Looking for ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis without medication? Read on for herbs, essential oils and other best natural remedies for osteoporosis pain and prevention.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is age-related bone loss. In elderly people, bones lose calcium faster than they can absorb it, resulting in weaker sturctures prone to fractures. It is estimated that women start suffering from bone loss at start of menopause due to drop in estrogen levels. Low levels of magnesium, calcium and Vitamin D are other culprits that can trigger Osteoporosis.
Natural Cures for Osteoporosis
Conventional treatment for this disease includes hormone replacement therapy which may have adverse side effects. Consider the following simple and effective natural remedies for osteoporosis:
1. Alfalfa sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts provide Vitamin K which helps in bone regrowth. Eat a handful of alfalfa sprouts daily or take 1000-2000 mg of Alfalfa capsules daily. Do not take Alfalfa if you are taking Warfarin or other conventional or herbal blood thinners.
2. Soy Isoflavone
One of the most popular osteoporosis natural treatment supplements is Soy isoflavone which helps the calcium move from the bloodstream into the bones. Take 3000mg of it daily. Soy isoflavone provides estrogen which is necessary for post menopausal women.
3. Hawthorn
Hawthorn stabilizes collagen which is a glue that binds the bones. Take 100-250 mg of Hawthorn supplements thrice daily to treat bone loss without medication.
4. Feverfew
(Pregnant women must avoid this herb). This herbal remedy is excellent for pain and inflammation experienced by elderly people. Feverfew is available readily in form of powder or encapsulated dried herbs. Dosage: Take as per label instructions.
5. Calcium-magnesium supplement
Take 1000 mg calcium daily in the form of calcium citrate malate which is easily and completely absorbed by the body. Talk to your doctor about taking Magnesium and Vitamin D supplements.
6. Eat plenty of Vitamin K rich foods
Green salads are full of Vitamin K and need to be made a part of one’s daily osteoporosis diet treatment. Vitamin K helps the bones use protein to construct collagen glue that holds bones together. Other top sources of Vitamin K foods are: iceberg lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach.
7. Best osteoporosis diet
The best foods to eat for osteoporosis are: blueberries, cherries and cherry juice. Eat as many berries of different colors as you can. These contain anthocyanidins which stabilize collagen. Eat raw oats which contains silica. Animal protein is important and regular intake of lean meat helps reduce risk of bone loss. Vegetarians should compensate with foods containing proanthocyanidins. Eat 2% cheese, milk and yogurt. Drink orange juice fortified with Calcium and Vitamin D. Eat almonds, bok choy, tofu, spinach and scallops daily. Do consume foods rich in Magensium like pumpkin seeds, halibut, oatmeal etc.
8. Get 20 minutes of sun daily
Vitamin D deficiency is a major cause of osteoporosis. The body manufactures its own vitamin D through prolonged exposure to early morning sun. Elderly people who cannot go outdoors must eat vitamin D rich foods or take supplements.
9. Avoid carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks deplete calcium from the bones as they contain phosphates. Avoid them as far as possible. Limit intake of alcohol and quit smoking.
10. Drink green tea
Regular consumption of Green tea can prevent bone loss as shown by several studies.
11. Apple cider vinegar
Organic apple cider vinegar is a powerful remedy for osteoporosis as it releases calcium and other minerals found in the foods helping in strengthening of bones.
12. Avoid sugar and sugar substitutes
Sugar tends to deplete calcium from the bones.
13. Exercise
If your doctor gives you the OK, do weight lifting and progressive strength training daily. These increase bone mineral density and strengthen the bones. For people who cannot do strenuous exercises, there are Yoga and Tai Chi which improve balance.
14. Essential oils for osteoporosis
A blend of essential oils good for bone health includes Clove, Geranium, Ginger and Peppermint oils. Add them to your bath water, diffuse them in your room and use them diluted for massage on aching bones and joints. Here is a simple DIY osteoporosis remedy with essential oils:
- 2 tbsp Grapeseed oil
- 2 drops Clove oil-it has analgesic/pain relieving properties
- 4 drops Geranium oil (regulates hormones)
- 3 drops Ginger oil –relieves pain
- 1 drop peppermint oil-uplifts the senses
Mix all the oils and add them to bath water or rub the blend on aching bones to uplift senses and stop pain.
Try these 14 simple and effective home remedies for osteoporosis and prevent pain, falls and fractures.