Are there any natural treatments for osteoporosis?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2024.
Yes, there are natural treatments for osteoporosis, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, calcium supplements, and Tai Chi .
In addition to eating a bone-healthy diet and partaking in at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing physical activity every day, the following natural treatments for osteoporosis may help; however, you should be aware that there is often little scientific evidence to prove that they do in fact truly work.
Always talk to your doctor before taking any of these products, because some may not be suitable if you have certain other medical conditions.
- Acupuncture – Used widely in China as a treatment for osteoporosis, a review concluded that acupuncture could be an effective therapy for osteoporosis
- Black Cohosh and Red clover – both these herbs contain estrogen-like compounds which may help protect against bone loss
- Horsetail is rich in silica, an important mineral that is needed for bone formation and may help improve bone density
- Melatonin – typically used to help restore sleep cycles, melatonin has also been shown to promote healthy bone cell growth
- Soy contains isoflavones which are estrogen-like compounds that may protect against bone loss
- Supplements of calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, D, and K may help with osteoporosis; however, it is much better to just eat foods that contain these bone-healthy nutrients in your diet, because they are much better absorbed and utilized by your body
- Tai Chi – Studies have shown that Tai Chi does reduce the risk of falls in seniors, as well as improving muscle strength and coordination and reduce joint pain and stiffness. In addition, don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, limit your intake of caffeine and expose your arms and face to the sun for at least half an hour each day.
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