Episode 10: Bone Density and Cancer – A Natural Guide for Support During and After Treatment

PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE with Carla Wrenn

In this episode, Carla explores the importance of supporting bone density during and after cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. These treatments can impact bone health by disrupting bone remodelling processes, leading to an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Maintaining optimal bone density is essential for overall health and quality of life, especially for cancer patients and survivors. Carla covers key strategies and resources to help protect and enhance bone health.

Key Strategies for Bone Density Support

1. Calcium-Rich Foods

Ensuring sufficient calcium intake is crucial. While dairy is a well-known source, there are many non-dairy options:

- Soy products: such as milk, tofu, and lecithin

- Leafy greens: like spinach, cabbage, and bok choy

- Nuts and seeds: including almonds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds

- Fish: such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies

- Other sources: figs, eggs, cinnamon, and oregano

2. Exercise Physiology for Bone Health

Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are essential for maintaining bone density. An exercise physiologist, especially one trained in oncology or osteoporosis, can tailor a safe, effective exercise regimen to individual needs and capabilities.

3. Supplements for Bone Health

Supplementation can be helpful when dietary intake alone is insufficient:

- A personalised naturopathic supplement providing calcium, boron, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and additional cofactors for bone density support.

- Research evident Bone Probiotics: Probiotics that promote gut health, which has been linked to bone health, and help support bone mineralization.

- Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization; personalized dosages based on individual blood levels are ideal.

4. OsteoStrong Clinics

OsteoStrong offers a unique approach to bone health with osteogenic loading sessions, which use short, controlled bursts of pressure to stimulate bone growth. This can be a valuable addition to other bone-strengthening strategies. https://osteostrong.com.au

Closing Thoughts

Carla emphasizes the importance of working with a comprehensive healthcare team, including PROSPER Cancer Care Practitioners, oncologists, and exercise physiologists, to develop a tailored plan for supporting bone density. Maintaining bone health is a key component of cancer survivorship and long-term wellness.

Next Episode Preview: Carla discusses natural ways to nurture yourself during radiation therapy.

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.