Health-Alternative Medicine and Osteoporosis

A disease where bones gradually become thinner and weaker until they break easily is called Osteoporosis. Usually, people with advanced osteoporosis fracture their hip, spine or wrist. With age, your risk of osteoporosis becomes greater. But, osteoporosis can afflict people at any age. Women are more likely to be affected than men; probably because of hormonal differences. Osteoporosis does not have obvious symptoms and because of this, years may go by with the bone becoming weaker and weaker until a painful fracture occurs. There is no cure for osteoporosis, however it is a highly preventable disease.

A lot of alternative medicine that treats and tries to prevent osteoporosis is making lifestyle changes. Alternative medicine is also sometimes referred to as complimentary medicine. A proper diet can do amazing things for the body and help to prevent or delay the effects of osteoporosis. Eating natural and whole foods as opposed to processed foods that contain additives and little vitamin or minerals, or refined foods. You should be eating low fat dairy products and limiting the amount of animal fat that is consumed. Dietary supplements such as calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and isoflavones may help prevent osteoporosis and even slow the progression of the disease. Many herbalists and nutritionists may even suggest taking herbs or supplements to boost the body's immunities. As well as ensure a proper balance and adequate amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals. Black cohosh, red clover, kelp, and oat straw are some herbs that are recommended by herbalists for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Mainstream medicine tends to put an emphasis on synthetic drugs, surgery and treatments that depend on high technology. Alternative Medicine encompasses literally dozens of therapeutic practices, approaches, and philosophies, ranging from acupuncture and herbal medicine to spiritual healing and homeopathy. Some of these therapies, such as acupuncture, are now being used in mainstream medicine. The premise behind alternative medicine is taking a natural approach and healthcare practitioners and experts agree that prevention is the best medicine when it comes to osteoporosis.