Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects the bones of mostly adult patients. While there is currently no known medical cure for osteoporosis, there are diet and lifestyle choices that you can make to help prevent the condition.

As one of the most common types of arthritis, osteoporosis occurs when there is too much calcium lost from the bones. When the bones lose excessive calcium, the degree of bone density is also affected. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become fragile and brittle, substantially increasing the risk of bone fractures. Women are significantly more likely to suffer from the degree of calcium loss that is required to decrease bone density and result in osteoporosis.

Like many of the medical conditions that commonly affect us, prevention is the key to keeping osteoporosis at bay. If you know that you are at risk for osteoporosis, as many of us are, you should consider consuming a diet high in calcium. Most health and dietary professionals will recommend that you include 1500 mg of calcium each day. There are certain high-calcium foods including milk, dairy-based foods, salmon, sardines, and other fish that are great choices for providing a natural calcium boost.

Ask your doctor how you can supplement your diet with added calcium. Many dieticians and doctors also suggest taking an additional vitamin D supplement, as it will aid in the absorption of this extra calcium. Natural sunlight is a fantastic source, and you can absorb Vitamin D by simply spending more time in the sun.

If you choose to take an over-the-counter supplement, it may be possible to achieve the required levels of both Vitamin D and calcium in one multivitamin. You doctor can tell you if your supplement is giving you enough of the nutrients you need to prevent osteoporosis. By assessing your condition, he or she will suggest the appropriate level of required supplements.

Doctors suggest that women who have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis may find estrogen treatment to be a viable option. This form of therapy can help to increase bone mass and density in the spine and hips, and may actually cut a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis. Estrogen replacement therapy has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure and heart attacks. There are certain side effects, though, that must be acknowledged, including a possible link to breast cancer that has been suggested by certain studies.

Doctors advise adults who drink or smoke to limit these activities as much as possible. Research has shown that smoking will lower the levels of estrogen, leaving the bones at greater risk for losing mass. Moderate to heavy alcohol use has also been directly linked to an increased loss of bone density.

Getting enough regular exercise is another important preventive step. Improved muscular strength through weight-bearing exercise can help to build essential bone mass. Walking is a great choice for helping to prevent osteoporosis and boosting your overall good health.

Individuals who suffer with osteoporosis have other treatment options to consider. Prescription drug medications are available to help restore bone density and slow the progress of the condition. New drug therapies are also in development. Of course, it’s important to have a professional health assessment and understand all of your treatment options before you choose a method of therapy.

If you believe that you have osteoporosis, or think you may be at risk of developing the condition, speak with your doctor. Find out more about the steps that you can take to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, and learn about the treatment options available to help you live more comfortably with the disease.

Columnist Varian Sperks loves writing for numerous popular Internet sites, on health fitness and health diet fitness themes.

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Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects the bones of mostly adult patients. While there is currently no known medical cure for osteoporosis, there are diet and lifestyle choices that you can make to help prevent the condition.

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Osteoporosis, or “brittle bones,” occurs when the bone density is reduced, resulting in thin, weak, and porous bones. The bone becomes thin due to a loss of calcium, causing persistent backache, in the neck, rib, and hip area, The back gradually becomes stooped, reducing height. The causes of osteoporosis are varied, and include:

menopause, when the female hormone estrogen is no longer produced (estrogen has a protective effect on the bones)

deficiency in calcium and vitamins C and D

malabsorption

long-term use of corticosteroids

rheumatoid arthritis

immobilization

lack of sunshine.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition

Increase your intake of dark green, leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, fish, beans, peas, dark blue­black berries, cherries, raspberries, citrus-rinds, and colorful fruits. Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates, fat, animal products, and fizzy drinks. Dietary supplements include vitamins B6 100mg, folic acid 1mg, B12 1mg, calcium citrate 1g, and magnesium citrate 500 mg daily. An alternative treatment is natural progesterone cream, with added vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture This can restore the balance of energy in the body and provide relief from pain. Malabsorption may also be addressed.

Naturopathy Biochemic tissue salts Calc. fluor. and Calc. phos. taken four times daily for four weeks.

Massage Aromatherapeutic massage, relaxation therapy, and shiatsu may be useful.

Herbalism Treatment may include the following as teas: dong quai, false unicorn root, black cohosh, licorice, and fennel.

Osteopathy (Including Cranial) Gentle techniques for joint mobility will maintain musculoskeletal integrity.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

AS is a degenerative rheumatic disease where spinal joints become inflamed, stiff, and eventually fused. It develops slowly. Symptoms are usually worse after rest and later may affect the chest, shoulders, hips, and knees, spreading up to the neck in severe cases.

Treatment

Seek treatment from a registered practitioner who will prescribe according to your specific symptoms and constitution. Mobility delays fusion, and swimming and stretching may be suggested.

Tens (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) This uses electrodes to block nerve impulses and to stimulate the release of endorphins.

Hydrotherapy Epsom salt baths may be suggested, or adding aroma therapeutic oils to the bathwater, including lavender, rosemary, and basil. Massage with these oils may also relieve symptoms.

Homeopathy Treatment should be constitutional, but Arnica, Rhus tox. and Bryonia may be appropriate short term remedies.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal treatment may consist of black willow, devil’s claw, and bogbean, taken as teas.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture and Osteopathy These can be helpful.

Read out for Detox diet. Check out arthritis treatment and medical tests

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Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease with no obvious symptoms until bones become so thin that it easily breaks or fracture. Doctors advise women to get a lot of vitamin D, calcium supplement and bone density screening test to determine the future of their posture.

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