(31-10-11) High cortisol causes bone loss

by Dr. David Jockers


(NaturalNews) Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the
adrenal glands. It is released in response to stress and low levels of blood
glucocorticoids. It primarily functions to increase blood sugar through a
process called gluconeogenesis. Elevated levels of cortisol and other
glucocorticoids cause calcium depletion of bone tissue.

Bone tissue is in a constant state of construction and remodeling. There are
several critical cells that help form and mold healthy bone tissue. Osteoblasts
are the bone builders while osteoclasts help to break down decaying areas and
mold healthier bone tissue. The rate at which bone is broken down and rebuilt
determines the individual's bone density.

Bone tissue is a mineralized connective tissue. Bone is made of the same
tissue, collagen, as the tendons and ligaments that surround and support it.
The mineralization comes in the form of calcium, magnesium, & phosphate ions
that combine chemically into a crystalline mineral within the collagenous
matrix. This combination of hard mineral and flexible collagen makes bone
harder and stronger than cartilage.

The collagen is composed of a group of amino acids that includes glycine &
proline. Collagen is the major form of connective tissue in the body. It forms
tendons, ligaments, cartilage, discs, & bone among other things. Healthy
collagen is essential for healthy joint function. Healthy joints are important,
but they are not a vital organ and are therefore not prioritized highly in the
body.

High Stress Destroys Bone
In times of high stress the body will break down amino acids to form glucose
through the process of gluconeogenesis. Cortisol is the major stress hormone
that catalyzes this process. Collagen is one of the target areas for spare
amino acids. Chronically elevated stress levels increases collagen breakdown.

Cortisol primarily acts on the outer layer of the bone called the periosteum.
Research has shown that elevated cortisol inhibits osteoblast formation and
cell proliferation. This dramatically decreases bone building and lowers bone
density. A 1984 study found that a decrease in the amino acid proline being
incorporated into the central bone may be the consequence of this osteoblast
inhibition.

As long as the body remains under elevated stress levels, without adequate
rest and repair, bone mineralization and collagenous formation will be reduced.
Supplementation with vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium, etc. will not render this
due to the catabolic state of high stress.

12 Keys to Decreasing Cortisol & Increasing Bone Health:
1) Reduce chronic stress by avoiding food allergens & balance blood sugar by
avoiding heavy carbohydrate consumption.

2) Follow an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of phytonutrient rich fruits
and vegetables. Consume plenty of healthy fats from coconut, avocado, olive
oil, & good nuts & seeds. Use grass-fed or free range meats & eggs and wild-
caught fish & purified fish oil supplements.

3) Reduce toxicity and boost detoxification pathways through intermittent
fasting, infrared sauna, glutathione precursors, liver detoxifying herbs &
probiotics.

4) Get regular chiropractic adjustments and do spine and posture based
exercises to reduce biomechanical & neurological stress while boosting
proprioceptive intelligence and enhancing neurological function.

5) Sleep 8 strong hours each night and fall asleep by 11pm.

6) Undergo regular high-intensity exercise without overtraining.

7) Deep breath & practice mental/emotional relaxation methods.

8) Use adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, & astragalus

9) De-Inflame with clean water and fresh squeezed lemon throughout the day and
use anti-oxidant rich herbs such as turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, & cilantro.

10) Find a noble purpose and pursue it with all your heart and spirit.

11) Supplement with a whole food multi-vitamin that supplies ample trace
minerals & B vitamins.

12) Optimize vitamin D levels with regular sunshine and emulsified vitamin D3
supplementation.

Sources For This Article Include:
1. Chyun YS, Kream BE, Raisz LG Cortisol decreases bone formation by
inhibiting periosteal cell proliferation. Endocrinology. 1984 Feb;114(2):477-
80.

2. Pereira RM, Delany AM, Canalis E Cortisol inhibits the differentiation and
apoptosis of osteoblasts in culture. Bone. 2001 May;28(5):484-90.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/1...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen

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