Traditional medicine often prescribes medication to treat osteoporosis, while functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of bone density loss. By addressing these underlying issues and offering effective treatments, patients can significantly improve their bone health and reduce the likelihood of fractures.
Osteoporosis occurs when bone breaks down more rapidly than it can be rebuilt. Antiresorptive medications slow this process and help your body create new bone by slowing its absorption rate.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the process in which food or drink is utilized to produce energy and chemical structures in the body. Nutrients for optimal health can be found in many foods, but it’s essential that you consume a balanced diet in order to get enough of these essential vitamins and minerals.
Calcium and vitamin D are two essential nutrients for strong bones in order to maintain good bone health. Without these, you could suffer from weakening, fractures or osteoporosis. You can get calcium from various foods like dairy products, green vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish – just remember not to overdose!
It is essential to get enough vitamin D into the body in order for calcium absorption and a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Vitamin D is produced naturally through exposure to sunlight on the skin, but can also be obtained as supplements. For best results, take an 800 IU vitamin D supplement each day.
Your body needs plenty of protein to build strong muscles and tendons. However, be careful not to overdose as a high-protein diet may lead to calcium loss from the bones.
Eating a diet rich in whole foods can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. These include vegetables, fruit and herbs.
Studies have indicated that people who eat a diet higher in these foods are less likely to develop osteoporosis or other bone conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Vegetables and fruits contain many vital minerals like calcium and vitamin D, as well as antioxidants which protect the body against damage. Furthermore, these produce are packed with fibre which aids digestion.
Eating a balanced diet provides the right amounts of other essential nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium. Supplementing with multivitamins and minerals is recommended to guarantee you get the correct balance of vitamins and minerals.
If you are worried about your osteoporosis, speak to a dietitian or doctor for more information and support on improving your diet. Osteoporosis is treatable and preventable with proper nutrition and regular exercise.
Gut Health
Osteoporosis is a chronic disorder in which bones become porous and fragile, increasing your risk for broken bones. This usually takes place silently over time with no symptoms until one of your bones – usually your hip or spine – breaks. Women are more prone to breaking bones due to osteoporosis than men.
Many factors can contribute to poor bone health, such as your diet, lifestyle and stress levels. Functional medicine can help address all these issues so your bones stay strong and healthy.
Maintaining your gut bacteria can also be beneficial for bone health, as it improves calcium absorption and encourages vitamin K2 production – two nutrients essential in maintaining strong bones and avoiding fractures.
Your gut microbiome is composed of thousands of unique bacteria living in your digestive tract. Your body utilizes them to absorb essential nutrients, eliminate waste products and boost energy levels.
A healthy gut microbiome can also shield you from inflammation. Excess inflammation can wreak havoc on your beneficial bacteria, tissue and organs in the gut, increasing your risk for osteoporosis.
Studies have demonstrated that inflammation can impair your bones’ capacity to absorb calcium. Furthermore, it causes your body to release pro-inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream, encouraging osteoclasts (bone-breaking cells) to work more efficiently.
You can reduce the likelihood of inflammation and osteoporosis by eliminating chronic infections, eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Exercising also strengthens and develops your bones by increasing their density.
Another way to enhance your gut health is by adding prebiotics, which are soluble fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Kent suggests taking a prebiotic supplement along with your diet for maximum absorption of these beneficial microbes.
Other ways to support a healthy gut microbiome include taking a high-quality probiotic and avoiding food sources that might disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, like artificial sweeteners. Furthermore, fermented foods like kimchi or kefir can help create more beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection, but when it goes too far it can lead to health complications. It may be triggered by certain infections (like shingles), chronic diseases like diabetes or obesity, or exposures to toxins like cigarette smoke.
Your immune system typically responds to threats by sending white blood cells to the affected area. These cells release chemicals that dilate blood vessels and increase circulation to the area. This increased flow of immune cells brings more healing power to the site.
Acute inflammation usually subsides after a short period, but chronic inflammation can persist for months or even years and damage tissues while impairing the body’s capacity for repair.
Today, inflammation is becoming increasingly well-known and research is being done to understand its cellular and molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, research is also focused on exploring how inflammation can act as a healing and restorative force.
Functional medicine doctors take an integrative approach to diagnosing the cause of your inflammation and determining if it can be treated or prevented. This involves considering factors like diet, stress levels, sleep habits, and exercise routine.
Your doctor may suggest certain supplements, vitamins or spices to relieve symptoms and boost bone health. Bone-preserving drugs such as zoledronate or denosumab may also be prescribed in order to slow bone loss and help keep bones from breaking down.
Inflammation is an essential response of the body when faced with damage, but too much inflammation can lead to osteoporosis and other health issues. Functional medicine strives to reduce inflammation and restore your body’s natural balance so you can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Stress
Stress is the body’s response to new challenges and changes. Generally, stress responses are beneficial, helping people prepare for danger or stay alert to take on new tasks and responsibilities. However, when someone continues to experience stressful situations without taking time out for relaxation, their stress responses may lead to symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Stress is often difficult to diagnose due to its subjective nature, but medical professionals can use questionnaires and biochemical tests to accurately measure stress in the body. They will also discuss with you its impact and provide strategies for managing it while addressing any underlying causes.
A supportive network of friends and family can also assist you in managing stress. Being able to rely on them for an understanding ear, helping hand, or even just a hug is crucial in dealing with stress and building resilience.
Identification and management of stress triggers is essential to avoiding long-term negative consequences from stress. This may involve altering your work environment or lifestyle to minimize exposure to triggers that set off your stress response.
Some people opt to take courses, engage in mindfulness or relaxation activities, or consult a therapist or counsellor. These treatments may be effective for relieving stress and improving mental health.
Exercising can also help lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol in your body, improving both mood and energy levels.
For instance, taking a short walk at the end of each day can help you feel calm and focused. It also increases awareness of what matters most to you, leading to improved self-control.
Other ways to manage stress include eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and learning how to relax and meditate. De-stressing can have an immense impact on how you feel and function in everyday life.
To manage stress effectively, it’s important to recognize when symptoms appear and seek professional assistance when needed. A doctor can evaluate your stress and rule out other conditions like high blood pressure or a heart condition. They may also refer you to a therapist or counsellor who can teach you strategies for dealing with life’s pressures more effectively.
For more information or if you would like to discuss treatment and management with Dr Stavy then please contact us via email:info@drstavy.com