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Osteoporosis is a disease which slowly and gradually, the bones become weak
and brittle. It often results in bone breakage and fractures, especially around the hip,
spine and wrist. Although this condition affects both men and women, it is more of a major
health problem fro women.
A study shows that 1 out of every 2 women over 50 suffers a bone breakage due
to osteoporosis. By the time these women reach the age of 65, they will lose half of their
total bone mass. Fortunately, this dreadful disease can be prevented by living a healthy
lifestyle.
Signs and Symptoms:
Because the bone density loss occurs without prior symptoms, Osteoporosis is
often times considered a "silent disease". Most of the people don't know they already have it
until the break a bone. It can cause a vertebra, any of the 33 bony segments forming the
spine, to break and collapse. Signs of a broken or collapsed vertebra
include:
- Severe back pain
- Sudden loss of height
- Kyphosis - One of the spine's that causes a hump looking deformity
The Cause of Osteoporosis
Your bones density and strength greatly depends on calcium and other minerals
your body has. Our body is continuously making and breaking down (reabsorbing) bones. This
process, however, depends on your age cap. For young people, this process occurs
rapidly.
Our body creates more bone that what it breaks allowing us to build bone mass.
During the mid 30's, although your body continues to build bones, the process becomes slower
causing you to lose more bone that what you build.
The mid 30's is usually determines your risk of having osteoporosis. Bone loss
is significantly increased during menopause, making women more prone to it; it occurs when
the level of estogen drops. Other than menopause and age, osteoporosis can be caused
by:
- Use of certain medications, especially thyroid and corticosteriod
medications.
- Cushing syndrome, caused by too much cortisol produced.
- Kidney problems
- Diseases of the thyroid or adrenal glands
- Insufficient supply of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K magnesium, and especially calcium. (Too
much intake of vitamin A increases the risk of osteoporosis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe self-induced weight loss or commonly known as Anorexia
- Alcoholism
The risk of osteoporosis can be prevented. Your body builds bone mass during
your 30s, therefore prevention should start early. Make sure you get much recommended
vitamins and calcium is a must.
Exercises also help prevent the risk of it; weight-lifting, walking, and other
exercises. Experts recommend at least half and hour of daily weight bearing exercise is
essential. Although there hasn't been an extensive study of the use of herbs for treating
osteoporosis, some herbs, having a good reputation of rebalancing the estrogen level, offer a
protection against bone density loss; these herbs are considered to be anti-bone loss herbs.
Below are list of herbs recommended to lift the risk of osteoporosis.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Studies show that horsetail contains silicon, a great ingredient beneficial in
protecting bones from the loss of calcium.
Ingredients
2 tablespoon dried horsetail (available here)
A cup of cold water
Preparation and Direction
- Take 2 tablespoon of dried horsetail and soak in a cup of cold water for
about 15 minutes.
- Or, you can gently let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Then strain and drink 2 cups of the tea everyday.
- Drink the tea for 2 weeks to strengthen bones, ligaments, tendons, nails and hair.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)
Red Clover is known to replace lost estrogen. It contains a protective
substance called isoflavones that produce extra estrogen in women's body. Red Clover also
helps women prevent early menopause and eventually lessen the risk of having calcium loss
after menopause.
Red Clover Lemonade
This herbal drink is a perfect way to include nutritious herbs into a family's diet. Aside from the
nutrients it bears, it is a very refreshing drink perfect for summer!
Ingredients
4 cups of fresh red
clover blossoms(available online)
A gallon of water
2 cups honey (1 lb) (you can also use natural sweeteners as substitute)
2 cups lemon juice
Preparations
- Gently simmer the clover blossoms is a covered pot for at least 10 minutes.
- Add the honey (or any natural sweetener) and stir it until it dissolves.
- Allow it to cool and steep overnight or at least 6 hours; it makes the drink stronger and potent,
allowing it to maximize the nutrients it adds to the drink.
- Add the lemon juice to the mixture and put it in the refrigerator.
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