What is Osteoporosis? it is often referred to as thinning bones, the word Osteoporosis actually translated means "Porous Bones" and it is referring to the deterioration in bone quality and density, leading to fragility and weakness, with a increase in the risk of bone fracture. The most common sites for fracture to occur are the hip, wrist, pelvis, spine and arms.

There are two kinds of bone cells that one should understand. Osteoclasts are the cells that travel through bone tissue, finding bone tissue that needs replacing, removing old bone by dissolving it and leaving small cavities or pores where there once was bone. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone cells in the cavities left by the dissolving tissue. These continuous processes of bone desorption and new bone formation is how bones are kept strong in the healthy body. Bone strength is the result of the balance of these two processes. Osteoporosis happens when more bone tissue is being dissolved than is being rebuilt.

What causes it is usually due to the bones losing more calcium than is being deposited, just like drawing more money out of the bank than you are putting in to your account. As you age the deterioration worsens, or increases, the outer shell of your bones weaken and the inner part develops larger holes, the condition is more difficult to remedy, the worse it has become, there are pharmaceutical drugs available that can slow down the deterioration, and sometimes even reverse it a little.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

�Bone pain and tenderness
�Neck pain, discomfort in the neck other than from injury or trauma
�Persistent pain in the spine or muscles of the lower back
�Abdominal pain
�Tooth loss
�Broken bones
�Fatigue
�Periodontal disease
�Brittle fingernails

Natural treatment for Osteoporosis

�Diet: - An optimal diet for preventing or treating osteoporosis includes eating an adequate number of calories as well as calcium and vitamin D, which are essential in helping to maintain proper bone formation and density.
�Exercise: - Weight-bearing exercises can improve bone mass in premenopausal women and help to maintain bone density for women after menopause. Physical activity reduces the risk of hip fracture in older women as a result of increased muscle strength. Most experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes three times per week.
�Black Cohosh: - A recent study indicates this popular herb may help prevent osteoporosis. Most studies recommend an intake of either 20 or 40 mg of black cohosh extract twice a day.
�Stop smoking: - Stopping smoking is strongly recommended if you are at risk for osteoporosis because smoking cigarettes is known to speed bone loss. One study suggested that women who smoke one pack per day throughout adulthood have a 5 to 10 percent reduction in bone density by menopause, resulting in an increased risk of fracture.
�Alcohol Abuse: - Long term alcohol abuse reduces bone formation and interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium.