Osteoporosis Treatment: Fosomax

Fosomax (Alendronate) is used to both treat and prevent osteoporosis. This class of medications are called bisphosphonates and work by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density. Osteoporosis simply means porous bone. If a person has osteoporosis, it means that the bones have lost density or mass. The structure of the bone tissue has become abnormal and, due to loss of density, weaker.

Osteoporosis is generally diagnosed by a health practitioner based on medical history questions to determine risk and various medical tests to confirm. Many individuals have no symptoms prior to diagnosis. Treatment typically includes a prescription, like Fosomax, and supplement recommendations such as calcium and/or vitamin D. The third factor that doctors do not seem to address is exercise. They are quick to advise prescriptions and supplements, but not exercise. Not sure we can fault the physicians, since the general population just wants a quick fix and a pill for everything.

Fosomax comes with very specific instructions on how you should take the product:
• Take just after you get out of the bed in the morning, before you eat or drink anything
• Take with full glass of plain water (not with any other type of drink)
• Swallow tablet whole (do not split, crush, or chew)
• Do not eat, drink, take any other vitamins or medications, or lay down for at least 30 min

If instructions are not followed properly, Fosomax can cause damage in the esophagus and/or sores in the mouth.

The side effects that the medication can cause:
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating/fullness in stomach
• Change in ability to taste food
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Swelling of joints, hands, or legs (and pain)

Where is the logic in taking a drug that has so many uncomfortable side effects in exchange for treating a problem that the person likely did not even know that they had? Why do people not look for more natural ways to treat their issues? A diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables along with a consistent exercise plan can work just as well. More than likely the Standard American Diet (SAD) that is too high in protein is causing the problems with osteoporosis. High protein foods, when digested, cause an acidic environment in our body. One of the roles of calcium is to alkalize our body. When adequate calcium is not obtained through diet, then the body uses the reserves that are stored in bones. It makes sense that osteoporosis is on the rise because we lack nutrient rich food and eat a lot of protein which, in turn, causes a horrible cycle that eventually wreaks havoc on our bones.

Eating a diet of more natural whole foods should be taught by physicians today. The habits that we have developed by eating the SAD diet are causing and increasing many health issues and concerns. Dealing with such uncomfortable side effects, and not even knowing the long term effects, should not be something that we have to deal with. Unfortunately, society simply wants to pop a pill and continue on with their bad habits. Education must be the missing link in this equation, and must be filled.

"Alendronate." National Center for Biotechnology Information. January 31, 2011. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000018

"What is Osteoporosis?" National Osteoporosis Foundation. January 31, 2011. http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/bonebasics/whatisosteoporosis