by Reverend Ashira Goddard

Created on: March 17, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

There are an estimated 44 million people in the United States who have osteoporosis. Who is at risk? Men, women, thin people, obese persons, smokers, people who drink, sedimentary people, those who over exercise, and just about everyone in between. Osteoporosis is not picky. Some of the more common signs of osteoporosis are shortening height, loss of teeth, and back pain. What are the results of osteoporosis? A fall on the icy sidewalk. Accidentally bumping into a counter top. There was a time when these would have bounced away with nothing more than a bright purple bruise. When you have osteoporosis, those same incidents can cause a serious bone breakage. Osteoporosis leaves your bones in a weak, brittle, and porous state. There are over 25 million Americans that don't even realize that they have osteoporosis until they have that fall. Women who have stopped producing estrogen due to menopause are at an even greater risk for developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis actually can start around the early thirties, and year by year a bit more of the bone loss becomes takes place. Most of the time there are no signs outwardly that the disease has taken a hold. That is the bad news. The good news is that you can actually slow down osteoporosis and in some cases add bone with regular exercise, calcium supplements, and certain herbs.

Experts agree that women in particular should do at least 30 minutes of weight bearing exercise such as jogging or walking at least three times a week. The AMA suggests calcium supplements of at least 1,200 milligrams and 300 milligrams of magnesium daily.

To dramatically improve the chances that the calcium is properly absorbed, try gentian root before each meal. It prompts the acids in your stomach to break the calcium down ensuring it can be absorbed completely. Most health food stores sell gentian root in 550 milligram capsules.

Horsetail is one of the richest sources of silicon which helps prevent osteoporosis from progressing. Studies in France indicate a profound decrease in osteoporosis when 350 milligram capsules are taken daily. Horsetail can also be used as a tea in its dried form.

One of the best bone fortifiers you can find in the grocery store. Avocados sliced and sprinkled with black pepper is a under estimated remedy. Black pepper actually contains four different anti-osteoporosis compounds and avocado is loaded with vitamin D and vitamin E.

A new drug therapy Evista is being used in women after menopause to treat or prevent osteoporosis.

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