Osteoporosis

Causes of osteoporosis:

• Increased Vata
• Increased porosity of bones
• Old age
• Low oestrogen post-menopause
• Heavy drinking, smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Taking steroids
• Lack of exercise

Recommendations:

• Exercise for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week.
• Take calcium from natural food sources.
• Daily supplements recommended - Calcium 1200 mg, magnesium 600 mg and zinc 60 mg
• Chew white sesame seeds in the morning. These are a better source of calcium as compared to the diary sources.
• Drink almond milk with a pinch of ginger, cardamom, saffron twice a day before breakfast and bedtime. Alternate milks like soy milk, goat's milk etc can also be taken.
• Mix shatavari, vidaru, wild yam, shankha bhasm and kama dhudha in 5:3:2:1/8:1/8. Take ¼ tsp twice a day with warm milk indefinitely.

Recommendations regarding exercise:

• Walking for 30 minutes a day is recommended.
• Swimming, gentle jogging might be done based on your level of fitness.
• Only gentle yoga exercises should be done.
• Once your bones get stronger, some gentle weightlifting exercises should also be included. Do not start these exercises unless your bones are strong enough.

References:

Primary Reference: The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Vasant D Lad - Part 3