Osteoporosis Treatments Now Include Supplements
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones of the body get de-mineralized and weak. They become fragile and prone to fractures. It is a condition, which generally affects post menopausal women due to reduced hormonal (estrogen) levels after menopause.
Osteoporosis a Concern for Men, too
However, the condition can also manifest itself in men and women having coeliac conditions, malnutrition and decreased bone mineralization. It also affects people suffering from other disorders including low testosterone.
To combat this disorder, there are varieties of supplements one can take. These supplements either in the form of vitamins, minerals or hormone substitutes from natural origins (such as phytoestrogens) can help tremendously in improving the conditions of the patient.
Phytoestrogens are Herbal Supplements for Osteoporosis Treatment
Phytoestrogens are chemicals obtained from the plant, which show similar action to estrogen normally found in the body. The use of soy has been traditional in the Asian countries for many years as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, especially those related to osteoporosis. It has been found that soy contains phytoestrogens.
Other sources of phytoestrogens include flax seed (linseed), tofu, wheat, oats, barley, lentils, beans, ginseng, and many other grains. Even some fruits such as apples have these phytoestrogens. Flax seed also contains omega-3-fatty acids, which are a group of essential fatty acids that have significant neurological role. A plant called agnus-castus obtained from the Mediterranean region is also known to have steroid hormone precursors, which help during menopause.
The advantage of phytoestrogens over estrogen is quite significant. Firstly, it is milder than the estrogen supplements normally taken, and as a result, rarely displays any of the side effects associated with estrogen. The second advantage is a massive plus point, in that, phytoestrogens show selective activity based on the site of action. This means that they selectively show estrogen like properties in certain organs, while showing anti-estrogenic properties in other organs. For example, phytoestrogens show anti-estrogenic action in breast tissues and hence decrease risk of breast cancer, while showing estrogen like activity in the bone and enhancing bone mineral absorption. In fact, it is for this selective action that phytoestrogens are being looked into as possible treatments for breast cancer also.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Phytoestrogens are also called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or SERMs, due to their selective action on particular estrogen sensitive tissues, and also isoflavones or lignans, due to their chemical nature of flavonoids.
Natural Osteoporosis Treatment Should Include Mineral Supplements
Mineral supplements are a high priority class of medication given to patients suffering from osteoporosis. Calcium in the bones accounts for over 95% of the mineral in the body. It is the major constituent of bone and hence supplementing this mineral is important for the strengthening of bones. Calcium intake in the diet comes from a variety of foods such as green leafy vegetables, dairy products, almonds, and dried beans. However, it is advised that supplemental calcium (1000mg to 2000mg) should be taken by osteoporotic patients. Another important mineral, which should be consumed, is magnesium, which is also responsible for bone mineralization and hormone activity. Dietary sources of magnesium are wheat, wheat bran, cashews, nuts and almonds.
Vitamins for Osteoporosis Treatment
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin required for patients of osteoporosis. It plays a vital role in maintaining and building the bones and is also responsible for calcium absorption. It is normally synthesized by the human skin in the presence of sun, and hence exposing the body to mild sunlight during the mornings or evenings can help. Apart from this, it would be advised to also take 400IU of the vitamin as a supplement.
Other vitamins which also play an important role are vitamin K (45mgs per day of which can help reduce bone loss), which can be obtained from green leafy vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, dark green lettuce, and even green tea. Vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B are also helpful to improve the strength of the body during the rough times of menopause.
