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Osteoporosis
This is a crippling disease affecting both men and women caused by a lack of calcium.
What to look for
The condition may cause no
symptoms at all or alternatively these may occur:-
Osteoporosis is a condition
that causes a person’s bones to become thin and weak. Possible problems to watch for
are hip fractures, blood clots or pneumonia.
Women are usually more
susceptible to this disease as their bones are lighter and less dense. And among women,
usually osteoporosis affects fair and small people.
Causes
The most common cause is
age. From about 35 years of age onwards, all people’s bone structure changes and
becomes less dense. There are debates continuing about triggers which speed up the process
of bone deterioration.
There are a number of
lifestyle changes you can make to minimise the likelihood of it occurring. (discussed
further on).
poor bone formation from
childhood
calcium intake
increased bone loss due
to sensitivity to the parathyroid hormone.
at menopause, the fall in oestrogen lessens the amount of
calcium drawn from the nutrients you eat.
a diet high in protein
from flesh foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes and salt.
It is possible for you to
have your bones tested and this is highly recommended for people of all ages. Ask our
pharmacist about this.
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Traditional Treatment
Conventional treatment
centres around drugs and physical supports.
Your doctor may prescribe
certain pain killers to ease the discomfort, as well as hot compresses and easy massage.
However, to prevent it in
the first place, your doctor may recommend you go on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Studies have shown that women who take long-term HRT within a few years of menopause keep
their bone density and have fewer hip and wrist fractures while they are taking it than
women who do not.
As a preventive measure
your doctor may suggest that you increase the amount of calcium in your diet or perhaps
take calcium supplements along with Vitamin D.
Also low impact exercise is
usually recommended to keep your bones supple and too much weight off them.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Like conventional
techniques, alternative therapies focus on building and retaining strong bones.
Chinese Herbs - Chinese
practitioners recommend several herbs for preventing bone loss - the most popular are dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and Asian ginseng (Panax
ginseng). You will need professional advice for appropriate dosages. Chinese
practitioners recommend several herbs for preventing bone loss - the most popular are dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and Asian ginseng
(Panax
ginseng). You will need professional advice for appropriate dosages.
Exercise - Studies
have shown that exercises reduce bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis. Studies
have shown that exercises reduce bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis.
Herbal Therapies - Herbalists
believe that the use of some herbs can help slow the progression of this condition. Herbs
traditionally used for the prevention of osteoporosis include horsetail (Equisetum arvense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis), and sourdock
(Rumex crispus). Herbalists
believe that the use of some herbs can help slow the progression of this condition. Herbs
traditionally used for the prevention of osteoporosis include horsetail (Equisetum arvense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis), and sourdock
(Rumex crispus).
Ask about progesterone
creams made from the wild Mexican yam; they may
stimulate bone formation.
Homoeopathy - In
addition to a calcium-rich diet and exercise, homoeopaths recommend treatments they
believe help the body absorb calcium. Remedies are
likely to include Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, Calcarea fluorica, and Silica.
You will need professional assistance for remedies and dosages. In
addition to a calcium-rich diet and exercise, homoeopaths recommend treatments they
believe help the body absorb calcium. Remedies are
likely to include Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, Calcarea
fluorica, and Silica.
You will need professional assistance for remedies and dosages.
Dietary Considerations
The most obvious addition
to your diet is calcium whether this is via more calcium rich foods (low-fat dairy,
broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, tofu, and leafy green vegetables) or supplements. According
to The Australian Wellbeing booklet on Osteoporosis, people with a history of weaker bones
should be consuming approximately 1000 milligrams per day increasing this to 1500 mg per
day around the menopause time.
To help the body absorb
calcium, some practitioners suggest taking vitamin D
and magnesium supplements.
In addition to eating
calcium-rich foods you should also avoid acid rich foods such as red meats, soft drinks
and grains. Excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.
Prevention
Eat foods rich in calcium
Avoid foods that can
interfere with your body's absorption of calcium (listed above)
Do exercises for 30 to 45
minutes at least three times a week (always check with your doctor before starting any
exercise program).
have your digestive
system examined as calcium may not be absorbed properly in your system. Eat plenty of aloe
vera juice and acidophilus yogurt
Stop drinking coffee and
cola
Stop smoking immediately
Do not smoke.
Avoid antacids containing
aluminium.
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