Bone density is maximum at the age of 30 that varies according to the sex and genetic background. After this age the bone minerals start resorbing into the blood as a natural process of aging. Due to this the bone density and minerals in the bone start decreasing and bones become brittle and can break easily. The bone density is measured through a Bone mineral density (BMD) test in which a T-score of between -1 and -2.5 indicates Osteopenia. It is considered as a midpoint between having healthy bones and osteoporosis. Here in this article, we are going to discuss Osteopenia and its Ayurvedic treatment.
WHAT IS OSTEOPENIA?
Osteopenia is a condition that occurs due to the lower bone mineral density than normal. The bones become weaker and easy to break. Total bone density peaks at the age of 30 and further starts decreasing with age. A person with a T-score of between -1 and -2.5 is considered to have osteopenia. T-score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis. People having osteopenia are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Osteopenia happens when the body gets rid of more bone than it is creating. Usually it shows no symptoms but there is more risk of fractures.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF OSTEOPENIA?
Osteopenia is the loss of bone mineral density and is a common precursor of osteoporosis.
Some of the common causes and risk factors for osteopenia are -
Post-menopausal Women - During reproductive age women produce estrogen hormone from their ovaries. After menopause decline of this estrogen leads to bone mineral loss.
Genetics - Most of the people are genetically predisposed to osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Aging - Bone mineral loss is a normal feature of aging.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Excessive smoking
Excessive stress
Crash dieting and eating disorders
Excessive tea, coffee, soda, chocolate or sports and energy drinks
Young female athletes with amenorrhea and eating disorders. These women have lower fat percentage, lower body weight, and higher incidence of asthma. These factors increase the risk of osteopenia.
Teenage pregnancy
DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
People on long term steroids are at high risk of bone mineral loss.
The person treated for Chronic inflammatory diseases such as Arthritis, or Lupus, Lymphoma, Leukemia, organ transplant, cancers are at risk of lowered bone mineral density.
Anorexia and bulimia
Asthma
Vitamin B 12 deficiency
Cancers
Celiac disease
Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory bowel diseases
Malabsorption syndromes
Chronic kidney disease or patients on dialysis
Cerebral palsy
Cushing’s syndrome leading to excess steroids
Diabetes
Liver disease, lactose intolerance
Patients with Multiple myeloma, polio, Osteo-genesis imperfecta, Sickle Cell anemia, Skin disorders, Thalassemia.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOPENIA?
Osteopenia usually has no symptoms and commonly it is not detected unless a person -
Has a bone density test
Experiences localized bone pain or weakness in an area of a broken bone also known as osteopenia pain.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF OSTEOPENIA
In Ayurveda, every disease is explained on the basis of Tridosha (Vata,Pitta, Kapha). Any vitiation in the balance state of the doshas leads to a disease state. Low bone mineral density can be correlated with Asthi kshaya. Asthi dhatu (bone tissue) is the dhatu (tissue) formed after Meda dhatu (adipose / fat tissue) and a precursor of Majja dhatu (bone marrow). For the formation of healthy Asthi dhatu (bone tissue), its precursor dhatu should have formed perfectly. Asthi dhatu kshaya (bone tissue depletion) is closely related to osteopenia. If there is any pathological increase or depletion of Asthi dhatu (bone tissue) and its precursors, it will have a bad impact on the formation of next dhatu and this results in the reduction in bone mineral density. It is due to the Agni Vikriti (metabolic disturbances) that leads to the Ama (endotoxins) formation which further block the body channels (Srotas) carrying nutrition and results in inadequate nutrition or ahara rasa to the tissues including bone tissues (Asthi dhatu).
If we talk about Dosha involvement then there is a vitiation of Vata dosha in osteopenia which depletes the asthi dhatu in the body causing low bone density.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OSTEOPENIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are two very similar health conditions, but osteoporosis is more severe than osteopenia. In both conditions there is a depletion in bone density, but the depletion in osteopenia is to a lesser extent than osteoporosis. A person with Osteopenia is prone to osteoporosis and has a risk of breaking a bone due to bone fragility. Bone density is measured with DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) test. The results of this test are provided with a value of T-score -
+1 to –1 indicates normal bone density.
–1 to –2.5 indicates osteopenia.
–2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF OSTEOPENIA?
Complications of osteopenia may include -
Increased risk of further bone deterioration that leads to osteoporosis.
High risk of bone fracture.
DIAGNOSIS
Due to a lack of symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose osteopenia until a peson go for a bone density test.
Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
DEXA usually measures bone density levels in your spine, hip, finger, wrist, shin, or heel. DEXA test compares the density of your bone to the density of a 30-year-old person of the same sex and race. The result of a DEXA measure in T-score.
Your doctor would diagnose osteopenia if you have a T-score between -0.1 and -2.5.
TREATMENT
In modern Medicine, the goal of treating osteopenia is to prevent it from further developing into osteoporosis. They will give you calcium and vitamin D supplements or some hormonal replacement therapy along with lifestyle changes.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOPENIA
Ayurvedic management of osteopenia is done with herbal medicines and some Panchakarma procedures like Vamana, Virechena, Vasti, Nasya. As in osteopenia there is an aggravation of Vata dosha so the herbs which pacify the vata dosha are used in the treatment along with ksheera Vasti, Sneha vasti and also the correction of Agni (digestive fire) is done along with the removal of toxins from the body.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR OSTEOPENIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Plantbased Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing firm which is internationally certified. This is a WHO-GMP certified manufacturing company based in India founded in 2002 by Dr. Vikram Chauhan and this company came into existence as a subsidiary or as a brand name known as Krishna herbal company. The products of the company are 100% natural, pure and vegetarian. The products are made from the extracts of potential ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the treatment of osteopenia -
PRODUCTS LIST
Coral Calcium Complex
Lakshadi Guggul
Osteo Plan Capsules
Energo Plan Syrup
Bone Support
Herbal Remedies for Osteopenia
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS
1. Coral Calcium Complex
Coral Calcium Complex is a polyherbal formulation by Plantbased Ayurveda made from life supporting substances from seas and plant life. It contains - Praval pishti (coral compound), Akik pishti (Agate compound), Jawar Mohra pishti, Kamdudha ras, Mukta pishti, Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia). It contains natural calcium from corals and pearls and improves bone density and strength. This formulation helps to increase low bone density, heals the fractures quickly, prevents osteoporosis, regulates the body's minerals retaining metabolism, and provides stronger bones. Thus it shows good results in osteopenia.
Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Lakshadi Guggul
Lakshadi Guggul is a classical polyherbal formulation contains potent herbs like Guggulu resin (Commiphora mukul), Laksha resin (Laccifer lacca), Asthisamhari (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Lakshadi guggul is a best supplement for healthy bones and is used in osteopenia, bone pains, low bone density, inflammatory conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen joints, etc. It is helpful for healing broken bones, fractures, and osteophytes removal and also enhances the calcium deposition on bones.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.
3. Osteo Plan Capsules
Osteo Plan Capsule is a polyherbal capsule by plantbased ayurveda made from the blend of potent herb like Cissus qudrangularis (Hadjod), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna). Osteoplan capsule helps to rejuvenate osteocytes and also provide lubrication to the joints. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties and is used in musculoskeletal problems, joint pains, swollen joints and also helps to increase low bone density. It provides natural calcium and makes bones stronger and healthy. These capsules are very effective in osteopenia.
Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Energo Plan Syrup
Energo Plan Syrup is a polyherbal formulation in syrup form made from the pure extract of potent herbs like - Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Pippali (Piper longum) and Guggal (Commiphora mukul). It is a natural energy booster and has calming, cooling and soothing effects on the body. It protects you from various infections and boosts your immunity. It will help to provide proper nourishment to the body and helps to combat osteopenia.
Dosage - 2 tsp twice a day after meals.
5. Bone Support
Bone Support is a polyherbal formulation by Plantbased Ayurveda made from the pure extract of potent herbs like Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis ), Mukta (pearl calcium compound), Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum compound), Shudh Laksha resins (Laccifer lacca), Suhanjana beej (Moringa oleifera). It helps to make bones stronger, healthier and increase bone density and strength. These capsules help to heal the fractures quickly and also prevent osteoporosis. It promotes calcium deposition and retention in bones. It has very effective results in osteopenia.
Dosage - 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
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