Educate yourself about alternative medical treatments available for specific diseases and conditions. This site is presented to help you research alternative medical treatments, natural and herbal remedies and different ways of thinking about how to solve specific medical problems.  Please read our disclaimer.

Alternative Treatments for Osteoporosis

Alternative treatments for Osteoporosis have been used by people in other cultures for many years.  Some treatments are very effective for some people.  Others may only work because the patient believes they will work, much like the way placebos sometimes work in medical experiments.  However, we believe that the more you know about the options, the more you will be able to make intelligent, informed decisions about the medical treatment, which may be right for you and your particular medical conditions.  Please read our disclaimer.

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that is defined by a lowered bone mineral density and further changes in bone composition. Such changes make bone fractures and breaks much more likely, making it essential to take note of condition. Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis as it is a common complication after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels. However, all persons are susceptible to osteoporosis, increasingly with age, and it can occur as a result of lifestyles, medications and different disorders and diseases. While osteoporosis is difficult to reverse, there are many things that can be done to help alleviate the dangers and difficulties of osteoporosis.

• As most people know, calcium is probably one of the most important dietary necessities for people who have and hope to prevent osteoporosis. Calcium helps bones to grow, heal and strengthen. An appropriate amount of calcium is around 1200 mg per day. To improve calcium absorption, it is preferable to take calcium in three or four small doses a day. Calcium supplements are readily available in most pharmacies. It is common to use supplements in complementing an intake of naturally-occurring calcium. As most people know, calcium is very prevalent in milk, cheese and other dairy products. It is also available in seaweed, nuts, beans, oranges, broccoli, and figs, to name a few alternative foods for those who should be limiting or eliminating their intake of dairy products.
   
• Vitamin D has been demonstrated to reduce the likelihood of fractures in elderly persons. The body is capable of producing vitamin D on its own, and this process is triggered by exposure to the sun’s rays. Therefore, it is beneficial to get at least 15 minutes of sunlight a day. For those who are not able to gather such sunlight, fortified foods are often necessary. Unfortunately, few natural sources of Vitamin D exist. Those that do include fish liver oils, fish flesh and certain types of mushrooms. More specifically, salmon, sardines and tuna are some of the best sources.
   
• Exercise is a very important activity for anyone with a lowered bone mass. Walking has proven to be very beneficial in increasing bone mass density, and lack of exercise is shown to decrease bone mass. For those seeking low-impact exercises=, water aerobics, Tai Chi, and walking are very good options.
   
• Load-bearing activities that make bones fight against a force help to increase bone mass. Such activities include weight-lifting and resistance training. If you don’t feel comfortable establishing a routine yourself, a doctor or physical therapist could prove helpful.
   
• Avoid or stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Both practices prevent the body from absorbing calcium as effectively.
   
• Many long-term medicines contribute to osteoporosis. Most medicines are considered, however, to be unavoidable. Nonetheless, it is important to check and discuss your medications with your doctor, as it is very possible that a mistake could be made or something overlooked.
   
• Boron naturally occurs in a few foods and is very useful for those with osteoporosis. In studies boron has proven to reduce the excretion of calcium, and thus aides the absorption of calcium within the body. Apples are the best source of boron. Boron is also in other non-citrus fruits, especially pears, grapes and raisins as well as carrots. Nuts such as peanuts and almonds also contain boron.
   
• Avoid consuming too much protein or too much fiber. Protein and fiber are generally beneficial to the body and should not be avoided altogether. However, excessive consumption of either can bind with calcium and prevent its absorption. Therefore, simply be mindful of how much protein and fiber you consume daily.
   
• Avoid salt. Salt increases the amount of calcium excreted through the urine and is detrimental to those suffering from osteoporosis.
   
• Remember that chiropractics are not for you. Forceful manipulation of the spinal column and other bones is very dangerous for those who suffer from weaker bone mineral densities.
  
  

Have questions about Alternative Treatments?

We recommend that you review the information about physical therapy on this website, look at the alternative medical treatments on the appropriate websites, do your own independent research, talk with your doctor or other medical professional and learn as much as you can before making the decision that is right for you.  We are not qualified to answer medical, behavioral or health related questions, so please do not ask.