Osteoporosis ("porous bone") is a condition that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. This bone disease causes a weakening of the bones, which makes them much more likely to break from a slip or fall. When treating osteoporosis, it is always essential to know what is causing it in order to get the best treatment outcome. Read below to find out the main causes and treatments to help reverse osteoporosis naturally!
Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
Did you know that bone density problems like osteoporosis and osteopenia may actually caused by a digestive problem? I know this sounds weird, but let me explain. We hear about calcium and minerals needed to strengthen the bones; however, with osteoporosis, the problem is not so much a lack of minerals, but a problem with the bones not absorbing the minerals. Taking calcium and other mineral supplements won't work unless the digestive issue is corrected first.
The major cause of osteoporosis is low stomach acid. Many people seeking relief from acid reflux turn to antacids and proton pump inhibitors (i.e. Prilosec) which cause a significant decrease in stomach acid needed for our bodies to absorb minerals. Often times patients on these drugs actually have reflux from the stomach acid being too low (not too high) and their stomach acid becomes even lower as a result. The more stomach acidic your stomach is, the better it is able to absorb food and minerals; however, if your stomach acid is low, your bones cannot absorb the minerals needed to keep them strong, resulting in osteoporosis.
To improve low stomach acid, supplement with hydrochloric acid (bentaine HCl) or 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in 4 oz. of water with each meal.*
Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis is a term referring to an imbalance in the gut bacteria (i.e. too much “bad” bacteria and not enough “good” bacteria). With the over-prescription of antibiotics, a high percentage of the population suffer with dysbiosis which leads to the body having further absorption problems causing weakened bones.
To remedy this problem, supplement with a high quality refrigerated probiotic taken once per day before a meal. You can also add probiotic-rich foods to your diet such as sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir.
Adrenal Fatigue
Osteoporosis may be caused by adrenal fatigue through the dysregulation of cortisol (the body’s major stress hormone). When the adrenal glands secrete cortisol (the body's major stress hormone) and cortisol remains high over a period of time, it may cause the bones to demineralize. When in adrenal fatigue, often there is a decrease in hormone levels, which is also a cause of osteoporosis.
We test our patients' adrenal function via an Adrenal Stress Index saliva test. This test helps to identify if (and to what degree) you have adrenal fatigue. Supplements are given to treat your adrenals, specific to what pattern is shown on your test results. Improving your adrenal function will not only help to slow the process of aging, it can improve anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, thyroid function, hormones and more. Schedule your 15 minute FREE consultation here to find out how you can take this test.
Lack of weight bearing exercise
Lack of weight bearning exercise can be a factor causing osteoporosis. Weight training is extremely beneficial for strengthening your bones and preventing bone loss.
Increase your bone density by using strength training exercises or HIIT (high intensity interval training). Weight training also burns calories, boosts your metabolism, alleviates stress and improves cortisol levels. Make weight bearing exercises a big part of your workout routine.
More ways to strengthen your bones:
Bone broth
Bone broth is full of collagen to help build strong, healthy and flexible bones. This “superfood” also contains bone marrow, gelatin, minerals, glucosamine and chondroitin, and amino amino acids to fight joint pain and inflammation, heal the gut, promote healthy hair and nails, and more.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbs are used very successfully to increase bone density, increase absorption of calcium into the bones, and speed up recovery of bone fracture. Talk with your Chinese herbalist to find out what herbs you should be taking to improve osteoporosis.
In summary, here are the ways you can improve osteoporosis naturally:
Take Betaine HCl supplements or take 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar.
Take probiotics daily and add probiotic rich foods to your diet including: sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir.
Get your adrenals tested.
Add weight training exercises to your workout.
Drink bone broth.
Talk to your Chinese herbalist about taking bone strengthening herbs.
Resources:
https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/bones-joints/osteoporosis-could-low-stomach-acid-be-the-cause-of-your-bone-health-problems/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28671635
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28804568
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28254481
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28111216
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27180315