18/10/2025
UNDERSTANDING OSTEOPOROSIS - HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR BONES
Osteoporosis is common in Australia, especially for those over 50.
More than a million Australians live with osteoporosis, and another 6 million have osteopenia (low bone mass). With numbers this high, it’s worth knowing what makes up healthy bone – and what you can do to protect yours.
WHY BONE HEALTH MATTERS
Bone does far more than hold us upright.
• It provides structure and movement
• It protects vital organs
• It stores and releases essential minerals
• It produces blood cells
• It regulates hormones and even helps balance pH
Bone is living, dynamic tissue – a blend of minerals for strength, collagen for flexibility, and water for resilience. Specialised cells constantly build, repair, and maintain it. True bone health means more than density alone; flexibility and quality matter just as much when it comes to preventing fractures.
WHAT HAPPENS AS BONES AGE
As we get older, bones naturally change. Factors such as inflammation, hormonal shifts, oxidative stress, poor nutrition, inactivity, and chronic illness can speed up bone loss. The results are:
• Lower bone mass and density
• Reduced strength and flexibility
• Impaired bone function overall
THE LIMITS OF CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
Medicines like Denosumab (Prolia) can increase bone density by slowing bone breakdown. However, they reduce the clearance of ageing and unhealthy bone cells, have no impact on collagen restoration and don’t support the bone-building cells we rely on for long-term strength. In short, density improves, but bone quality and health does not.
A WHOLISTIC APPROACH
The good news? While bones respond slowly, they do respond. By targeting both the causes (inflammation, oxidation, hormonal change, lifestyle) and the effects (loss of minerals, collagen, and cell function), it’s possible to support real bone health.
Naturopathic care focuses on this broader picture – helping you protect, nourish, and even rebuild your bones naturally.
If you’d like to take proactive steps for stronger, healthier bones, we’d love to help.
Please call our reception team on (03) 5221 8220 to book an appointment.
Yours in good health,
Rob