Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Home Remedies

Osteoporosis causes about 8.9 million fractures every year, worldwide. In fact, studies show that 1 in every 3 women over 50 years of age suffers fractures because of osteoporosis. Your bone density is at its highest when you are in your 20s. But as you enter your mid 30s, your bones start to weaken. Advancing age is one reason your bones begin to break down faster than they build. This also is one reason for osteoporosis.

If you are on the lookout for some safe and natural ways to treat this condition, this could be it. While you can’t cure osteoporosis, you can reverse it with proper treatment and remedies. Keep reading to know more.

Types of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes your bones to weaken and become porous. This increases the risk of fractures in the hip, wrists, and spinal vertebrae. Osteoporosis is categorized into four types.

1. Primary Osteoporosis: Primary osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. It is caused due to advancing age. There is an increase in the rate of bone loss but a decrease in the rate of bone building.
2. Secondary Osteoporosis: This type of osteoporosis surfaces due to underlying medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or even leukemia. Even medications like corticosteroids, in high doses, can cause secondary osteoporosis.
3. Osteogenesis Imperfecta: This form of osteoporosis is usually present at birth and can cause your bones to lose density and break for no evident reasons.
4. Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis: This is a rare type of osteoporosis that occurs in children aged between 8 and 14 years. It increases the risk of fractures and causes excessive bone loss while decreasing bone formation. The exact cause of this type of osteoporosis is unknown.

Signs And Symptoms of Osteoporosis

• Most often, there are no physical signs or symptoms to indicate the onset of osteoporosis. This is because loss of bone density happens gradually. You might discover it if you unfortunately happen to fall or are involved in a minor accident. Affected individuals end up breaking their bones, especially in their hips, wrists, and spine.
• A broken spine may cause it to curve or even lead to changes in your posture.

Causes And Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be caused by a variety of factors. Let’s now look at the causes and risk factors of osteoporosis.

• Advancing age
• Menopause in women
• A decrease in sex hormones
• Ethnicity – Europeans (Whites) and Asians are at a higher risk
• Being tall and/or slim
• Genetic factors – A family history of the condition
• A history of fracture
• Avoidable factors, which are dependent on your diet and lifestyle choices, include:
• Eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Excessive tobacco smoking
• Deficiency in nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium.

Home Remedies for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis treatments usually aim at slowing down or preventing the condition altogether. They are directed at maintaining a healthy bone mineral density. If you are looking for natural alternatives to treat osteoporosis or get some assistance, here is a list of some natural remedies just for you.

1. Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea activates the release of calcium in your body and is hence an amazing remedy for treating symptoms of osteoporosis.

You’ll need:

• 2 teaspoons of dandelion tea extract
• 1 cup of water

Process:

• Add two teaspoons of dandelion tea extract to a cup of hot water.
• Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
• Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes and strain.
• Allow the tea to cool for a bit.
• Drink the tea.
• You can drink dandelion tea 2 to 3 times daily for best results.

2. Sesame oil

Sesame seeds are a rich source of calcium and phosphorus. In an animal study, supplementing with sesame oil was found to prevent bone loss.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

Process:

• Add sesame oil to your favorite dishes and salads.
• You can also consume roasted sesame seeds.
• You can consume these once daily.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are great for your bone health.

You’ll need:

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of warm water

Process:

• Mix two teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.
• Drink the mixture.
• Drink this mixture once daily.

4. Milk

Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D – two of the most significant nutrients for bone growth and development. Daily consumption of milk was observed to increase bone mineral density. Milk is best supplied with vitamin K2 (MK7) if you don’t want its calcium content to end up in places in your body where you don’t want it to.

How to do:

• Drink a glass of milk in the morning or evening.
• You can drink 1 to 2 glasses of low-fat milk daily.

5. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) increases calcium absorption, thus increasing your bone density.

You’ll need:

• 1 amla or juice of 1 amla

Process:

• Consume an amla in its natural or blended form.
• Do this once daily.

6. Essential Oils

Supplementation with these essential oils is observed to inhibit bone loss and resorption.

You’ll need:

• 2 drops of 100% pure pine oil (or rosemary oil, thyme oil, or sage oil)

Process:

• Add one to two drops of any essential oil to a glass of hot water.
• Mix well and consume.
• Drink this mixture once daily.

7. Triphala

Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicine made of three fruits, namely myrobalan, bahera, and amla. It helps in ameliorating bone and cartilage degradation.

You’ll need:

• ½ teaspoon of triphala powder
• 1 glass of hot water

Process:

• Mix half a teaspoon of triphala powder with a glass of water.
• Drink the mixture.
• You can drink this once daily.

8. Vitamins

• Many vitamins play a significant role in treating and even preventing osteoporosis. While vitamin D promotes bone health by increasing calcium absorption in the intestine, vitamin C boosts bone density. And vitamin K helps with bone metabolism. Together, these vitamins can help reverse osteoporosis.
• Foods rich in these vitamins include cheese, egg yolks, fatty fish, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables. You can also take supplements for these vitamins. Just check with your health care provider.

Osteoporosis can occur in both men and women of any age. But it is more likely to occur in older women who are aged 50 years or above. You can increase your bone strength and density (and prevent further bone loss) by following the remedies listed in this article. You can also avail medical treatment.

Following these remedies can help prevent osteoporosis or even halt its progression. If you are at a risk of developing this condition, don’t forget that the earlier you make changes to your diet and lifestyle, the higher are your chances of preventing osteoporosis altogether.