Risk factors — toxins
Your toxic load increases your bone burden
Exposure to certain toxins can damage your bone health. Our modern environment exposes
us to a range of pollutants, chemicals, and heavy metals every day. Although your
body is equipped with mechanisms for removing toxins, the unprecedented number of
substances in our environment can be overwhelming.
When it comes to bone health, heavy metal exposure is particularly harmful. Metals
are not easily excreted by the lymphatic system, and tend to accumulate in the body.
Lead inhibits activation of vitamin D and limits calcium absorption.
It can be stored in the bones, displacing calcium, and released as bones begin to
break down after menopause. This may exacerbate menopausal bone loss. There is some
evidence that lead also interferes with progesterone levels, preventing that hormone’s
beneficial effects on bone health.
Cadmium damages the kidneys and alters calcium metabolism.
Aluminum lessens calcium absorption, interferes with bone mineralization
and modifies collagen production within the bones.
Other substances that are toxic to bone include mercury, tin and pesticides.
It should come as no surprise that we recommend avoiding heavy metals and toxins
as much as possible. Unfortunately, our environment is inundated with them, and
it isn’t possible to eliminate our exposure entirely. We recommend an annual detox
diet to help support the processes that clear toxins from your body, as well as
drinking plenty of filtered water and exercising daily.
Our Personal Program for Better Bones is a great place to start
The Personal Program for Better Bones promotes natural bone strength and regeneration
with nutritional supplements, our exclusive bone builder formula, dietary and lifestyle
guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse-Educators. It is based
on over 25 years of research and experience and has helped thousands of women reclaim
their bone health.
- To learn more about the Personal Program for Better Bones, go to
How it works.
- To choose the version of the Program that’s right for you, go to
Compare plans.
- To assess your bone health and fracture risk, take our free
Bone Health Profile.
- To start taking control of your bone health today, sign-up for a
risk-free trial.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-685-3275.
We’re here to listen and to help.
Original Publication Date: 05/11/2009
Last Modified:
02/16/2010