Tratamiento Natural Para La Osteoporosis: Síntomas, Factores De Riesgo Y Consejos Dietéticos

2024 Autor: Cecilia Ryder | [email protected]. Última modificación: 2023-12-17 14:20

Tabla de contenido

• ¿Qué es la osteoporosis?
• Tipos de osteoporosis
• Signos y síntomas
• Causas y factores de riesgo
• Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis
• Métodos de diagnóstico
• Cómo tratar la osteoporosis naturalmente
• Otros tratamientos
• La mejor dieta para la osteoporosis
• Consejos de prevención

La osteoporosis causa alrededor de 8,9 millones de fracturas cada año en todo el mundo (1). De hecho, los estudios muestran que 1 de cada 3 mujeres mayores de 50 años sufre fracturas por osteoporosis.

Tu densidad ósea está en su punto más alto cuando tienes 20 años. Pero a medida que ingresa a los 30, sus huesos comienzan a debilitarse. La edad avanzada es una de las razones por las que sus huesos comienzan a romperse más rápido de lo que se forman. Esta también es una de las razones de la osteoporosis.

Si está buscando formas seguras y naturales de tratar esta afección, esta podría ser la solución. Si bien no puede curar la osteoporosis, puede revertirla con el tratamiento y los remedios adecuados. Sigue leyendo para saber más.

¿Qué es la osteoporosis?

La osteoporosis es una afección médica que hace que los huesos se debiliten y se vuelvan porosos. Esto aumenta el riesgo de fracturas en la cadera, muñecas y vértebras espinales.

La osteoporosis se clasifica en cuatro tipos.

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Tipos de osteoporosis

Osteoporosis primaria:

La osteoporosis primaria es más común en mujeres que en hombres. Es causada por la edad avanzada. Hay un aumento en la tasa de pérdida ósea pero una disminución en la tasa de formación de hueso.

Osteoporosis secundaria:

Este tipo de osteoporosis surge debido a condiciones médicas subyacentes como hipertiroidismo, hiperparatiroidismo o incluso leucemia. Incluso los medicamentos como los corticosteroides, en dosis altas, pueden causar osteoporosis secundaria.

Osteogénesis imperfecta:

Esta forma de osteoporosis generalmente está presente al nacer y puede hacer que sus huesos pierdan densidad y se rompan sin razones evidentes.

Osteoporosis juvenil idiopática:

Este es un tipo raro de osteoporosis que ocurre en niños de entre 8 y 14 años. Aumenta el riesgo de fracturas y provoca una pérdida excesiva de hueso al tiempo que disminuye la formación de hueso. Se desconoce la causa exacta de este tipo de osteoporosis.

Veamos ahora los signos y síntomas de la osteoporosis.

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Signos y síntomas

La mayoría de las veces, no hay signos o síntomas físicos que indiquen la aparición de osteoporosis. Esto se debe a que la pérdida de densidad ósea ocurre gradualmente. Puede descubrirlo si lamentablemente se cae o se ve involucrado en un accidente menor. Las personas afectadas terminan rompiéndose los huesos, especialmente en las caderas, muñecas y columna vertebral.

Una columna vertebral rota puede hacer que se doble o incluso provocar cambios en su postura.

La osteoporosis puede ser causada por una variedad de factores que pueden ser modificables o no modificables. Obtenga más información sobre esto a continuación.

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Causas y factores de riesgo

Los factores no evitables incluyen:

• Edad avanzada
• Menopausia en mujeres
• Una disminución de las hormonas sexuales.
• Origen étnico: los europeos (blancos) y los asiáticos tienen un mayor riesgo
• Ser alto y / o delgado
• Factores genéticos: antecedentes familiares de la afección
• Una historia de fractura

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
• A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle

Before moving on, we will address one common confusion – the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis.

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Osteoporosis Vs. Osteopenia

Although both osteoporosis and osteopenia are related conditions, there are a few differences.

Osteoporosis

• This condition causes severe bone loss in the affected individuals as compared to bone growth.
• It mostly shows no symptoms.
• It increases your risk of fractures.
• Women are at a higher risk than men.
• When left untreated, osteoporosis can cause loss of height and stooped posture.

Osteopenia

• It also results in bone loss, but it has a less severe impact as compared to osteoporosis.
• It shows no symptoms.
• Osteopenia increases your risk of fractures, but not as much as osteoporosis.
• Women are at a higher risk of developing osteopenia.
• This condition increases your chances of developing osteoporosis.

If you suspect you are suffering from osteoporosis, please visit a doctor for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

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Diagnosis Methods

Your doctor may first ask if you have a family history of the disease. They may then go on to look at the risk factors that you have been exposed to.

If osteoporosis is suspected, your doctor may then ask you to measure your bone mineral density (BMD).

This scanning uses an X-ray technology called Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and bone densitometry.

Other tests may include:

• A lateral vertebral assessment (LVA)
• An ultrasound scan of the heel bone

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 exceptional remedies just for you.

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How To Treat Osteoporosis Naturally

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Vitamins
3. Essential Oils
4. Milk
5. Massage
6. Sesame
7. Sprouts
8. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
9. Triphala
10. Dandelion Tea

Home Remedies To Treat Osteoporosis

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.
2. Drink the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this mixture once daily.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are great for your bone health (2).

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2. Vitamins

You Will Need

1-2 drops of 100% pure pine oil (or rosemary oil, thyme oil, or sage oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add one to two drops of any essential oil to a glass of hot water.
2. Mix well and consume.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this mixture once daily.

Why This Works

Supplementation with these essential oils is observed to inhibit bone loss and resorption (4).

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4. Milk

You Will Need

1 amla or juice of 1 amla

What You Have To Do

Consume an amla in its natural or blended form.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) increases calcium absorption, thus increasing your bone density (9).

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9. Triphala

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

1. Add two teaspoons of dandelion tea extract to a cup of hot water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes and strain.
4. Allow the tea to cool for a bit.
5. Drink the tea.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink dandelion tea 2 to 3 times daily for best results.

Why This Works

Dandelion tea activates the release of calcium in your body and is hence an amazing remedy for treating symptoms of osteoporosis (11).

While these remedies will work wonders in treating osteoporosis, severe cases of the condition need immediate medical treatment.

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Other Treatments

Drugs that are used for treating and preventing the condition are:

• Estrogen agonists or antagonists like raloxifene
• RANK ligand inhibitors such as Denosumab – An immunotherapy treatment
• Calcitonin (Calcimar or Miacalcin) to prevent spinal fractures and manage pain
• Bisphosphonates – Antiresorptive drugs that can slow down the progression of osteoporosis

Along with all of this, you must also pay attention to your diet.

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Best Diet For Osteoporosis

Individuals affected by osteoporosis must eat more of:

• Calcium-rich foods like sardines, salmon, low-fat dairy, and green vegetables
• Vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, cheese, and fatty fish
• Foods rich in magnesium and potassium like spinach, okra, tomatoes, potatoes, and raisins
• Foods fortified with calcium and vitamin D

Avoid these foods:

• Processed meats like ham and hot dogs
• Fried fast foods like pizza, burgers, etc.
• Processed and canned foods
• Baked foods like bread and cereals
• Sugary foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

You can also follow some tips to prevent your condition from worsening.

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Prevention Tips

• Exercise regularly.
• Quit smoking.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Avoid carbonated drinks (soda).
• Do yoga to strengthen your bones and muscles.
• Try weight training and weight-bearing exercises like walking.

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.

If you are aware of any other remedies to deal with osteoporosis, please let us know in the comments section below.

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Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

How can I increase my bone density?

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.

How long can you live with osteoporosis?

While osteoporosis can increase your risk of dying prematurely, studies show that affected women below the age of 75 and affected men below the age of 60 can live for 15 or more years to come.

Is osteoporosis an autoimmune disease?

Although it is not, some studies indicate that autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may cause osteoporosis.

What is the best calcium supplement for osteoporosis?

Calcium supplements are widely available in two forms – calcium carbonate that dissolves in an acidic environment, and calcium citrate that can dissolve easily without any acid. However, calcium carbonate has more elemental calcium as compared to calcium citrate. So, you can check for supplements with calcium carbonate. You will have to take additional supplements for vitamin K2 to direct the calcium into your bloodstream (12).

Is swimming good for osteoporosis?

Swimming is a low-intensity exercise that may be beneficial for your cardiovascular health and muscles. It may not have great benefits for your bones.

Which age group does osteoporosis affect?

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.

References

1. “Major osteoporotic fragility fractures…”. US National Library of Medicine.
2. “STUDY ABOUT THE NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT” Asian Journal of Science and Technology, ResearchGate
3. “The role of vitamins in the prevention of osteoporosis–a brief status report” International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, US National Library of Medicine
4. “Common herbs, essential oils, and monoterpenes potently modulate bone metabolism” Bone, US National Library of Medicine
5. “Osteoporosis: Is milk a kindness or a curse?” Joint Bone Spine, US National Library of Medicine
6. “Thai traditional massage increases biochemical markers of bone formation in postmenopausal women: a randomized crossover trial” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine
7. “Osteoprotective effect of soybean and sesame oils in ovariectomized rats via estrogen-like mechanism” Cytotechnology, US National Library of Medicine
8. “The role of phytoestrogens in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in ovarian hormone deficiency” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine
9. “Induction of apoptosis of human primary osteoclasts treated with extracts from the medicinal plant Emblica officinalis” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine
10. “Triphala Exhibits Anti-Arthritic Effect by Ameliorating Bone and Cartilage Degradation in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats, A Journal of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Immunological Investigations
11. “Dandelion Root Extract Induces Intracellular Ca2+ Increases in HEK293 Cells” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine