What is Bone Loss?
When a person is healthy, their bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding themselves as a natural process of maintaining the bones’ strength. When a person suffers from bone loss, their bones are breaking down more than they are rebuilding, and this results in low bone density, creating conditions called osteopenia and osteoporosis. When a person suffers from bone loss, they don’t necessarily experience severe symptoms or warning signs until a minor fall or accident results in fractured or broken bones. Postmenopausal women are the primary sufferers of osteoporosis, and each year there are over 1.5 million bone fractures attributed to bone loss in the United States.
How can I treat Bone Loss?
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bones and other related tissues rely on what is known as the kidney essence. Kidney essence is supposed to be consumed at a regular pace throughout a person’s life, but if depletion takes place at any point in life, then it is necessary to work towards replenishing it. To do so, one must consume complex carbohydrates, fresh vegetables, and organic proteins, as well as foods high in calcium and vitamin D, including broccoli, soybeans, and salmon. Other remedies include sunbathing for 15 to 20 minutes before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. for increased production of vitamin D and practicing an exercise regimen that could include daily walks, light weight training, and tai chi or qi gong.
What should I avoid in my lifestyle for Bone Loss?
To prevent bone loss, it’s important to avoid substances that hinder calcium absorption such as citrus fruits, carbonated soft drinks, and overuse of salt. It is also important to avoid smoking and excessive use of alcohol, as these practices may deplete the body of vital nutrients. Excessive consumption of vitamin A may speed up bone loss as well.
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