According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a combined 28 million Americans either suffer from osteoporosis or have low bone mass, which increases their risk of developing the disease later. Osteoporosis is a serious health condition that leads to bone fractures, particularly in the wrist, spine and hip. Alternative medicine may be used alone to help maintain bone mass or as a complementary therapy with traditional medicine. It is important to discuss any of these alternative treatments with your doctor before trying them.
Add Fish Oils
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that fish oil supplements may have a positive effect on bone mass. Omega-3 fatty acids seem to reduce the amount of calcium that is lost in urine and enhance the body's ability to absorb calcium from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids may also increase the strength of the bone as well as encourage new bone growth. It can be difficult to get enough fatty acids in the diet to make a substantial difference. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a supplement containing 4-grams of fish oil may provide positive results when taken daily.
Practice Tai Chi
Nearly everyone understands that exercise is important to bone strength. People who have not developed osteoporosis can increase their bone density by performing weight-bearing exercise. For those already diagnosed with osteoporosis, adding exercise is often a challenge. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that Tai Chi can be an effective exercise for people currently diagnosed with osteoporosis. The benefits of Tai Chi are two fold. Not only does it increase bone density to help maintain bone mass, it also improves balance, which may reduce the risk of falls, a serious risk for osteoporosis sufferers.
Try Soy
Soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, may help maintain bone density, according to a study by the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. This study reported that women who were past menopausal age, when most incidence of osteoporosis develop, were less likely to have osteoporosis if they routinely ate soy. The study showed that these women had higher bone density and the mineral content of their bones were higher than women with little or no soy in their diet.
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