Osteoporosis Treatments

 Osteoporosis Treatments 

With age comes new challenges where osteoporosis plays a major role in terms of health. More than 54 million people have osteoporosis or low bone density. While the risks to those over the age of 50 are greater, people of any age can develop this condition. No need to worry, many Osteoporosis Treatments are available which can relieve your pain related to this condition.

Osteoporosis

“Osteo” which refers to our “Bones” and where “porosis” means “Pores”. It is a skeletal disorder that leads to weakened bones, loss of tubular bone mass causing them to break more easily.

Our skeleton is made up of bones that provide support and shape to the body. It also protects our internal organs such as the lung, heart, liver, brain from injury. Bones have a solid outer surface called compact bones and the inner bone is called spongy bone also known as the cancellous bone which is a very porous type of bone and have very small holes like a sponge, usually located at the ends of the long bone.

The tissues in the Spongy bone get replaced every 3 to 4 years, and compact bone is replaced every 10years. Bones contain a large multinucleate bone cell that breaks down bone tissue and other cells called Osteoclast other cells, called Osteoblast which is responsible for the mineralization of bone for making new bone tissue by using minerals such as calcium and phosphate from the blood. To keep the number and activity of osteoblast higher than osteoclast, hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormone play a major role so that more bone tissue is made than removed.

 Every Individual has the strongest, densest bones in their thirties, known as peak bone mass. After thirty osteoclasts overtake osteoblast where osteoclast removes more bone tissue than the osteoblast makes, later leading to osteoporosis.

People with osteoporosis have thin bone and have larger holes in the spongy bone predisposing to an increased risk of fracture.

Difference between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Many people get confused between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis to think it as the same, but actually, both are of different conditions. Osteoporosis is the retardation of the development of new bone tissue, as a result, making them weak. Whereas Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, specifically causes a breakdown of joint cartilage.

Types of Osteoporosis

There are two types of osteoporosis:

1. Primary Osteoporosis

   It is associated with older people, as well as a reduced amount of estrogen in women.

2. Secondary Osteoporosis

   It affects both children and adults it is associated with other diseases or conditions such as cancer, hormonal problems or use of certain medication

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

The leading cause of osteoporosis is the lack of certain hormones, estrogen for women, and androgen for men. Many other factors can put you at high risk for getting osteoporosis

• Family History
• Female
• White or Asian
• Poor Diet
• Certain Medication (such as steroids)
• Lack of physical exercise
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol

Osteoporosis Symptoms

One experiences the symptoms only when there the bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, symptoms include:

• Loss of height
• Stooped posture
• Back and neck pain
• Fracture from a fall

Osteoporosis Treatments 

Here are some Osteoporosis Treatments :

Bisphosphonate

This drug can slow down the progression of osteoporosis

Denosumab

An immunotherapy treatment

SERMS

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) are medications that blocks estrogen’s effect by interacting with estrogen receptors.

Calcitonin

To manage pain and prevent spinal fracture

These medications act on osteoclasts( cells that break down bone tissues) by reducing the bone degradation process

Here are some Osteoporosis Treatments which include natural remedies to maintain healthy and strong bones

Prunes

Eating dried prunes daily helps to avoid deterioration of bone. Because prunes contain a high concentration of polyphenols, which is an antioxidant that helps to reduce bone loss. Prunes are also a good source of boron and copper, these minerals help in bone formation.

Apples

Apples are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids which can help to maintain healthy bone. Floridians present in apples help protect postmenopausal women from osteoporosis by increasing bone density. Apples are also rich in boron that helps the body to hold on to calcium which is the building blocks of the bones.

Fish oil supplement helps to increase bone mineral density due to omega 3 essential fatty acids which even help in reducing inflammation and Vitamin D that helps to absorb calcium in bones

Pineapples

Pineapple contains manganese that is beneficial in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Studies have shown bone loss is directly linked with deficiency of manganese

Sesame

Sesame seeds are a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, regular intake of a sesame seed can prevent bone loss.

Milk

Protein builds muscles and calcium is needed for bone maintenance and growth. These vital ingredients are readily found in our common groceries: milk. Daily consumption of milk can increase bone density due to the presence of calcium and vitamin D.

Coriander

Coriander leaves and seeds are rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals help to avoid degradation of bone.

Yogurt

This fermented milk product is not just only known for calcium and protein but also known for having good bacteria. The presence of good bacteria in yogurt boosts your immune system and healthy gut flora.

Osteoporosis Prevention 

• Exercise Regularly
• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Quit smoking
• Taking Calcium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, dairy products
• Taking Vitamin D rich foods like fish, eggs.
• Expose yourself to sunlight, because the sun is the best source of Vitamin D.
• Taking Foods rich in magnesium and potassium like tomatoes, potatoes, legume

Takeaway: By following these tips and eating the above-mentioned foods can naturally treat your pain related to osteoporosis. (Osteoporosis Treatments)