Reversing Osteoporosis 1
REVERSING OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOPENIA
There isn’t a simple answer as to whether one can reverse osteoporosis. There are different stages to this bone disease. The first is osteopenia. This is the earliest stage of osteoporosis that causes bone mass reduce and bones to become brittle. At this stage it is much easier to reverse osteopenia by eating healthier, exercising and going through stringent medication to bring bone mass back. But for those who are at the chronic to severe stages of osteoporosis, it might not be that easy, but it is still possible.
There is a process known as resorption where, through medication and other techniques, bone mass is not allowed to further reduce, but stay at that level. From there, it is easier to build bone mass back up, but the process is still longer than if the patient’s health was taken care of since a much younger age.
When it comes to osteoporosis, it is best to consult a doctor as medication seems to be the only true cure for actually reversing osteoporosis. However, the more severe the bone disease is, the less likely it will be for a patient to get cured. Taking a look at osteopenia, the earliest stage of osteoporosis, there are a few measures to reversing it and getting back on track. But it is a long process and requires a change in lifestyle.
- Exercise: It is said that women do not exercise as much. But you need to keep aside at least 30 minutes a day for brisk walking. And if you do it in the early morning, that is a bonus. The rays from the just-rising sun are packed with vitamin D and the walk will help strengthen your bones and prevent osteopenia.
- Avoid Caffeine: Drinks that are filled with caffeine like coffee or soda pop are not good for health, even though they may give you a temporary boost in energy. Just as studies have shown that they wear out the enamel on teeth, so also other studies suggest the same with bones leading to osteopenia. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and fresh foods for long-lasting energy.
- Be Careful about Medication: The early on-set of osteoporosis which is osteopenia can happen because you are taking medication for other diseases and sicknesses. While they may be helping you overcome other problems, they might be reducing estrogen, testosterone and other hormones responsible for healthy bones. Consult with your doctor and take supplements so that the hormones can be built up again. Preventing osteopenia from occurring will ultimately save you from the bigger sister, osteoporosis.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Starting good habits when you’re young will go a long way. Even if you’re starting late, a good balanced diet that includes lots of calcium and vitamin D in it will help strengthen bones and keep osteopenia away. Once again, consult with a doctor to find out the right dosage for you. Go out in nature and soak up some sun as this is the best source for that much-needed vitamin D.
Preventing osteopenia, and ultimately osteoporosis from becoming a disease you have to live with and which can be very painful, is not difficult if the right kind of lifestyle is followed. There have been rising cases of osteopenia and osteoporosis in recent years where it is estimated that 50% of postmenopausal women will be suffering from it. This is because people are so busy taking care of the outer things of life, especially women that they forget to take care of themselves. Simple changes to your lifestyle like including exercise, eating healthy, regular doctor visits, etc can go a long way and keep osteopenia away.
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