Abstract
Bone density of a person is maximum at the age of 30 which varies according to the sex and genetic background. After 30, the bone minerals start resorbing into the blood due to the natural process of aging. As a result, the bone minerals and density start decreasing and bones become brittle and can break quickly. The mineral density of bone is measured through the Bone mineral density (BMD) test in which a T-score of between +1 and -1 is considered as normal bone density. Here in this article, we are going to discuss Low bone density and its Ayurvedic treatment.
What is Low Bone density?
Low bone density, sometimes known as osteopenia, refers to the bone density that is lower than the normal peak density. Bone density is a measurement of how strong and dense the bones are. If your bone density is lower than the normal peak density, you are said to have low bone mineral density (osteopenia). A person with low bone density has a greater risk that, as time passes, he may develop osteoporosis.
Ayurvedic aspect of Low Bone Density?
In Ayurveda, a disease is explained on the basis of Tridosha (Vata,Pitta and Kapha). Any vitiation in the balance state of these three doshas leads to a disease state. There is no direct explanation of low bone density in Ayurveda's text but it can be correlated with Asthi kshaya. Asthi dhatu or bone tissue is the dhatu (tissue) formed after Meda dhatu (fat or adipose tissue) and a precursor of the Majja dhatu (bone marrow). For the formation of proper healthy Asthi dhatu (bone tissue), its precursor dhatu should have formed perfectly or healthily. Asthi dhatu kshaya (bone tissue depletion) is closely related to low bone density. If there is any pathological increase or depletion of Asthi dhatu or bone tissue and its precursors, it results in the reduction in bone mineral density. This is due to the Agni Vikriti (metabolic disturbances) which leads to the Ama (endotoxins) formation which further blocks the Srotas (body channels) carrying nutrition and results in improper nutrition to the tissues including bone tissues (Asthi dhatu). If we talk about Dosha involvement then there is an aggravation of Vata dosha which depletes the asthi dhatu in the body causing low bone density.
What are the causes and Risk factors of Low Bone Density?
Low bone density is a common precursor of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Some of the common causes and risk factors for low bone density are -
Post-menopausal women - After menopause decline of this estrogen production leads to bone mineral loss.
Genetics - most of the people are genetically predisposed to low bone density that results in osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Aging - bone mineral loss is a normal process of aging.
Lifestyle Factors
- Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Excessive smoking
- Excessive stress
- Crash dieting and eating disorders
- Excessive tea, coffee, soda, chocolate or sports and energy drinks
- Teenage pregnancy
Drugs, Medications and Medical Conditions
- People who take long term steroids and are treated for Chronic inflammatory diseases such as Arthritis, Lymphoma, lupus, Leukemia, organ transplant, cancers are at high 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
- Drugs used in epilepsy
- Those with hyperthyroidism and with hyperparathyroidism
- Those with Hypogonadism
- Liver disease, lactose intolerance
- Patients with Multiple myeloma, polio, Sickle Cell anemia, Osteo-genesis imperfecta, Skin disorders, Thalassemia.
Drugs that lead to lowered bone density include
- Phenytoin
- Drugs with Aluminum
- Phenobarbital
- Anticancer drugs
- Immunosuppressants like Cyclosporine A
- Methotrexate
- Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
- Heparin
- Lithium
- Thyroid hormone replacement
- Certain diuretics may also cause loss of bone mineral density
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Low Bone Density?
- A person with low bone density has no symptoms.
- There is no change or pain as the bone becomes thinner, although the risk of bone fractures increases as the bone becomes less dense.
What are the Complications of Low Bone Density?
If left untreated then it may cause following complications -
Diagnosis of Low Bone Density
Due to a lack of symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose low bone density until a person goes for a bone density test. The standard used to check the bone density is DEXA scan.
1. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
The DEXA test measures bone density levels in your spine, hip, wrist, finger, shin, or heel. The result of a DEXA measure in T-score and Z score.
2. T score
T score is your bone density compared to the density of a 30-year-old person of the same sex or race. The values of T score indicates -
- +1 to -1 indicates normal bone density.
- -1 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia.
- -2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.
3. Z score
The Z-score is the number of standard deviations above or below what's normally expected for someone of the same age, weight, sex and ethnic or racial origin.
Treatment of Low Bone Density
In modern Medicine, the goal of treating low bone density is to prevent it from further developing into osteoporosis. They will give you calcium and vitamin D supplements along with some hormonal replacement therapy along with lifestyle changes.
Ayurvedic management of Low bone density
Ayurvedic management of low bone density is done with herbal medicines and some Panchakarma procedures like Vasti as there is an aggravation of Vata dosha so the herbs which pacify the vitiated 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 (Ama) from the body.
Herbal remedies for Low Bone Density by Planet Ayurveda
Planet 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 Low bone density -
- Coral Calcium Complex
- Lakshadi Guggul
- Osteoplan Capsule
- Bone Support
- Arjuna Powder
Description of the Products
1. Coral Calcium Complex
It is a polyherbal formulation in a capsule form by Planet Ayurveda made from life supporting substances from seas and plant life. It contains - Praval pishti ( coral compound), Jawar Mohra pishti, Akik pishti ( Agate compound), Kamdudha ras, Mukta pishti, Giloy satva ( Tinospora cordifolia). It contains natural calcium from pearls and corals and also improves bone density and strength. This formulation helps to increase lowered bone density, heals the fractures quickly, prevents osteoporosis and provides stronger bones. Thus it shows good results in low bone density.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Lakshadi Guggul
It is a classical polyherbal formulation contains potent herbs like Laksha resin ( Laccifer lacca), Guggulu resin ( Commiphora mukul), Asthisamhari ( Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna) and Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera). Lakshadi guggul is a best Ayurvedic supplement for healthy bones and is used in osteopenia, osteoporosis, low bone density, inflammatory conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen joints, etc. It is helpful for healing fractures and osteophytes removal and also enhances the calcium deposition on bones.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.
3. Osteoplan Capsule
It is a polyherbal formulation in a capsule form by planet ayurveda made from the blend of potent herb like Cissus qudrangularis ( Hadjod), Asparagus racemosus ( Shatavari), Withania somnifera ( Ashwagandha), Terminalia arjuna ( Arjuna). These capsules help to rejuvenate osteocytes and also provide lubrication to the joints. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic 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 healthy and stronger. These capsules are very effective in low bone density.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Bone Support
It is a polyherbal formulation in a capsule form by Planet Ayurveda made from the pure extract of potent herbs like Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna), Hadjod ( Cissus qudrangularis), Praval pishti ( Corallium rubrum compound), Mukta ( pearl calcium compound), Shudh Laksha resins ( Laccifer lacca), Suhanjana beej ( Moringa oleifera). Bone support helps to make bones healthier, stronger and increase bone density and strength. These capsules help to heal the fractures fast and also prevent osteoporosis. It promotes calcium retention and deposition in the bones. It has very effective results in Low bone density.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
5. Arjuna Powder
It is a herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in a powder form made from the pure extract of Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna). It helps in the proper blood circulation and also helps in boosting the immunity. It helps in the absorption of essential minerals and thus also helps in increasing low bone density.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with warm water.
Conclusion
At last we can conclude that low bone density is a serious condition that leads to osteopenia and osteoporosis and there is no proper treatment available in modern science for this. But in Ayurveda we manage this disease from its root cause with Ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies which have very good results in increasing bone density. Planet Ayurveda products are 100% pure herbal, effective, vegetarian, and natural. We hope the above-mentioned information regarding low bone density and its ayurvedic treatment will be beneficial for the one who suffers. For more details of our products, you can check our website www.planetayurveda.com For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id [email protected]
