Osteoporosis: CAM Therapies for Specific Conditions

• Exercise is important in preventing osteoporosis. This can consist of standard aerobic exercise and weight training, or of Eastern exercise disciplines, such as yoga and tai chi.

• A plant-based diet is helpful in preventing osteoporosis, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

• One of only four claims for the medical value of foods is that calcium intake, particularly when consumed with magnesium, can slow the progression of osteoporosis. Most physicians agree that calcium supplementation helps people to receive the amounts of calcium needed to protect against osteoporosis. Consuming tofu and yams may help. Avoid carbonated drinks, especially root beer.

• DHEA is a steroid hormone that has been shown to help protect against osteoporosis. Research is still preliminary, but indications are that DHEA may reduce various problems that often occur in postmenopausal women, such as osteoporosis.

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From THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: WHAT WORKS? WHAT DOES NOT? by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier.

Copyright © 2000 by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier, Inc.

Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York, New York.

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Unless otherwise indicated, Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier. All Rights Reserved.
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