Osteoporosis: An Overview
Article Navigation:
- Introduction to Osteoporosis
- Definition of Osteoporosis & Symptoms of Osteoporosis
- Causes of Osteoporosis
- Risks for Osteoporosis
- Diagnosing Osteoporosis
- Treating Osteoporosis
- Preventing Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis and Calcium
- Osteoporosis and Vitamin D
- Exercise and Osteoporosis
- Diet and Osteoporosis
- Natural Treatments
- Osteoporosis in Women
- Caffeine and Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis References
Natural Treatments
Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis
In addition to calcium, Vitamin D and exercise, researchers have studied several natural health products which may help treat osteoporosis naturally. Among the products they have looked at are phytoestrogens (estrogen-like chemicals from plants) and vitamin K2.
Some evidence has shown that phytoestrogens may help maintain bone density in women after menopause. Some foods that contain phytoestrogens are garlic, parsley, soybeans, chikpeas, wheat, rice, beans, carrots, potatoes, dates, cherries, apples and coffee.[22]
Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is a form of vitamin K that has been shown to prevent the breakdown of calcium in bones.[23] Vitamin K2 is produced by the bacterial fermentation, which occurs naturally in the intestinal tract. It is also found in meats and fermented foods such as some cheese and natto, a Japanese dish of fermented soybeans. [24] Vitamin K2 supplements are also available.
Unfortunately, none of these health products has been proven to be effective in thoroughly treating osteoporosis.[25] Before starting any alternative osteoporosis therapies, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
This Elder Health Guide was published on October 18, 2009 and was updated on January 22, 2010.
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