Osteoporosis Treatment by Natural Methods

This third article in the series outlines natural treatment for osteoporosis. There are pharmaceutical drugs on the market for this disease; however, many people may wish to consider other options having no or fewer side effects nor conflicts with other medications.

Once you have been diagnosed with brittle bone disease, immediate action must be taken to prevent further erosion of bone mass. Enabling regeneration of bone tissue is also crucial, to replace what has already been lost. Alternative therapy for osteoporosis treatment can involve a variety of means that will benefit your condition without afflicting other health aspects. Some of these are as follows:

• Dietary supplements: calcium and vitamin D help build bones; vitamin K, magnesium and boron are also nutrients that increase bone growth and strength. Omega-3 fatty acids promote calcium absorption. Soy products, rich in isoflavones, have been used for countless years by Asian women to replace estrogen, which is essential in maintaining bone density.

• Herbs: red clover, a phytoestrogen, helps strengthen bones in the same way as estrogen; horsetail and dandelions, rich in silicon, are believed to aid bone formation; turmeric, used in Ayurvedic medicine, helps relieve inflammation and pain associated with bone stress and fractures.

• Acupuncture: results from a study in China in 2000 showed improvement in a group of volunteers suffering from osteoporosis. After six months of acupuncture accompanied by calcium and vitamin D supplements, the women had increased bone density.

• Tai Chi: this ancient Chinese system of gentle exercise strengthens bones and muscles, as well as helping osteoporosis sufferers develop good balance to prevent falls. Studies in China have shown it helps inhibit loss of bone mass.

• Yoga: seated poses can help strengthen muscles in the back and hips, the most vulnerable areas for fractures. Although some yoga moves may be too difficult for older osteoporosis sufferers, there are some recommended by instructors that are less stressful and help increase mobility. Standing exercises can be beneficial to improve balance.

These natural remedies for osteoporosis are suggested as means of preventing further deterioration of the bones and increasing bone regeneration whenever possible. Some methods may also help promote mobility and reduce pain and inflammation, especially following healing of fractures. Another benefit, with exercise, is improvement of balance and agility, to prevent dangerous falls. As with all exercise, of course, the individual should first undergo a physical examination to determine if she/he is able to handle cardiac or other stress required.

This article is not intended to diagnose or treat illness.

Sources:

http://www.connecticutcenterforhealth.com/osteoporosis-treatment.html

http://www.project-aware.org/Health/Osteo/osteo-bonehealth2.shtml

http://www.eastwestrehab.com/index.php/interventions/entry/tai_chi_for_osteoporosis/

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/943