A general term for any disease process resulting in reduction of bone mass per unit of
volume, and when the reduction is sufficient to interfere with the mechanical function of the
bone. Many conditions and diseases may be involved in the process. This condition becomes
apparent when the osteoporosis has progressed to a stage at which bones fracture when
normally they would not. Most frequently involved are the lower dorsal and lumbar bones, however it may
affect any bone, including those of the jaw. Bone loss is just part of the aging process,
but it proceeds faster in women, especially following menopause, and is more
likely to occur in sedentary individuals. This page focuses on Involutional and Senile
Osteoporosis. In Involutional Osteporosis, seen in
women between 50 and 70 years old and related to menopause, the trabecular bone is affected.
In Senile Osteoporosis, affecting both male and female patients over age 70, the
trabecular bone and the cortical bone are affected. These often result in vertebral and hip
fractures.
Helpful Links:
Osteoporosis
steoporosis, or "brittle-bone
disease" as it is often referred, affects up to 40% of Caucasian women over the age of 50
in the United States. An estimated 20% of osteoporosis cases appear in men. Osteoporosis
is a gradual decrease in calcium in the bones that leads to weakness in the bone structure. In time, the bones
become porous, and have low bone mass and density. A variety of symptoms including
lower back pain, loss of up to several inches in height, and stooped posture may be present
in those suffering from osteoporosis, as well as a heightened possibility of bone fractures,
especially in the vertebrae and hips. Women generally lose bone mass quickly during
the first five to 9 years after menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy has been the most
prescribed form of treatment for this condition, but with the treatment comes uncomfortable
side effects including hot flashes, sinusitis, muscle pain, leg cramps, blood clots, and
weight gain.
Taking early measures to build bone mass
can minimize the aging effects on bone. Exercise is the best preventive measure as it
builds bone density in the young, and helps to prevent bone loss in later life. But there
are many herbal supplements that are extremely helpful in replacing lost nutrients needed
for strong bones.
Stinging Nettles is an
all-around helpful plant and has been referred to as nature's multivitamin. It contains iron,
calcium, protein, magnesium, and phosphorous. Because of its high calcium content, Nettles
can aid in replacing calcium which is lost during the aging process.
Dandelion is a good source
of silicon which some studies suggest helps strengthen bone. Additionally, Dandelion is full
of calcium. Containing compounds called isoflavones that act like estrogen,
Red Clover is the best
herbal source for these compounds. Isoflavones are powerful in fighting symptoms of
perimenopause and early menopause.
Wild Oats are another good source of calcium and are
helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis. Since most physicians these days prescribe hormone
(or estrogen) replacement therapy (HRT) to treat osteoporosis, there is good reason to try some
of the herbs that have been proven helpful with symptoms of menopause.
Dong Quai, containing
iron and vitamin E, is a well-known Chinese herb that aids in estrogen replacement, or, more precisely, hormone balance.
Chaste Tree Berryand
Licorice both contain estrogen-like compounds,
and Siberian Ginseng
and Damiana are both useful
as hormone-balancers.
These
products are available from our
Virtual Store.
Our liberal
Money Back Guarantee applies.
Taking early measures to build bone mass
can minimize the aging effects on bone. Exercise is the best preventive measure as it
builds bone density in the young, and helps to prevent bone loss in later life. But there
are many herbal supplements that are extremely helpful in replacing lost nutrients needed
for strong bones.
Stinging Nettles is an
all-around helpful plant and has been referred to as nature's multivitamin. It contains iron,
calcium, protein, magnesium, and phosphorous. Because of its high calcium content, Nettles
can aid in replacing calcium which is lost during the aging process.
Dandelion is a good source
of silicon which some studies suggest helps strengthen bone. Additionally, Dandelion is full
of calcium. Containing compounds called isoflavones that act like estrogen,
Red Clover is the best
herbal source for these compounds. Isoflavones are powerful in fighting symptoms of
perimenopause and early menopause.
Wild Oats are another good source of calcium and are
helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis. Since most physicians these days prescribe hormone
(or estrogen) replacement therapy (HRT) to treat osteoporosis, there is good reason to try some
of the herbs that have been proven helpful with symptoms of menopause.
Dong Quai, containing
iron and vitamin E, is a well-known Chinese herb that aids in estrogen replacement, or, more precisely, hormone balance.
Chaste Tree Berryand
Licorice both contain estrogen-like compounds,
and Siberian Ginseng
and Damiana are both useful
as hormone-balancers.
These
products are available from our
Virtual Store.
Our liberal
Money Back Guarantee applies.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.