How to Cure Osteopenia

Osteopenia is the term for lower than normal bone mineral density (BMD) that is not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It may occur as the result of aging, eating disorders, underlying metabolic issues, chemotherapy, steroids or radiation exposure. Ostopenia is most prevalent among thin Caucasian or Asian women with a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking, caffeine and excessive alcohol use are also contributing factors. Ostopenia does not present with any symptoms. It is diagnosed with a bone mineral density test, usually ordered to rule out a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Add regular exercise to your wellness regimen to help strengthen your bones. Participate in aerobic exercise such as jogging or walking for at least twenty to thirty minutes three times each week. Lifting weights is also good to include. Discuss implementing an exercise program with your doctor before you begin.

• 2

  Eat foods high in vitamin D, which will help your body to absorb calcium. Eggs and salmon are good examples. Vitamin D is also produced by the body by simply spending a few minutes a day in the sun. Take calcium supplements and consume foods high in calcium such as cheese, yogurt and milk. Calcium is noted for building bone mass.

• 3

  Quit smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoke worsens osteopenia. Limit alcohol and caffeine. These also contribute to an increase in bone loss.

• 4

  Weigh the benefits versus the side effects of medication for your specific condition. Your doctor may recommend Boniva or Fosamax to slow or reverse the progression of osteopenia. Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to counteract the effects of declining estrogen levels to reduce bone loss.

• 5

  Schedule regular bone density tests as recommended by your physician. This will monitor the progression of osteopenia and determine if it is beginning to develop into osteoporosis.