Cultural & Traditional Treatments for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. People with this condition will have low bone density, which may lead to fractures. When you have low calcium and phosphorus levels, this may cause weak bones and lead to osteoporosis.

Cultural Medications

• Prescription medication such as Bisphosphonates, Raloxifene (Evista), Calcitonin, Teriparatide (Forteo) or Tamoxifen can all be used to treat and reduce the rate of bone loss. These drugs also help to increase bone density. Medication is a form of treatment that is seen more commonly in the western culture.
  Bisphosphonates work to prevent the breakdown of bones and prevent fractures as well as increase bone density in areas such as the hip, spine and wrist. This treatment works best for those who have developed osteoporosis from the use of steroids to treat disease such as arthritis or asthma. Bisphosphonates can also be used as a preventive method for young adults and men who require long-term steroid use.
  Raloxifene (Evista) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERMs) which works to provide the benefits of estrogen. This treatment is designed for women after menopause to replicate the effects that estrogen has on bone density. It is not approved for men. Calcitonin is another treatment for osteoporosis that works to restore bone loss and reduce the resorption of bones. Calcitonin is a hormone found in your thyroid gland; this treatment replicates this hormone to aid in the prevention of spinal fractures.
  Teriparatide (Forteo) is a drug used on women and men who have a high risk of bone fractures. This treatment is powerful and it works to encourage the growth of new bones rather than preventing bone loss.

Traditionally

• Traditionally, osteoporosis is treated with proper nutrition and exercise. This also works as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of bone loss which may lead to osteoporosis. Your bones become stronger when you have a routine workout plan. Exercises such as walking, jogging and weight training will work against gravity to strengthen your bones.
  A diet that is rich in calcium is very important to traditionally treat osteoporosis. Foods such as tofu, bok choy, broccoli, collard greens, spinach, salmon, milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt are all great sources of calcium. Post-menopausal women and men should consume a higher amount of calcium daily to treat or prevent osteoporosis. Over time, calcium and other vital nutrients become harder for the body to absorb. Calcium supplements may be required to ensure that your body is getting the proper daily amount to maintain a healthy life. Vitamin D is an essential part of calcium absorption and should be added to your daily diet.