Certain lifestyle choices and medications can help prevent osteoporosis and treat existing cases by lowering risk of broken bones and treating its symptoms. Your physician may suggest medical treatments if your bone density drops significantly.
These options for treatment may include taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise and acupuncture; however, no scientific evidence substantiating their efficacy exists.
Herbs
Osteoporosis has long been known as the silent killer, as it drains bone density away and leaves bones vulnerable. While medications and diet can help, herbal remedies may also strengthen bones when taken alongside prescribed medication – please check with your physician first, however; certain herbs can interact negatively with certain drugs.
Horsetail herb (Eupatorium repens) contains silica, which supports bone health by aiding with calcium absorption and utilization by the body. Horsetail contains up to 40mg of calcium per 100g fresh root! Furthermore, this plant also boasts important vitamins like magnesium and potassium that can both aid bone wellbeing.
Red sage is another herbal remedy shown to increase bone density, according to researchers. They believe this works by blocking an enzyme known as Cathepsin K which breaks down collagen and leads to bone loss. Red sage can be taken in capsule form, tea form, tincture form, or taken as a tincture; more research must be completed on its effectiveness as an osteoporosis supplement.
Cimicifuga racemosa, commonly referred to as danshen, is an herb with antioxidant properties that may help protect against osteoporosis. Additionally, it’s said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to relieve joint pain. Plus, its abundance of quercetin provides additional anti-inflammatory support while improving joint health.
Other herbal treatments for osteoporosis may include acupuncture and Tai Chi, both believed to have positive impacts on bone health. Acupuncture involves placing needles at specific locations on the body in order to stimulate various organs or body functions – it’s a practice widely employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine but more research must be conducted to ascertain its impact on bone health.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also key components of bone health. For maximum benefit, take a multivitamin that includes these supplements along with calcium for maximum results.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones, and any deficiencies can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Supplements containing enough vitamin D can be taken to help treat this condition and strengthen bones; however, care must be taken not to include too much aluminum which could potentially harm kidney patients.
At present, there are various prescription therapeutic options to prevent or treat osteoporosis, such as antiresorptive drugs (bisphosphonates (Actonel, Boniva and Fosamax), selective estrogen receptor modulators such as Evista, calcitonin (Miacalcin) and teriparatide which is derived from parathyroid hormone.
Most drugs used to treat osteoporosis improve bone density and reduce fracture risk while at the same time slowing bone loss. Yet some individuals remain reluctant to start treating their condition with medication due to concerns over side effects, lack of need or just not wanting medication in general. Some may worry that taking it will make them weaker or increase their chances of breaking a bone.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that medications are effective and can save lives. If you have concerns about taking drugs as treatments, consult with your physician; they will explain more about any potential risks or suggest alternative solutions such as natural therapies.
Other lifestyle modifications can help strengthen bone health. Doctors advise weight-bearing exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, eating a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; as well as supplementing with calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Avoid high-stress activities that increase fracture risk, such as job-related activities, long periods spent sitting or standing, and excessive caffeine intake.
Acupuncture is another alternative therapy that may reduce pain and help with bone density improvements, but further research needs to be completed on it as an osteoporosis treatment option. Type and length of treatment will differ, so it’s essential that you discuss this matter with your healthcare team so they can direct you towards an acupuncture practitioner trained specifically for osteoporosis treatment who has been licensed in your state or country.
Calcium
Calcium and vitamin D are key nutrients needed for healthy bones in young people and adults, including those of any age. A diet rich in these two nutrients is critical in order to avoid osteoporosis – an irreversible disease characterized by weak and broken bones – while those already living with osteoporosis can take medication, but some individuals also prefer natural treatments like weight-bearing exercises, diet modification and herbal supplements as ways of maintaining better bone health.
The recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D depend on both your age and gender, but can typically be found in various food sources including dairy products like milk and yogurt, leafy vegetables, nuts, as well as supplements that include vitamin D to assist your body with absorption.
A recent randomized trial involving 3,800 elderly French women living in assisted living showed that those taking calcium and vitamin D supplements had a reduced risk of hip fracture than those not taking supplements. While these findings are encouraging, further research must be completed in order to confirm these results. It should also be remembered that high calcium intakes may result in adverse side effects such as poor muscle tone, gout, kidney stones, low phosphate levels, nausea, extreme fatigue, frequent need to urinate and heart disease – something to bear in mind while taking calcium is not without side effects.
Eat well and exercise regularly are both vital in maintaining strong bones. Smoking and drinking excessively, both known to lower bone density, should also be avoided for best results. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian for assistance in creating an eating plan tailored specifically for you.
Opinion is still divided, but alternative therapies such as acupuncture may help increase bone strength for those suffering from osteoporosis. Since type of acupuncture can have an impactful outcome, it’s best to speak to your physician first about whether this treatment would benefit you specifically. Also keep in mind that its use for osteoporosis treatment has yet to become widely accepted and more research must be conducted into its effects; so many doctors advise against its use; other complementary and alternative medicines like ginseng and tyrosine can improve bone health too.
Exercise
Exercise is a key element of osteoporosis treatment plans, but it shouldn’t be the sole focus. A comprehensive strategy must include getting enough calcium and vitamin D, practicing fall prevention measures, as well as taking drugs that prevent or slow bone loss.
Exercise can help build bones and muscles, but selecting the best kinds for yourself can be challenging. High impact exercises that put undue strain on bones – like running, jumping or stair-climbing – should be avoided in favor of ones like seated rowing or weight machines, which offer added benefits such as improving balance and mobility and decreasing falls and fractures.
Doctors can assist in creating a personalized fitness program tailored specifically for your age and fitness level. Your physiotherapist or physical therapist may suggest low-impact activities like walking, water aerobics, and exercising on an elliptical training machine as low-impact alternatives; gradually move toward higher impact activities like jogging or dancing as you increase strength and fitness levels.
Maintaining physical fitness through regular exercising can not only boost your energy and mood, but it can also increase self-esteem and confidence despite osteoporosis. You should strive to complete at least three or four exercises each week in varying forms to make sure that you remain motivated and keep exercising regularly.
Many older adults opt to keep exercising in spite of osteoporosis because it promotes healthy aging and may help slow bone loss while protecting against fractures. Before changing her exercise program, your mother should consult her physician first.
Your mother could benefit from participating in hydrotherapy exercises, which involve slow, controlled movements that push against the resistance of warm water resistance to build strength and balance, increase flexibility and relaxation and even decrease serious falls that result in bone fractures. Talk to her doctor about taking part in supervised classes such as Tai Chi that focus on movement-based exercises to increase balance and stability and decrease the number of falls that lead to bone fractures.
