The Rise Of Osteoporosis Cases
Osteoporosis, a very common bone disease nowadays that causes bones to become weak and incredibly brittle, so much that even the lightest pressure, such as bending over in wrong posture or just a minor fall, can cause a fracture. Globally more than 8.9 million fractures occur due to Osteoporosis each year, most commonly in the hips, wrist or spine. When a fracture is caused by relatively low trauma, for example a fall from standing height or less which would not have caused any serious injury in a young and healthy adult; such fractures are medically believed to be osteoporotic (fragility fracture). Osteoporotic fractures are very common in the old age. In fact, osteoporotic fractures may even lead to death indirectly as the fracture-related complications cause the old adult’s health to go downhill quickly.
Bones, as we know, are crucial for subsistence. They provide support and protection to delicate internal organs, as well as allow swift movement of our body. However, the quality of bones can deteriorate if not provided with appropriate nutrition consisting of a multitude of important minerals– such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium– and vitamins D, K, and A. The skeleton itself is the body’s prime area of storage and renewal of calcium. Vitamin D on the other hand aids in effectively absorption of dietary calcium. The lack of these nutrients results in various health complications, one of which is Osteoporosis.
Interestingly, the bones are in a constant state of renewal - new bone tissues (cell groups) are created which constantly replace the older ones. Osteoporosis is the condition that occurs when the pace of formation of new bone tissues is unable to match the rate at which old bone tissues wear out. Bone strength is determined by Bone mineral density (BMD), which, when low, stipulates porous, brittle and weak bones, resulting into Osteoporosis. Lack of adequate intake and absorption of calcium is the major cause for diminished bone density, early bone loss and a greater threat of fractures.
Osteoporosis is substantially common in women than in men. Decreased levels of estrogen during and post-menopause adds to that. Doctors may reluctantly start the hormonal therapy (HT) during menopause in order to limit the bone loss while simultaneously mitigating other symptoms of menopause, however HT certainly has higher health risks like breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks. Therefore, it is always advisable to have a sincere discussion with your Doctor as well as the Nutritionist to overcome the problem.
Although osteoporosis is more common in advanced age, younger women are also at the risk especially if they are breastfeeding or pregnant; of course, bone loss at this stage is usually recovered later on by following healthy routine and diet. Apart from calcium and vitamin D supplementation, osteoporosis can also be deterred by exercising regularly, adequate sun exposure, using medicines from natural resources and by avoiding smoking and excess alcohol intake.
Ayurveda, renowned as the science of life, has dictated certain herbs that ensure good quality of the Asthi Dhatu – the bones. Ayurveda believes that Vatadosha, when aggravates, erodes the bones externally as well as internally to make them porous and brittle. Therefore, the Ayurvedic line of treatment tackles two therapeutic aspects at once: first, Shaman or taming of Vatadosha, and the second, strengthening of the musculoskeletal system. This ancient medical science incorporates various medicines from a plethora of natural sources like herbs, minerals and animals. Herbs such as Dashamoola and Nirgundi help pacify Vatadosha, while other herbs like Bala, Arjun and Guduchi strengthen the bone tissues. Some herbal resinous substances, like Guggul and Shallaki, are hailed by Ayurvedic Physicians in the treatment of bone diseases as they manage both of the previously mentioned issues. Some herbs, like Asthishrunkhala, and mineral-animal sourced medicines, like Bhasma of Shankha (conch), Muktashukti (pearl oysters), Kukkutandatwak (egg shell), provide useful nutrition to bones and help in faster healing of bone fracture.
