5 Ways to Treat Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs as a result of bone loss. Some contributing factors to this bone disease are calcium deficiency, lack of exercise, and low estrogen levels, to mention a few. When you develop Osteoporosis, your bones become brittle and weak, and your risk of fractures, disability, and death increases. Therefore, once diagnosed with Osteoporosis, you must start treatment as soon as possible. In this article, we will look at ways to treat it.
Hormone Therapy
Osteoporosis can result from estrogen loss after menopause or from the deficiency that occurs before menopause. Estrogen protects your bones and preserves their density: low levels or loss of estrogen results in loss of bones. Estrogen hormone replacement therapy is an effective method that can help replenish estrogen levels if you have Osteoporosis. It will help preserve the density of your bones and prevent fractures and disability. However, estrogen hormone therapy has risks like breast cancer, blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke. Therefore, use it under the prescription of a qualified medic.
Modify your Diet
Modify your diet to include food like animal protein and bone broth that boost the production of collagen. This protein strengthens the bones and helps in retaining their basic flexibility. Your diet should also consist of foods that are rich in Calcium. Calcium will help strengthen your bones. Moreover, lower your salt intake as too much can cause calcium loss and breakdown of bones. Some foods rich in Calcium include dairy products like milk, yogurt, kefir, and raw cheese.
Take Supplements
If you have Osteoporosis, intake of nutrients like collagen, Calcium, and Vitamin D is important. However, sometimes you may be unable to meet your nutrient requirements through diet due to low concentration of the nutrients in food or inadequate food intake. Also, Vitamins D is only naturally available to the body through the exposure of the skin to the sun, which is not very reliable. If you have Osteoporosis, it would be best to take supplements like marine collagen peptides, Calcium, and vitamin D. Supplements are more bioavailable. Therefore they will be absorbed into the body more efficiently. They will help strengthen your bones, attain the peak bone mass and treat Osteoporosis.
Engage in Physical Activity
Engaging in physical activity like exercise is very beneficial if you have Osteoporosis. Physical activity will help you build bone mass, improve flexibility and balance, and reduce inflammation. However, avoid exercise that requires you to bend forward from the waist, twist your spine too much or jump a lot. Instead, engage in low-intensity activities like brisk walking, swimming, and body weight exercises like push-ups and squats.
Change your Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is essential in optimizing your bone health. Quit smoking because smoke increases bone loss rate. Moreover, limit intake of alcohol to one drink if you are a woman or two drinks if you are a man. Being under the influence of alcohol can increase your chances of falling and fractures. Also, wear shoes with a low heel and a non slip sole to reduce your chances of falling.
Final Word
Osteoporosis is not reversible. Treatment will help prevent more bone loss and restore bone health. Use the tips we have covered above to slow the progression of Osteoporosis.
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