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Definition
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Osteoporosis, literally means porous bones, is a bone-degenerating disease which occurs when bones lose an excessive amount of protein and mineral
content especially calcium.
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It is a serious public health problem. More than 28 million
Americans are at risk for osteoporosis, and more than 11 million already have
been diagnosed with this disease
The first sign of osteoporosis are the fractures which
can affect any bone particularly the hip, spine, and wrist
Incases of severe osteoporosis, even a sudden movement can break a bone. Osteoporosis occurs most often in older women. However,
the disease strikes young and old
alike.
Causes & Symptoms
Factors that increase the risk of developing
osteoporosis include:
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Do not get enough exercise
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Medications such as methotrexate, cimetidine, and
corticosteroids.
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Do not get enough calcium or protein
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The bone loss occurs without symptoms until a bone
breaks that is why The National Osteoporosis Foundation calls it the
"silent disease" However, one symptom of osteoporosis, that can be
observed easily, is the hunchback appearance also called dowager's hump or
widow's hump which many elderly women have.
Nature Medicine and Home Remedies for Osteoporosis
Home Remedies for Osteoporosis # 1 1Mix 1/2 cup broccoli, ¼ cup of romaine lettuce, ¼ ofspinach
and ½ collards and eat them like salad daily.
Home Remedies for Osteoporosis # 2 Drink al least one cup of milk
every day which canprovide 300 mg of the 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium needed daily.
Home Remedies for Osteoporosis # 3 Drink a cup of orange juice
daily to get vitamin C necessaryfor the body processes that rebuild bones.
Home Remedies for Osteoporosis # 4 Eat tofu (from soy) daily. It gives estrogen to the body and may help
women regain bone strength.
Home Remedies for Osteoporosis # 5 Use 1 teaspoon of horsetail dried leaves
per cup of boiling water anddrink this tea twice a day.
Home Remedies for Osteoporosis # 6 Eat salmon and sardines twice
a week because thesefishes are high in calcium.
Natural Cures Recommendations
Exercise regularly (threeto four times per week for 20-30 minutes each time) is one of the most important things to prevent osteoporosis because it
increases the bone's mass and make it stronger.
Exercise such as aerobics, dancing, jogging, stair climbing,
tennis, walking, and lifting weights are recommended. However, walking and swimming are
the best options for people who have already osteoporosis. In the case of walking, this exercise reduces
the chances of failing and in the case of swimming the water supports much of
the weight.
Try to maintain an ideal weight. If you are underweight (10% or less of the average weight for your ageand height), you are at risk for a deficiency of calcium. On the other hand, if you are overweight the
extra weight puts a greater load on the bones and increases the possibility of
fractures.
Stop Smoking.
Check your medicines withyour doctor or pharmacist because some medications and drugs could have
bone-thinning effects when used for a long time or in large amounts.
Get some sun. The body canmake its own vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin is needed to absorb calcium of
our food. Without it or in a minimum
quantity, the body begins to pull the calcium from the bones, making them
weaker.
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