Alternative Medicine & Diets for Osteoporosis

According to the National Institute of Health, 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. While there are prescription medications used to treat osteoporosis, many people want to try a different approach. Osteoporosis is a long-term condition, so anyone that begins taking medication for it will find themselves on prescription medications for a long time. This is one of the reasons that many people look to alternative medicines and diets.

Diet

Protein is important for strong muscles and for many important body functions, but a high protein diet, such as one of the many popular weight loss diets, is not the best choice for someone suffering from osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), when the kidneys flush out excess protein, they flush out calcium as well. The NOF also reports that caffeine can inhibit the absorption of calcium by the body. Limit caffeine consumption to the equivalent of three cups of coffee each day. While most leafy green vegetables are a wonderful addition to an osteoporosis treatment and prevention diet, the NOF reports that the oxalate acid in spinach prevents absorption of the calcium in the spinach. Kale and other greens, which contain calcium that the body can absorb, are better choices.

Vitamin Supplementation

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 1,500 milligrams of calcium, divided into three doses each day, is an effective supplement to strengthen the bones and prevent further bone loss. Other vitamins that the UMMC recommends to retain bone strength are vitamins D and K. Don't exceed 1,000 milligrams of vitamin D, or 500 micrograms of vitamin K. Adding 4 grams of fish oils may increase the amount of calcium that your body absorbs and decrease the amount it loses, reports the UMMC.

Herbs That Help

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that several herbs show promise for treating osteoporosis, including black cohosh, oat straw and kelp. Black cohosh has many of the estrogen type characteristics that prescription hormones do without the health concerns. Oat straw appears to stimulate new cell growth, including bone cells. Kelp is widely used to treat disorders of the skeletal system and is rich in minerals.