Osteopenia Treatment

Osteopenia is a condition which signifies low bone mineral density. Bone mineral density refers to the measure of the amount of mineral in bones, which determines the strength of the bones. As the mineral density decreases, the bones become thinner and vulnerable to fractures. This happens when the balance between formation and loss of bones is lost. It indicates weakening of the bones which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

This condition is generally seen in women, though it occasionally occurs in men too. The bones start becoming thinner and weaker as one grows older. It is observed that after menopause women are more prone to it. This is because the production of the hormone, estrogen reduces after menopause.

Estrogen is necessary for having strong and dense bones. There are no major symptoms of this disorder. One may not realize she is suffering from it until the bones become too weak and tend to break. Though it can be treated with the help of medications, several side effects are seen in many cases.

It is therefore advisable to maintain stronger bones with the help of a healthy diet or physical exercises.

Osteopenia should be prevented or treated in the early stage in order to avoid osteoporosis. The main objective is to make the bones resistant to fractures.

There are a lot of drugs being used for this treatment; some of them are bisphosphonates like alendronate, Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast, Boniva, calcitonin, oyster calcium, tamoxifen, and Fosteum. Bisphosphonates are used on a large scale. They make the bones denser by attaching themselves to the mineral surfaces of the bones.

This increases the mineral density of bones. But over a period of years, the bones start becoming brittle. The drugs also have various side effects, nasal irritation being the common one. Moreover, these drugs have to be taken for a long period of time, and one becomes dependent on them.

To avoid all this, natural treatment is the safest option. There are numerous ways to treat the condition naturally like making changes in the diet and lifestyle, regular exercises, and taking certain supplements.

Minerals like calcium and magnesium play a vital role in the growth and maintenance of bones. Deficiency of these minerals and vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin K make the bones lose their mass. For strong bones, sufficient amount of calcium should be included in the daily diet. It can be taken through food or supplements.

You can get vitamin D by exposure to early morning sunlight or from certain foods like salmons, mackerels, tuna, eggs, mushrooms, etc. Including whole grains, cereals, legumes, and vegetables in your regular diet can meet the daily requirements of magnesium and vitamin K required by the body.

In short, your diet should be a well-balanced and healthy one. This proves to be the best treatment. Apart from the foods containing all the vital nutrients, one can also opt for dietary supplements.

Regular exercises can be an inexpensive way to prevent osteopenia. It makes the bones stiff and retains the bone density. Exercise make muscles stronger and protects against fractures. There are various exercises that you can choose from, cycling and walking being the easiest ones.

Simple exercises like jogging, dancing, jumping, and aerobics help to increase bone density. One should also concentrate on exercises to improve balance and coordination, in order to prevent falls and fractures. Various hip, back, and wrist exercises prove to be beneficial. One can also include a combination of several exercises in his daily fitness regime.

Tai chi, a Chinese martial art form, also proves beneficial for strengthening the bones, and maintaining balance and coordination.

Though women are more prone to osteopenia, men can also be targeted by it. A poor diet devoid of necessary nutrients and lack of exercise can cause this. So, it's necessary to have a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Engaging in physical exercises like weight bearing, cycling, swimming, and jogging help make the bones stronger.

In a nutshell, a balanced diet combined with regular exercises and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of osteopenia. But be sure to consult your physical trainer before making any drastic changes in your fitness program.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.