Do you have bone fractures quite often? Have you been dealing with enormous pain and discomfort? Are you a female who has just hit your menopausal stage and your joints have started to ache? Or are you a male who has been paying visits to the doctors regularly for your fractured leg?
Then it may be due to Osteoporosis and it is seen in both men and women!
In osteoporosis condition, the bones become weak and brittle. The affected person may be prone to fractures easily. As bone erosion occurs, it affects the daily routine of the individual. A person may go through a lot of discomfort and pain. People, who suffer from osteoporosis, may even be bedridden. It is quite a problem.
It is commonly seen in females. When, the women hit their stage of menopause, the estrogen hormone level decreases. This decrease results in thinning of bones and loss of bone mass in the case of women as the shield, i.e., estrogen starts to reduce. So, women must be more careful regarding their bones and joints.
The wide range of signs that a person experiences may vary from person to person depending upon their body’s condition and the ability to fight the disorder.
The Symptoms of Osteoporosis
- Loss of height
- Change in posture (Slouching)
- Shortness of breath
- Bone fractures.
- Pain in the lower back
Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoporosis
The osteoporosis treatment involves a natural and safe method. The Ayurveda is emerging amidst all the sciences even though it is the oldest one. Plus, it is showing promising and marvelous results in the treatment of various disorders. The Ayurvedic treatment of Osteoporosis includes natural herbs, spices, and changes in diet and lifestyle.
It seems difficult, right? But it is easy. You just need to believe and trust the process. In the beginning, it may be difficult to change your whole life, but gradually when you will start seeing the results it will change your whole health that includes your body, mind, and soul.
Risk factors that are related to the Osteoporosis
There can be various factors that may increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. Read the following listed to know what can be the trigger.
Some of the factors cannot be changed. These are not in your hands and cannot be controlled.
- Your gender: Women are at more risk of having osteoporosis than men.
- Age: With the increase in age, the bone density lowers down and the depletion rate is increased, so the older you get you may have more chances of getting diagnosed with it.
- Ethnicity: Your race may also become the reason for you to be diagnosed. According to the studies, the white population and of Asian descent is at higher risk.
- Family background: The hereditary factor may put you at higher risk as to the genes you inherit also impacts your health which may put your bones in danger.
The hormone levels if unbalanced then also osteoporosis becomes more common in people.
The hormones mentioned below when not in the required amount will bring you closer to bone depletion.
- Sex hormones: If the levels of sex hormones are low in the body, it will weaken the bones, and hence the chance of developing osteoporosis increases.
- Thyroid glands: If the glands produce too much of the hormone it may also lead to bone loss.
Our diet also plays an important role in keeping the body fit and diseases free.
A person will likely be affected if:
- There is a low calcium intake: Bone needs calcium to function properly if this element is low in the body the person will have bone loss due to decreased bone density. Moreover, the risk of getting a fracture also increases with this.
- There is a less intake of food: If the body is not getting the required amount of nutrition, then also the bone strength will be decreased.
- Certain medications and steroid intake: The long-term usage of steroids and other medications restricts the building process of the bone cells affecting the bone mass and its density.
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The other medical history: The risk of osteoporosis is higher in people who are diagnosed with other medical problems which include:
- Celiac disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- Multiple myelomas
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney disease
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Lifestyle choices: Some bad habits can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Examples include:
- Sedentary lifestyle: If you are not active and have a desk job, you may be at more risk as compared to the people who are more active in their daily routine. Do not lift heavy weights and perform heavy exercises rather go for walking, jogging or low impact exercise routine.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption suppresses the water retention in the bones. So if you need to quit the alcohol, You can simply follow these 10 tips to relieve alcohol addiction suggested by Ayurvedic Experts.
- Tobacco & other drugs: They deplete the bones and muscles and deteriorate the already existing osteoporosis problem.
The diet plays a very important role in shaping the body of the person. The next segment of this blog involves food for osteoporosis patients. What should be eaten and what should be avoided.
Foods To Avoid for Osteoporosis
The following food should be avoided if you want to save your bones from degradation.
- The non-vegetarian diet must be avoided and plant-based food products, i.e., the vegetarian diet must be consumed.
- Junk food items that are spicy, put your bones at more risk.
- Get rid of processed foods, instant foods, and canned food items.
- The baked food products are a big no! Quit eating slices of bread, biscuits, cereals, and other related food items.
- Carbonated beverages must be completely avoided as they negatively affect bone health and hinder osteoporosis treatment. Regular and excess consumption will decrease bone mineral density.
- Caffeine should be avoided. It makes the person more prone to fractures by decreasing bone density.
- Excess of processed sugar will only deplete bone health and deformation of bones may occur too.
- Alcohol consumption along with other drug-related substances poses a greater risk as it contributes to the reduction of bone mass and increases the incidence of bone fractures.
- The legumes may prevent the absorption of calcium in the bones. Limit its usage.
- The nightshade vegetables like peppers, potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, and mushrooms should be avoided as they result in bone inflammation. This further may cause the risk of osteoporosis.
Foods To Include Osteoporosis
The below-listed food items should be included in the diet plan. One should strictly and wholeheartedly follow the given food products. The diet for Osteoporosis patients includes:
- Milk products: The highest source of Calcium is cow’s milk. So one should include milk and its products in the diet. The products like cheese and yogurt will give the best results. Also, keep in mind not to consume an excess of these products.
- Natural herbs: Ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, Shatavari, Bala, thyme, jatamanasi, and sesame seeds, all these natural herbs have the potential to promote the health of bones. Moreover, they help in the rejuvenation of the bone cells, by providing the bones with the required mineral content. Additionally, these herbs are known to repair bone depletion by increasing bone mass and density.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C-rich fruits must be eaten as they strengthen the bones. At the same time, it keeps the joints healthy. Eat oranges for desired results. You can also drink orange juice. It helps widely with osteoporosis treatment.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: The green leafy vegetables instill the body with various nutrients, and it supports the skeleton system. Spinach, kale, cabbage, and lettuce show wonderful results in increasing bone density.
- Nuts: They are abundantly rich in nutrients and they put up a fight against bone degeneration. Almonds and walnuts must be soaked in the water overnight and then consumed.
- Seeds: The various seeds are good for bones and joints as they contain numerous amounts of nutrients and mineral that promotes the proper functioning of the bone cells. Include sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds in the daily routine to keep the bones safe.
- Juices: Fresh fruits and vegetable juices must be included in the diet. As they provide the joints and bones with the nutritional content. They also heal the body internally and provide an external glow.
- Water and Coconut Water: The water must be consumed abundantly. Along with the water, one can add ginger, mint or tulsi leaves, and lemon to the water to make it more potent and tasteful. Additionally, drink coconut water or coconut milk for more benefits.
- Salad: Salad should be included in the diet. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and sprouts to be healthy.
- Cow’s Ghee: It is the best remedy and it is known to give wonderful results. The ghee should be eaten and not avoided. But make sure it is cow’s ghee. It strengthens the bones and keeps you away from fracturing yourself.
Best Effective Remedies To Improve Bone Health
So, follow these dietary habits to keep your bones and joints healthy!