Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Osteoporosis literally leads to abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones.

Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone to fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, ribs, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis although osteoporosis-related fractures can occur in almost any skeletal bone.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is caused due to these factors:

1.Aging: Bone loss will occur naturally as you get older.

2.Heredity : Osteoporosis may be passed along through the family.

3.Endocrinal diseases: Diseases that affect the endocrine system, such as hyperparathyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

4.Digestive tract diseases: Due to Poor gut absorption of calcium and vitamin D bone loss occurs.

5.Alcoholism: Drinking too much alcohol also leads to this disease.

6.Premature menopause: Estrogen level changes in women.

7.Amenorrhea: Loss of periods due to an eating disorder.

8.Lack of execrcise : Time spent in bed because of illness etc.

9.Poor nutrition: Not eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous can also cause bone loss.

Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Early in the course of the disease, osteoporosis may cause no symptoms.

But later on the indicative signs of osteoporosis are :

1.An unexpected quick pain in the back without any cause.

2.A sharp pain in the back, ribs, hip or wrist after a fall or accident that does not go away. This could be sign of a fracture even though you might think that the accident was not serious enough to cause a break.

3.Dull pain in the bones or muscles, particularly low back pain or neck pain.

4.Tenderness and pain made worse by activity that puts weight on the affected area which may subside in a week.

Risk Factor by Osteoporosis

Female gender: Because women have lighter, thinner bones than men, osteoporosis is much more frequent in women. At age 35, men have 30% more bone mass than women. Bone loss also occurs much more slowly in men than women.

Family history: Women whose family members have had osteoporosis are at increased risk for the disease. Body type is often similar among mothers or sisters.

Build: Women with thin or small frames have a higher risk for bone fractures.

Certain diseases: Women who have anorexia (an eating disorder), celiac disease (an inability to tolerate grain products), diabetes, chronic diarrhea, or kidney or liver diseases are at an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Home Remedies for Osteoporosis

1.Adopt a vegetable or fruit juice diet for 5 days. Warm water enema should be administered during the period. Then gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet.

2.Emphasize on mineral rich foods.

3.Oats, rice, millet and barley, sour milk products and foods rich in lactic acid should be consumed in liberal quantities.

4.Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries; sunflower seeds and sesame seeds; carrots, cabbage and green vegetables rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and silicon are particularly beneficial.

5.Supplement the diet with mineral and trace mineral and Betaine Hydrochloride tablets with each meal.

6.Avoid overeating and large meals. Chew food thoroughly.

7.Trace mineral boron prevents calcium loss and de-mineralization.

8.Pineapple contains manganese that is beneficial in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

9.Regular physical exercise prevents osteoporosis.

10.Walking, jogging and cycling are especially beneficial.