Prebiotics may reduce teenagers risk for developing osteoporosis

The pros of prebiotics

We all know that the years when teens are least likely to eat right are the ones in which their need for calcium soars, leaving many teenagers at risk for developing osteoporosis later in life. Now new research indicates that adding prebiotics to the diet could aid adolescents, particularly during the time when they are struggling to build their peak bone mass.

Researchers asked 100 teenage boys and girls to either supplement with 8 g daily of a prebiotic called inulin-type fructan or a placebo, measuring their bone mineral content and bone mineral density at the beginning of the study and after one year. Their calcium absorption was also measured at the beginning and end of the trial, and again eight weeks into the study.

Those who received the fructan had significantly greater calcium absorption at eight weeks and one year, and greater whole-body bone mineral content and bone mineral density after one year.

This news could help postmenopausal women, too, as they battle to retain bone mass and fight off osteoporosis.

Check your local natural food store to see if they carry prebiotic supplements. If not, contact a physician member of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (800-532-3688 or www.acam.org) who can help you locate a reliable source.

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Air supply

Q: Are there any natural treatments for COPD?

JVW: The best treatment I know of for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is nebulized, inhaled glutathione.

A dose of 120-200 milligrams inhaled twice a day is what I usually prescribe. Since glutathione rapidly loses strength when exposed to air, each day’s supply should be prepared in its own separate vial by a compounding pharmacist. He or she can usually supply you with the nebulizer, too. The only adverse reaction that I’ve heard was from a very chemically sensitive individual who developed an allergy to it.

I also recommend several supplements for COPD to combat bronchial secretions and maintain the health of the airway.

First on the list is 500 milligrams of N-acteylcysteine three times per day for the mucus build up. If N-acteylcysteine is used for several months or more, add 30 milligrams of zinc picolinate and 2 milligrams of copper sebacate — but take each of them (and the N-acteylcysteine) separately.

To loosen secretions, I generally recommend three to six drops of SSKI (potassium iodide) daily. Please note that your physician should monitor your thyroid function if you take SSKI.

Magnesium, 300-400 milligrams daily, can relax the smooth lining of the bronchial tubes.

And finally, 50,000 units of vitamin A daily can help to maintain the health of the bronchial tube cells.

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What are…prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that prompt growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. By stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria, prebiotics support good colon health.

Inulin, which is derived from chicory roots, is a commonly used natural prebiotic that can be added to drinks or food.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing

Sources:

“A combination of prebiotic short- and long-chain inulin type fructans enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralization in young adolescents,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005; 82(2): 471-476