Bones

Natural remedies for vitamin D deficiency IMPORTANT: Severe vitamin D deficiency can cause serious bone problems (osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets in children), muscle weakness, weakened immunity and higher risk for various chronic diseases. Before starting supplementation, do a blood test for 25-OH vitamin D. Large unsupervised doses can lead to toxicity (hypercalcemia). Consult a doctor to establish the correct dose, especially if you have kidney problems, sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism or take other medications. ...

Natural Remedies for Paget’s Disease of Bone IMPORTANT: Paget’s disease of bone (osteitis deformans) is a chronic disorder in which bone metabolism is profoundly disturbed, and the newly formed bone is chaotic, bulkier but weaker and more vascularized. Diagnosis is made with x-rays, bone scan and blood tests (alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus). Medical treatment with bisphosphonates (alendronate, zoledronate, risedronate) or calcitonin is often absolutely necessary to halt progression. The natural remedies in this article are nutritional support and do not replace the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Never stop medications without the agreement of your specialist. ...

Natural remedies for copper deficiency IMPORTANT: Copper deficiency is a rare but serious condition that may appear in people taking excessive zinc supplements (over 40 mg/day for long periods), in patients after gastric bypass or other bariatric surgery, in those with malabsorption (celiac disease, Crohn’s), with prolonged parenteral nutrition without copper supplementation, in premature infants and in the rare genetic condition Menkes disease. Untreated, deficiency causes iron-refractory anemia, neutropenia, osteoporosis, neurological lesions (myelopathy, neuropathy) and immune problems. Copper excess (intoxication, Wilson’s disease, excessive supplementation) is equally dangerous. Any suspicion of copper imbalance requires medical evaluation with serum copper and ceruloplasmin testing. ...

Natural remedies for vitamin K deficiency IMPORTANT: Vitamin K deficiency is rare in healthy adults but common in newborns (who routinely receive a prophylactic dose at birth), in people on prolonged antibiotic therapy, in those with malabsorption (Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, biliary conditions) and in patients with chronic liver disease. Severe deficiency causes bleeding, hematomas, gum or intestinal hemorrhage and increases osteoporosis risk. MAJOR WARNING: people taking coumarin-type anticoagulants (warfarin, acenocoumarol) must keep a CONSTANT vitamin K intake, not suddenly raise or lower it, because the interaction can alter INR (clotting time). Any major dietary change in these patients should be done ONLY under medical supervision. ...