employment. Unfortunately most of us don't grow our own food or build our own plumbing systems.

The more realistic option is gentle detoxification. There are certain supplements that have an affinity for toxic metals. These supplements actually attract and bind to metals in your body. This class of supplements is called "chelators."

Chelators

Some chelators are NOT safe to take unless you are under the care of an experienced integrative doctor. These chelators can strip your body of both toxic metals and essential minerals. However, modified citrus pectin (MCP) supplements are very safe to take without the care of a doctor. MCP is a gentle way of ridding the body of harmful toxic metals. Multiple studies have confirmed that MCP will help your body excrete toxic metals but leave the essential minerals in your body (where you need them).

Now is a good time to remind you that not all MCP supplements are created the same. Some companies sell "citrus pectin" or even "modified citrus pectin." But PectaSol (R) MCP is the only patented form of modified citrus pectin that has been clinically studied.

PectaSol C

Other citrus pectin supplements are created in a different way. Although these other supplements may be good for digestive health, they are not able to pass into the blood stream and bind with toxic heavy metals.

How To Prevent Osteoporosis

If you are looking to prevent osteoporosis, make sure you follow all the standard recommendations:

Eat a healthy diet
Do weight bearing exercises
Do not smoke or drink alcohol

On top of that, incorporate modified citrus pectin supplements into your quarterly detox routine. As you rid your body of toxic metals you are lowering your risk of osteoporosis as well as Alzheimers, dementia, and many cancers.

Would you like guidance on how to use PectaSol (R) MCP as part of your disease-prevention plan? Set up a consultation with me and I can walk you through creating personalized strategies tailored to your circumstances.

For additional recipes, biohacking tips and lifestyle hacks -- check out my other blog on my coaching site www.cleancoachcarly.com! I post weekly about nutrition and lifestyle topics, all backed by science. Happy Reading!