Calcium Intake and Calcification: Latest Findings vs the SVA Perspective Contrary to what scientists predicted, the media is reporting an increasing number of bone related diseases including: bone loss, osteoporosis, and osteopenia – all conditions characterized by low bone mineral density. Over the past few weeks, many of you wrote to us, asking us for the SVA perspective on calcification and general bone health. There is rising confusion and even fear about calcification. Vaidya Mishra responds to your questions and fears by clarifying the protocols for calcium absorption; in addition, he discusses the importance of the source and intelligence of calcium, setting the cap at 1000mg max/day; additional tips discussed for the proper absorption of calcium relate to the intake of Vit K2, Magnesium and Vit D3; finally, Vaidya discusses a wondrous ayurvedic plant known as “Bone herb” or “Hardjor,” and the role Kulthi can play in decalcification. We conclude the article with delicious SVA recipes. So you open your laptop and type in the words to find out more. A typical web search will yield the following findings: Osteopenia is defined as the stage of low bone density that precedes osteoporosis . At this stage, bone density is below average but not as low as occurs with osteoporosis. The World Health Organization formed a committee in 1994 to define osteoporosis, and four categories were defined: normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and established osteoporosis. All of these categories are measured by bone density and the prevalence of fractures. In osteopenia, bone density falls between one standard deviation and 2.5 standard deviations below average. Risk factors include age, race, and ethnicity, and the use of hormones . Although treatment for osteopenia is largely affected by age and the presence of fractures, women between the ages of fifty and seventy can prevent it by taking estrogen with calcium and exercising regularly. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million women and 2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis. Men have bones that are much larger and stronger than women's bones, which is why women suffer from the condition more often than men. However, both men and women share similar risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., prolonged exposure to certain medications, chronic diseases that affect vital organs, undiagnosed low levels of testosterone , lifestyle habits, age, heredity, race), so methods of intervention are similar.
The prescription is clear: calcium intake. The past few years have seen heavy doses of calcium prescribed in the form of oral supplements. Often as high as 1,000 – 1,500 mg to ward off bone-‐related diseases. However, nowadays, scientists contend that calcium supplements may increase the calcification process in the body potentially leading to cardiovascular disease. The editorial piece in the recent Life Extension magazine discusses the potential dangers of calcium supplements – (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2012/aug2012_Potential-Danger-Of-Calcium-Supplements_01.htm to read the article) amongst other things: Adishakti, LLC -‐ 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Suite F, Chatsworth, CA, 91311, USA TOLL-‐FREE: 888-‐324-‐2634 – PHONE: 818 709-‐1006/1007 – FAX: 818-‐709-‐1008 -‐ www.vaidyamishra.com -‐ www.chandika.com These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.