How to Use Holistic Medicine to Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease associated with aging; but it's preventable. Common symptoms of osteoporosis are back pain, spine deformity and loss of height. Follow these steps to find out how holistic medicine focuses on the use of natural supplements along with exercise to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Financial means for holistic supplements and treatment

Take Preventative Measures to Keep Osteoporosis from Worsening

1. Use proper nutrition and supplements to prevent existing osteoporosis from worsening. Read about foods high in calcium at Alternative-Medicine-and-Health.com (see Resources below).
2. Incorporate calcium and vitamin D into your diet. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium into your bones.
3. Make exercise a part of your daily regimen and boost your bone density. Even walking can help tremendously. With every step, you build bone density.
4. Lift weights to maintain your bone density. Don't use a weight that will be too much of a challenge. You want to aim for a mild level of resistance.
5. Avoid smoking and areas where secondhand smoke is present.
6. Avoid drinking water that has been treated with fluoride.
7. Eliminate red meat from your diet--or, at least restrict your consumption of it.

Treat Osteoporosis With Holistic Medicine

8. Take medication like estrogen to slow bone loss.
9. Keep away from caffeine. Limit your alcohol consumption. Both are linked to bone loss.
10. Reduce your salt intake.
11. Eliminate the amount of animal protein you eat.
12. Use calcium, magnesium and potassium supplements to treat your osteoporosis.
13. Clear obstacles in your home like low furniture or rugs that can cause you to trip. Keep your home well-lit to avoid tripping or bumping into things.
14. Exercise caution when walking outside the home. Always use handrails when going up or down steps. Be on the lookout for uneven surfaces that could cause a fall. Keeping yourself from falling and fracturing a bone is the ultimate goal.
15. Stop smoking.
16. Exercise regularly to maintain bone density. Low impact exercise is best.
17. Try tai chi. It's a martial art that encourages you to reach a deep relaxation in the body yet still enhances your sense of balance and equilibrium. Find links for tai chi news groups, or find a tai chi school, at "The Tai Chi Site" (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Too much Vitamin A may increase your chances of developing osteoporosis.
• Tai chi and yoga are great practices that help enrich your energy level, while helping you achieve balance of mind and body.
• In general, alternative medicine treatments for osteoporosis are inexpensive.
• Fractures cause the complications in patients with osteoporosis because, in serious cases, they can lead to disability and/or death. If you suffer from osteoporosis and have fallen, have someone take you to your doctor or the emergency room right away.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try holistic medicine, keep your doctor informed about the folk medical technique you undertake.