Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in humans, particularly for postmenopausal women. If you look at the name, it literally translates to ‘porous bone’. The main characteristic of this condition is reduced bone strength. This, in turn, leads to an increased risk of fracture. Written by a Ballarat naturopath, let us learn what are the signs and symptoms and risk factors with osteoporosis and how naturopathic approach works with this bone disease.
Osteoporosis occurs because there is an imbalance between bone breakdown and bone formation. When this occurs, the imbalance leads to bone loss and eventually osteoporosis develops.
Signs & Symptoms
It can be tricky to identify this condition before it presents with severe symptoms. Some of the signs of osteoporosis include:
- Spontaneous fractures of either hip bones or vertebrate
- Loss of height
- Demineralisation of different bones, such as the spine and pelvis
The amount of bone demineralisation that has occurred is usually determined by testing bone mineral density.
Osteoporosis: Risk Factors
- Post-menopausal women who are also advanced in age
- Lifestyle: low calcium, low vitamin D, smoking, and alcohol consumption
- Prior history of fragility fractures
- Parental history of hip fracture or osteoporosis
- Low levels of physical activity
Naturopathic Approach
The path by which everyone develops osteoporosis is slightly different as lifestyle and dietary factors come into play. Your naturopath will ask a variety of questions to help determine what might have influenced your health journey so that they know what to address for you specifically.
Some of the considerations that they may focus on include:
- Nutritional modifications aimed at preserving bone mass and strength which may be dietary and/or supplemental.
- Avoid dietary factors that lead to increased calcium secretion.
- Encourage understanding of lifestyle practices that help reduce the risk of fractures.
- Stabilise collagen structures and help to reduce oxidation.
- Providing relief from pain and inflammation.
- Supporting optimal vitamin D activation by supporting kidneys and other organs.
- Address nutritional deficiencies and support bone health.
Check out these articles about general health issues written by our Ballarat naturopaths.
