Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Research for a Cure
In a new study published in the journal Stem Cells, researchers from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre explain that tweaking a certain group of multipotent stem cells (called mesenchymal stem cells) with interferon (IFN) gamma may promote bone growth.
Treatment
There are several medications used to treat osteoporosis, depending on gender. Lifestyle changes are also an aspect of treatment. Bisphosphonates are the main pharmacological measures for treatment. However, newer drugs have appeared in the 1990s, such as teriparatide and strontium ranelate. Calcium is required to support bone growth, bone healing and maintain bone strength and is one aspect of treatment for osteoporosis.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Several herbs can be beneficial for preventing and treating osteoporosis when combined with a diet and exercise program. Different herbs approach the problem differently; some provide dietary calcium, some regulate the body's use of calcium, and some increase the level of certain hormones in the body. For example, horsetail (silica) is recommended to boost the body's absorption of calcium. Once this plant, which often resembles a horse's tail, is dried, it can be used as a tea or in tincture or capsule form. Other helpful herbs include:
alfalfa, black cohosh, and wild yam, which are all phytoestrogens
comfrey (This herb may cause liver toxicity if used continuously for long periods.)
false unicorn root, which stimulates the ovaries
oatstraw
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