Osteoporosisis a bone disease that develops when a person loses a significant amount of bone density.
The disease leads to weak and brittle bones.
People with osteoporosis are susceptible to bone fractures from even mild stressors such as coughing or bending over.
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Since they have a high fracture risk, people with osteoporosis may eventually experience limited mobility.
Some fractures that can be because of osteoporosisespecially hip fracturescan increase a person’s risk of death.
For someone with osteoporosis, slowing bone loss and building bone density is crucial.
Treatment for osteoporosis involves medications that are designed to slow bone loss or increase bone density.
These medications include bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and estrogen replacement therapy or estrogen receptor modulators.
Read on to find out which supplements might be helpful if you have osteoporosis.
Some research suggests that calcium supplements may increase the risk of other diseases such asheart disease.
However, experts generally support calcium supplements if taken in moderation and not to excess.
Should I Take Calcium Supplements?
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an equally important role as calcium in bone health.
For people with osteoporosis,vitamin D supplementationcan improve bone density.However, the amount they take should be balanced.
The mineral is also vital for healthy bones.
Close to 60% of the bodys stores of magnesium are found in bone tissue.
More research is needed to confirm whether magnesium supplements reduce fracture risk in people with the condition.
Do I Need More Magnesium?
It’s also important to note that having too much magnesium can have detrimental effects on bone health.
Vitamin K
Research has found thatvitamin Khelps to regulate bone remodeling.
Being deficient in vitamin K can lead to an increase in bone loss, especially for women.
Soy Isoflavones
Soyisoflavonesare organic micronutrients found in soy and other plants (polyphenols).
When you consume soy isoflavones, they act like the hormoneestrogenin your body and activate certain estrogen receptors.
Research has found that soy isoflavones can slow bone loss and contribute to bone formation in the body.
In turn, that could lead to an increase in bone density in people with osteoporosis.
Soy products, lentils, beans, and peas are all high in soy isoflavones.
A recent study looked at howzinc supplementationcould help older adults with osteoporosis.
The study authors recommended further research into the effects on bone of zinc treatment.
They will help you decide if you need the supplements.
If you are not deficient in a particular nutrient, taking supplements might do more harm than good.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to treat osteoporosis naturally is to make lifestyle changes.
These natural lifestyle changes can sometimes prevent osteoporosis.
If you have already developed the disease, incorporating these changes could help you manage it.
Osteoporosis cannot be reversed.
