Understanding Osteoporosis: Preventative Measures and Current Treatments

We are all familiar with osteoporosis by name, but do you understand exactly how the condition develops and why it impacts your health? Knowledge is power, and by gaining a more comprehensive understanding of osteoporosis you can take the necessary steps to prevent the deterioration of your bones.

What Is Osteoporosis?

The term “osteoporosis” actually means “porous bone.” Since bone is a living tissue composed of calcium and protein, it remains healthy by continually remodeling itself. If you are healthy, small amounts of bone are constantly being absorbed into your body and immediately replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone. At times the body breaks down bones by reabsorbing calcium that is stored in the bones to maintain blood calcium levels that is essential for proper functioning of the heart, brain, and other organs. This causes bone density to decrease, which leads bones to become weak and brittle with risk of fracture.

Can You Prevent Osteoporosis?

There are many different factors that influence that rate at which your bone calcium is absorbed and replaced, so there is no one single technique that can prevent osteoporosis. Age, physical activity, estrogen levels, heredity, and smoking and alcohol habits all play a role. A certain amount of bone loss is inevitable as you age, but you can improve your odds of slowing the progression of osteoporosis by adopting a few healthy habits.

To begin, use your diet as your first line of defense. The old phrase “you are what you eat” is true in so many ways. Increase the amount of plants and fermented foods that you eat in order to nourish your bones with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and protein. Foods high in vitamin D are also important since vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium in the body. You should also begin weight-bearing exercises like yoga, jogging, and weight lifting in order to stimulate bone formation and slow age-related bone loss.

Current Treatments for Osteoporosis

If preventing osteoporosis is not enough to keep your bones strong, you can work with your integrative health expert to identify a treatment method that will protect your bone health without causing severe and unwanted side effects. Estrogen therapy is a popular and effective way to combat osteoporosis for women who are approaching menopause. Since menopause causes a significant decrease in estrogen, it also weakens bones and contributes to osteoporosis. Fortunately, estrogen replacement is an FDA-approved treatment to stop osteoporosis in its tracks by maintaining hormone balance.  

It’s essential that you turn to a doctor of integrative medicine like Dr. Ron Shemesh at Mind Body Spirit Care in Tampa, Florida to prevent or alleviate your osteoporosis. Dr. Shemesh offers the holistic expertise to help you embrace wellness for many years to come. Call (813) 935-2273 to make your first appointment today.