People who suffer from Osteoporosis have an increased risk for their bones to break because the disease causes bones to thin. Although Osteoporosis is typically a disease associated with women, men account for one in five cases. If you have this bone loss disease or are at risk and want to prevent it, there are several natural treatments for Osteoporosis that you may want to try, in addition to the medical care you receive from your doctor.
Natural Treatments for Osteoporosis: Increase Calcium Intake
To help fight Osteoporosis, you’re going to need a lot of calcium. Although calcium supplements are available, nothing beats getting it naturally. Foods that are dense in calcium include low-fat dairy products, dark leafy green vegetables (like kale and collard), sardines with bones, and figs. Eating the right foods is a great option for an Osteoporosis natural treatment.
Natural Treatments for Osteoporosis: Exercise
Starting an exercise regimen can help build bone density. Low impact options like yoga and walking are ideal for the elderly and those already diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercises (think walking, aerobics, dancing, running, etc.) cause your body to produce more bone cells and are great for fighting Osteoporosis.
Natural Treatments for Osteoporosis: Boron
Boron is a mineral that aids in holding onto calcium – which we know is essential for strong bones. You can find boron in lots of fruits such as apples, peaches, raisins, dates, grapes, and pears. It can also be found in almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts. So, make yourself a delicious fruit salad with some of the above mentioned fruits, low-fat yogurt, and almonds, and you’ve got a great holistic treatment for Osteoporosis.
Natural Treatments for Osteoporosis: Magnesium
Studies have shown that magnesium is great for strengthening, preserving, and building bones. Magnesium rich foods include peanut butter, broccoli (which is also good for calcium), halibut, pumpkin seeds, green veggies like spinach, and unrefined grains. There is a lot of variety in the foods that are high in magnesium, which should make this an easy addition to your diet.
Natural Treatments for Osteoporosis: Avoid Risk Factors
In addition to adding things in your lifestyle and diet to help encourage strong bones, you also need to eliminate things that aid in bone loss. Some common risk factors for Osteoporosis include: smoking which increases your risk for Osteoporosis, too much alcohol which can weaken bones, and caffeine which may cause your body to lose calcium. Eliminating or limiting these three risk factors no only aids in treating Osteoporosis, it’s also good for overall health.
If you’re one of the 28 million Americans at risk for Osteoporosis or one of the 10 million already diagnosed, you may want to adapt these alternative Osteoporosis treatments to prevent or slow disease. Just making some small changes in your lifestyle and the way you eat can put you on a path to stronger bones.
Sources
26 Home Remedies for Osteoporosis”, howstuffworks.com
Magnesium Rich Foods”, algaecal.com
“New Choice in Natural Healing Osteoporosis”, mothernature.com
