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It is common to see older adults experience more frequent fractures and have fragile bones. This could be due to a condition known as osteoporosis, where the bones become brittle and weak, enabling them to break easily from simple falls or simple acts like bending over or coughing. As osteoporosis doesn't show symptoms till a bone breaks, it's sometimes called a silent illness.

In Ayurveda, osteoporosis is not just a symptom of aging but a disorder which could be treated by dealing with its root causes. Ayurveda concentrates on restoring the natural energies of the body and strengthening bones with natural remedies, as well as lifestyle & diet changes. This approach focuses on boosting overall health instead of just providing a temporary fix to illnesses.

Ayurvedic Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis in Ayurveda is linked with an imbalance in the Vata dosha, composed of air and ether elements. This imbalance causes bone deterioration and bone health in general. Understanding the Ayurvedic view on causes of osteoporosis could assist in managing and preventing this condition. Here are the causes of osteoporosis as per Ayurveda:

Dosha Imbalance:

Vata Dominance: Excess Vata dries out and also depletes the nutrients from bones causing reduced density and fragility.

Lifestyle Factors:

Sedentary Lifestyle: Inactivity increases Vata and decreases bone density with time.
Improper Diet Habits: Vata-aggravating foods (dry, cold, & light food) might accelerate bone degeneration.
Irregular Eating Times: Inconsistent meal schedules interrupt the body’s natural rhythm, affecting bone health.

Dietary Causes:

Low Nutritional Level: Insufficient intakes of calcium and vitamins needed for bone health like vitamin D and magnesium directly influence bone density.
Overconsumption of Caffeine & Alcohol : These increase Vata and also weaken bones by reducing nourishment in them.

Environmental Factors:

Cold/Dry Climates: Such environments increase Vata and worsen the conditions for osteoporosis.

By understanding these factors, Ayurveda aims at determining therapeutic and preventive methods to boost bone density and improve vitality and balance within the body.

Modern Causes of Osteoporosis

As osteoporosis may advance without apparent signs & symptoms, it's important to understand the modern causes of this silent disease. These are common medical causes of osteoporosis:

Genetic Factors:

Family History: In case osteoporosis runs in your family, you are at a greater risk of developing the condition.
Age-Related Changes:
Bone Mass Peak: Bone mass peaks around age 30. Following that, bones lose density gradually, especially if preventive steps aren't taken.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Estrogen & Testosterone: Women are at an increased risk following menopause because of decreased levels of estrogen and men can be influenced by decreased testosterone levels with age.

Lifestyle Factors:

Diet: Not taking enough calcium can cause bone loss over time.
Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyle causes faster bone loss.
Alcohol & Tobacco: Drinking alcohol and tobacco use can make bones weaker.

Medical Conditions & Treatments:

Chronic Diseases: Ailments like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease can impact bone health.
Use of Medications: The bone rebuilding process could be inhibited by persistent use of steroid medications like prednisone.

Conclusion

A number of factors including genetics, hormonal imbalances and lifestyle choices may lead to osteoporosis. Ayurveda offers a fresh approach to treat this condition since it tackles the underlying causes of osteoporosis. It restores the body’s balance of energies (Vata dosha particularly) and bone health using natural cures and lifestyle changes. Understanding the root cause of osteoporosis is the first step towards natural healing. Consult with an Ayurvedic specialist today to see how Ayurvedic methods can benefit your bone health.