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- What is osteoporosis?
- Symptoms of osteoporosis
- Causes of osteoporosis
- Prevention of osteoporosis
- Risk factors for osteoporosis
- Complications of osteoporosis
- When to see a doctor about osteoporosis
- Diagnosis of osteoporosis
- Conventional treatment of osteoporosis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of osteoporosis
- Living with osteoporosis
- Caring for someone with osteoporosis
There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help people deal with osteoporosis existing osteoporosis to prevent it from worsening:
- Avoid cola and other fizzy soft drinks - studies show that women and young girls who drink one cola soft drink a day over a long period are increasing their risk of osteoporosis. This is due to the high phosphate content in the cola which reduces the levels of calcium in the body and this makes the bones weak and soft and deteriorates bone health over time
- Avoid aluminium - the mineral aluminium has an antagonistic effect on calcium in the body. High blood levels of aluminium lowers calcium levels and this can contribute to loss of bone mineral and this is associated with osteoporosis. In order to avoid this effect, avoid all aluminium cookware and deodorants with aluminium
- Don't smoke - people who smoke are recommended that they should stop, especially if there has already been some bones loss as the smoking will only cause further bone mineral loss and deterioration of the bones. People who do not smoke should not be around second-hand smoke from other people either
- Eat calcium-rich foods - the foods rich in calcium will help the bones retain more of their calcium and this in turn will help to strengthen the bones and prevent further bone mineral loss. Even people with lactose intolerance can get adequate calcium from food that is not dairy
- Eat vitamin D-rich foods - the foods rich in vitamin D are essential to help the body absorb more of the calcium and this will help to strengthens the bones and prevent further bone mineral loss
- Exercise every day - regular exercise, especially weight bearing (resistance) exercise, should be undertaken to help strengthen the bones. Aim to have at least three to four days of this type of exercise each week, even just for 20 minutes and incorporate some walking each day as well. This combination will greatly reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and progression of the condition in people who are already diagnosed
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- Less meat intake - studies show that high intakes of animal protein can stimulate increased excretion of calcium and may even promote break-down of bone tissue which can lead to osteoporosis. In addition to this, a high meat protein diet needs a high level of stomach acid to break down and digest the meat and excessive acid levels in the body can also lead to reduced calcium levels and ultimately bone loss
- Limit all alcohol intake - excessive alcohol intake can cause a progression of symptoms in people with osteoporosis and cause further bone weakening and bone mineral loss. Alcohol intake should be very limited in people with existing osteoporosis. Aim to have one to two glasses of alcohol only on three to five days a week at the very most
- Limit intake of processed foods - studies show that a diet high in processed foods, simple sugars can create a body that has a very acidic pH. This can cause lowered levels of calcium and deterioration of bone minerals which can progress to osteoporosis. Try to limit your intake of processed foods and make the mainstay of your diet plentiful in natural foods
- More fruits and vegetables - the fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients which are necessary for good bone health, especially the dark green leafy vegetables which have very beneficial effects on bone health. Studies show a vegetarian diet is associated with a lowered risk for osteoporosis and this is most likely related to the acid-forming effects of meat which can increase bone mineral loss through loss of calcium
- Use recommended supplements - your doctor will advise you about the type and amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that you need to help prevent further bone loss and weakening and the osteoporosis from worsening
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< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > Last reviewed: 17 September 2007 || Last updated: 18 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
