Holistic Treatments For Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak over time as the body leaches calcium from them. It is most common in women but can occur in men on occasion. There are some pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis, but if you're looking for a more natural, holistic approach, those options exist, too. Here are several popular holistic treatments for osteoporosis.
Red Clover
Red clover, a plant you may even see growing in your own backyard, is a common herbal treatment for osteoporosis. It is thought to contain compounds that work similarly to estrogen in the body. Estrogen affects most tissues and organs in the body, including the bones — and the compounds in red clover do, too. Taking red clover regularly can help keep your body from further leaching calcium from your bones. You can find capsules containing red clover extracts at health food stores, but another option is to simply add some fresh red clover to your salads.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a supplement often recommended to ease the symptoms of menopause. However, because it works by raising estrogen levels, it can be a good holistic treatment for osteoporosis, too. You can find black cohosh supplements in most pharmacies because they are so widely used. If you're struggling with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, taking black cohosh is a good way to manage both these symptoms and your osteoporosis.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that can be used to manage all sorts of ailments. It's really good at encouraging relaxation, which can have many positive impacts on the body's physiology. When you are relaxed and at ease, your hormone levels tend to balance themselves out, which means every tissue in your body tends to stay healthier, including your bones. Although it involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin, acupuncture does not hurt. You can easily combine acupuncture with any of the other holistic, herbal remedies on this list, too. Talk to your acupuncture practitioner and let them know you're seeking to manage osteoporosis. This will guide them in their needle placement and technique.
There are plenty of holistic treatments for osteoporosis you can explore. Start by trying one or more of the options above. If you find you need something more specialized, consider seeing a holistic physician. They can make a few recommendations and get you started on the right path.
For more info, visit a center like Nashville Healthcare Center.