Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Osteoporosis – Prevention, Monitoring & Treatments While DEXA bone scans are very useful for determining bone mineral density, their inability to show small improvements means waiting up to a year or more to see if treatments for osteoporosis or osteopenia are working. The long wait needed between DEXA scans means the loss of valuable bone-building time if treatments are not adequate. My patients, however, do not have to wait for their next DEXA scan to find out if their treatments are working. I use a convenient urine test between DEXA scans to measure components from bone called pyridinium crosslinks. These substances provide very accurate measurements of the rate of bone loss, which is a better measurement of short term bone health compared to more frequent DEXA scans. Therapies may then be adjusted and the urine test repeated to make sure that bone loss has slowed down or even reversed. Clinical studies have demonstrated that soy isoflavones significantly increase bone mineral density after only six months. I therefore recommend that my patients concerned about preventing osteoporosis include whole soy foods, such as soy beans, tofu and soy milk as an essential part of their diet. In patients who already have osteopenia or osteoporosis, I often recommend that in addition to vitamin and mineral supplements, diet changes and exercise they also add soy isoflavone supplements. Calcium citrate supplements (but not dairy consumption) have been shown to significantly slow down bone loss in women who have been postmenopausal for at least three years. A recent study showed that a dosing schedule of 500 mg calcium citrate taken in the morning plus 1,000 mg taken in the evening may offer the most protection from bone loss. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have documented the significant effects of Ipriflavone, synthesized from soy, on increasing bone density. Studies using a total of 600 mg daily report excellent benefits, especially during the first few years of menopause when the majority of bone loss typically occurs. Ipriflavone is also helpful at higher doses for bone loss due to Paget's disease of the bone, hyperparathyroidism and bone loss due to steroid drug use. While Ipriflavone is considered very safe, patients must have regular blood tests to monitor any side effects as one study showed mild changes in white blood cell counts. Other supplements beneficial in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis are magnesium, vitamin K, folic acid, vitamin D, boron, manganese, B6, Vitamin C, zinc and copper. Lifestyle factors also contribute significantly to bone health. A diet providing bone strengthening nutrients such as those found in collard greens, kale, tofu, soybeans, brown rice and broccoli is an integral part of a prevention or treatment plan. Avoiding caffeine, sugar, soft drinks and high protein diets is also important, as these have all been shown to deplete bone density. Ironically, green, black and oolong tea all from the plant Camellia sinensis, are associated with stronger bones despite the small amounts of caffeine they contain. Weight-bearing exercise offers significant protection and should not be overlooked. Just 30 minutes of exercise three times weekly can make a huge difference to bone density. In conclusion, the vast array of natural supplements, diet changes, exercise prescriptions and natural hormones along with the high standard of testing recommendations give my patients every advantage in weathering menopause, preventing and treating osteoporosis and building a strong foundation for their later years.
Osteoporosis & Calcium Question: What is the best kind of calcium? What do you think of coral calcium? Ruth B., New York For osteoporosis prevention and treatment, calcium citrate-malate is the best absorbed. There have been no formal studies on coral calcium, and there is no evidence that coral calcium is better than calcium citrate-malate or any other kind of calcium.
Osteoporosis & Protein Is it true that high protein diets increase osteoporosis? Julie R., New Hampshire Some early studies suggested that the average American's protein intake could lead of lower bone mineral densities, but newer studies don't support this. However, a higher than average diet of protein foods might certainly lead to calcium loss in the urine, which could cause osteoporosis. This is why I stress the importance of eating a moderate protein diet of between 45 - 60 grams per day depending on body weight. Eating a vegetable-based diet and limiting meat, dairy and eggs would provide this moderate level of protein. About Dr. Kowalsky Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky is a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer and chronic medical conditions. She offers expert solutions integrating the best of alternative and complementary medical care. As a naturopathic doctor she is trained in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, providing her patients with the most holistic, integrative and effective medical care available.
Therapies Include: *Vitamin Therapies
Services Include: *Comprehensive physical exams
The Highest Standard of Care "I provide strong guidance and caring medicine that foster hope and optimal health. My practice is based on a holistic, patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes finding the underlying cause of a patient's medical condition and strengthening overall health as well as providing relief from symptoms. I recommend treatments that work with the inherent healing systems of the body rather than merely suppressing symptoms. I prescribe treatments based on the best scientific evidence available, while also developing a healing and supportive relationship with each patient. I adjust treatments to address the individual needs of each person based on mental, emotional and social factors as well as their physical health and symptoms. Only by really listening can a doctor understand the pieces of the puzzle that make up a patient's health concerns. I believe the highest standard of care can only happen when the doctor is totally dedicated and committed to your health and wellbeing." -- Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSIS Dr. Kowalsky has built a reputation as a successful “medical detective,” diagnosing persistent, challenging and complex medical cases. With her experience and dedication to uncovering the many factors contributing to health and disease, she has achieved high rates of success helping her patients.
MENOPAUSE & WOMEN’S HEALTH Dr. Kowalsky provides comfortable gynecological exams and pap smears. She believes it's important to support a woman with menopausal or other gynecological concerns using safe and natural bio-identical hormones, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutritional therapies. Her success in treating hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, memory problems and osteoporosis makes menopause a lot easier for many women. With natural therapies and Dr. Kowalsky's gentle guidance you can make this important time a stepping stone to a meaningful and healthy future!
NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGY Dr. Kowalsky provides a responsible, rational and integrative approach to the treatment of cancer. Naturopathic medicines can help increase longevity, heighten quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while enhancing their effectiveness. CREDENTIALS Dr. Kowalsky received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from The National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kowalsky completed her clinical internship at the Portland Naturopathic Clinic. She completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners and is a naturopathic physician licensed by the state of Vermont. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN? Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are the only physicians with comprehensive medical training that includes a wide variety of natural therapeutics, such as herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, natural hormones, intravenous supplementation and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other specialists for diagnosis or treatment when necessary. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, and environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account. Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual patient based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as participant. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements like those of conventional medical schools. Because the coursework in naturopathic theory and natural medicine is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education than the graduates of leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins and Mayo medical schools. Patients are demanding evidence that medical practice be safe and effective. Natural medicine has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective through clinical studies and scientific evaluation. There are over 90,000 medical studies on complementary and alternative medicine, mostly from conventional medicine database resources. In fact, one textbook on naturopathic therapeutics references over 10,000 citations to peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the efficacy of natural treatments.
To schedule an appointment or to request more information call: (802) 649-1064 16 Beaver Meadow Road Conveniently located near I-91 & I-89
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the document and website is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED, CONSIDERED OR USED IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. No action should be taken based only on this newsletter. Readers should consult a licensed naturopathic physician or medical doctor. The information and editorials in this newsletter are believed to be accurate, but readers who fail to consult with a physician assume the risk of injuries. (C) Copyright 2002 - 2007 Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D. All rights reserved. |