WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY: What should you do to keep osteoporosis at bay

Team L&M

Osteoporosis is a disease which makes the bones porous, reducing the strength of bones. The disease puts the patient at an increased risk of fractures. Though it is commonly seen in women above 40, others age groups may also be affected. It is often called silent disease as one cannot feel the weakening of bones. And this is all the more reason for you to be extra careful about it. a loss in height or a curving spine is a sure shot sign of osteoporosis sneaking in on you. You must consult your doctor immediately in such a case.

While Allopathy has no cure for osteoporosis. It can only work towards preventing the further bone loss once detected. Ayurveda has many herbs which its practitioners say help strenghthen bones.

“Ashwagandha reduces the bone porosity, and effectively repairs it; Gond Kundru or Shallaki prevents swelling of joints, it fills the bones and reduces the porous quality; Vanshlochan, a white translucent substance obtained from the joints of some species of bamboo is a form of herbal silica obtained from female bamboo trees. It is essential to bone growth and for the development of the body. A calcium deficiency is invariably associated with a deficiency in silica; Amba Haldi, a type of turmeric, has strong healing properties for bones and joints; Mahayograj Guggul tablets are very effective in treatment of all bone related disorders,” says Vikas Chawla, Founder and Director, Vedas Cure. “These herbs should be taken in the form of a powder mix, but you must consult an Ayurvedacharya and not consume anything on your own,” he adds.

This World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), we give you some do’s and don’ts that can help prevent osteoporosis:

DON’TS

Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol consumption leads to bone loss.

Quit smoking. Smoking inhibits the functioning of oestrogen, which in turn increases the chance of bone loss leading to susceptibility to fractures even after a slight fall.

Do not indulge in excessive exercising as it leads to thinning of bones, especially if you are also following a restrictive diet. Women must be extra careful here.

Reduce the intake of soda. Studies have shown that consuming colas lead to bone loss – the extra phosphorus in colas interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Avoid cold water, and spicy and sour food items.

DO’s

Go for regular walks. It strengthens the whole body.

Indulge in strength training exercises. It will also make your body flexible, reducing the chances of fracture in case of a fall. Doing push ups, squats, lifting young children, grocery bags, canned food items – all help in strengthening muscles and bones.

Consume adequate low-fat or fat-free dairy products which are rich in calcium like milk, tofu etc. Dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are also rich in calcium

Regular consumption of Chyawanprash with milk is found to be very good for bones.

Fish – salmon, mackerel, and tuna – are good for bone strength. Beef liver and egg yolk are also good for bone.