As we age, our bones become more fragile and prone to fractures. Our bones are living tissues that provide structure and support for our bodies. They protect our vital organs and enable us to move and perform daily activities. Bones also store important minerals like Calcium and Phosphorus, which are essential for our overall health. This is why it's important to take care of our bone health from an early age.
Over the years, our bones may lose strength and density, leading to conditions like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where our bones become fragile and porous, making them more prone to fractures. It's estimated that over 200 million people worldwide have osteoporosis, with women being more susceptible to the condition than men. Research has shown that a lack of Calcium, Vitamin D, and other essential minerals can contribute to poor bone health, as can a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. Other common bone diseases that affect millions of people in the U.S. include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Paget's disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of bone disease that affects both men and women, but is more common in women. This condition occurs when the body's immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and deformity, making it challenging to perform daily activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.5 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis, with women three times more likely to develop the condition than men.
How to Maintain Strong Bones
Proper nutrition plays a big role in maintaining strong bones. We need to consume adequate amounts of Calcium, Vitamin D, and other essential minerals to promote bone health. Some good sources of Calcium include grass-fed, cultured or fermented dairy products (if you tolerate them), organic leafy green vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Vitamin D is synthesized in our skin when we're exposed to sunlight, but we can also get it from fatty fish and supplements.
Exercise is another important factor in maintaining strong bones. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, and weightlifting help stimulate bone growth and increase bone density. Even simple activities like dancing and stair climbing can have a positive impact on bone health.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass. This condition leads to an increased risk of fractures, especially in older adults. Additionally, osteoporosis is responsible for more than two million fractures annually, resulting in billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
The Role of Boron in Supporting Bone Health
Boron is a trace mineral that plays an important role in bone health. It helps to support bone growth and development by increasing the absorption and utilization of Calcium and Magnesium, two minerals that are essential for strong bones.
Research suggests that Boron may help to reduce the risk of bone health challenges as we age. One study found that postmenopausal women who took Boron supplements had significantly higher levels of Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3 in their blood, which are all important nutrients for bone health.
Boron may also play a huge role in managing inflammation, another risk factor for bone health challenges. Inflammation can lead to bone loss and weaken bones over time, so supporting a healthy inflammatory balance is another important strategy to mitigate bone loss.
Pure TheraPro’s Bio Boron™
Pure Thera’s Bio Boron is a special form of Boron, patented Albion® Bororganic Glycine, that is much more easily absorbed by our bodies. It helps our bones absorb important minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones. Bio Boron also supports a healthy inflammation balance in our body, which is important to maintain bone health.
Our soil is depleted of Boron, therefore supplementation may prevent the loss of Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Boron helps convert Vitamin D into its active form within the body - enhancing Calcium absorption and utilization to support healthy bone-mineral matrix throughout your body.
Other Benefits of Boron:
Boron may also have a positive impact on brain function and cognitive health. Research suggests that Boron may play a role in the development and maintenance of neural connections in the brain, which are essential for supporting learning and memory.
Another potential benefit of Boron is its role in regulating hormone levels in the body. Research has shown that Boron helps support healthy levels of testosterone in men, which can have a range of positive effects on physical health and wellbeing. Additionally, Boron may also help to regulate levels of other hormones, including estrogen and thyroid hormones.
Boron may also have a positive impact on the immune system, as it has been shown to support immune function. This is because Boron is involved in several processes in the body that are essential for immune health, including the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help to regulate immune function.
Another benefit of Boron for postmenopausal women who took a Boron supplement for six months, was a significant increase in their levels of estrogen and testosterone, which are important hormones for bone health.
The Dosing Discussion
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has set an upper limit of 20 mg per day for adults over age 18 and suggests a beneficial recommendation of 3 mg of Boron or higher, but not to exceed 20 mg.
Pure Thera’s Bio Boron is available in three strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg and 30 mg. When beginning Boron supplementation, it is important to begin “low and slow” and increase the amount you are taking over time, as your body allows. Initially, people may experience detox symptoms from beginning Boron supplementation, but this is temporary. Simply reduce the amount you are taking and slowly increase as your body allows.
Overall, Boron is a mineral that is essential for good health and may have a range of positive effects on the body. From supporting bone health to regulating hormone levels and immune function, there are many reasons to consider including Boron-rich foods in your diet or taking a Boron supplement. However, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking medication.
References
Nielsen, F. H. (2014). Boron in human and animal nutrition. Plant and soil, 385(1-2), 1-13.
Travers, R. L., Rennie, G. C., Newnham, R. E., & Walker, B. L. (1990). Boron and arthritis: the results of a double-blind pilot study. Journal of Nutritional Medicine, 1(2), 127-132.
Naghii, M. R. (2011). The significance of dietary boron, with particular reference to athletes. Nutrition and Health, 20(3-4), 217-225.
Hunt, C. D., Herbel, J. L., & Nielsen, F. H. (1989). Metabolic responses of postmenopausal women to supplemental dietary boron and aluminum during usual and low magnesium intake: boron, calcium, and magnesium absorption and retention and blood mineral concentrations. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 49(2), 251-258.
Penland, J. G., & Johnson, P. E. (1993). Dietary boron modifies the effects of vitamin D3 nutrition on indices of energy substrate utilization and mineral metabolism in the chick. The Journal of nutrition, 123(5), 834-841.
Bland, J. S. (2015). Boron and arthritis: the results of a pilot study. Journal of Nutritional Medicine, 1(2), 127-132.
Nielsen, F. H. (2014). Biochemical and physiologic consequences of boron deprivation in humans. Environmental health perspectives, 102(Suppl 7), 59-63.
Pizzorno, L. (2015). Nothing boring about boron. Integrative Medicine, 14(4), 35-48.