Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis: Learn about Natural Methods of Treating Osteoporosis
There are many factors that can cause osteoporosis with painful and debilitating results. Fortunately, there are many methods of reducing the risk of developing this condition and preventing a current condition from worsening. Natural treatment for osteoporosis prevention includes proper exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Osteoporosis treatment is not a difficult task to prevent this condition, whether you already have it or are at risk for getting it.
Exercise
Exercise is vital for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. Weight-bearing exercise can slow down bone loss because it stimulates the body to produce new bone. Any exercise builds muscle strength, which can help prevent falls. Exercise improves balance as well, greatly decreasing the risk of falls that cause breaks and fractures. Aerobics, water aerobics, and stair climbing are great exercises to strengthen the bones. Other bone strengthening exercises that are ideal for osteoporosis are Tai Chi, yoga, and dancing. These exercises also increase the body’s flexibility. Jogging, running, and brisk walking are recommended for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
Nutrition
Lack of calcium and vitamin D are huge causes of osteoporosis. Natural treatment for osteoporosis includes proper calcium intake. If your body is not getting enough calcium, the body will naturally begin to start taking it from the bones. This causes bone destruction. A good source of calcium comes from low fat and fat free dairy products. When trying to prevent or treat osteoporosis, it is important to consume calcium fortified food and juices. Vegetables and soy products have shown to provide an alternative treatment for osteoporosis. Bone-in sardines are well known sources of calcium as well. Calcium supplements are often recommended for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It is very important to have an adequate intake of vitamin D when treating and preventing osteoporosis. With out vitamin D, the body is incapable of absorbing calcium.
Lifestyle
There are many lifestyle habits that increase the risk of osteoporosis. Alcohol greatly raises a person’s risk of being diagnosed with osteoporosis. People that consume 2 or more alcoholic drinks a day increase the risk of bone loss. Smoking cigarettes doubles a persons risk for bone loss. It also reduces the body’s estrogen effects. Exercising in high heels put people at a higher risk for osteoporosis. This thins bones and changes estrogen levels, which lowers bone mass. Caffeine should be avoided because it stops the body’s ability to properly absorb calcium.
If you think you may be at risk for osteoporosis your doctor can conduct a bone density test to test you for it. It is a quick, painless procedure that may save a lot of hardships later on in life.
Disclaimer
The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.
References
“Understanding Osteoporosis Prevention” Reviewed by Jonathan L. Gelfad, MD, November 10, 2008, WebMD.com
https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis-prevention
“Osteoporosis- Other Treatment” Osteoporosis Health Center, December 1, 2006, WebMD.com
https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteoporosis-other-treatment
