Improve Bone Health through Ayurveda

Everyone wishes to have healthy bones as we are aware of its functions like providing an overall structure of the body, protecting internal organs, anchoring muscles, storing calcium, etc. Bone health is important in every stage of life, and we need to take care of it for a healthy tomorrow.

One of the common bone health problems that we usually see is the Osteoporosis and low bone mass. To protect your bones for Locomotors care, it’s best to incorporate diet and lifestyle changes that help in strengthening bones naturally. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

The Ayurvedic approach to bone health

In Ayurveda, it says about ‘dhatus’ the seven types of tissues. Among them, the ‘Asthidhatu’ or bone tissue takes its fifth place among the seven which provides a solid structure to the body. These dhatus are the structures that build a body and any imbalances to these structures lead to diseases of locomotor system and muscle joint pains.

According to Ayurveda, bone diseases including joint pains are mainly caused by Vata imbalance (data dosha). This imbalance is mainly caused due to the flow of unstable body fat into the membrane of the large intestine. Since the large intestine is considered as the center of Vata dosha, an increase in Vata results in a decrease of bone tissue.

Dosha based diet to strengthen your bones

Each individual holds different dosha. Following a diet plan bases on dosha aids in strengthening your bones. It’s important to include calcium-rich foods in your daily diet. Including dosha favoring foods reduces the risk of forming imbalances in the body. So, stick on to dosha pacifying foods for strong bones.

For Vata body type

Individuals with a predominantly Vata dosha have a higher chance of the bones to become thinner and more fragile. To strengthen bones naturally and to reduce Vata, individuals need to include calcium-rich foods like yogurt, sweet potato, beets, watercress, sesame seeds, pistachios, and figs.

For Pitta body type

Individuals with a predominantly Pitta dosha lead to narrowing of the bones that in turn results in weaker bones. To strengthen bones naturally and to reduce the imbalances of pitta, one should include calcium-rich foods in their diet such as this list would include foods such as mung beans, celery, cilantro, kale, prunes, strawberries, and oranges.

For Kapha body type

Individuals with a predominantly Kapha dosha results in a condition that the tissue produced is denser and kappa imbalance leads to excessively thick and dense bones. This may lead to the risk of painful bone spurs. For strengthening the bones and to lower the Kapha imbalances, such individuals should intake calcium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, okra, black beans, watercress, Brussels sprouts, mustard sprouts, and rhubarb.

Ayurvedic herbs to improve bone health naturally

Apart from including calcium-rich foods based on one’s dosha, you can even try out the ayurvedic herbs for strong bones naturally.

1. Harjor (Cissus quadrangularis)

Harjor, known for its bone healing properties is an Ayurvedic herb that can be used as a decoction as well as an external application to treat fractures.

2. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Arjuna is a tree and its bark is used to prepare a decoction that enhances bone health as well as offers cardioprotection. The bark comes with tannins, calcium carbonate, and sodium chloride along with several other bioactive agents that aids in providing strong bones. This also used for bone fracture treatments.

3. Guggulu or guggul (Commiphora mukul)

Guggulu is an Ayurvedic herb used for managing obesity and elevated cholesterol. The plant’s resin is used for bone healing and for strengthening bones. Using Guggulu results in nearly complete restoration of bone microarchitecture.

Winding-up

Bones will get weaker with aging. Adequate safeguards and following a healthy diet reduces the risk of weaker bones and joints. Body Type/Dosha balancing lifestyle along with the use of natural herbs and remedies you can regain strong bones and avoid problems later. Always remember that a physically active lifestyle promotes healthy bones and a healthy you.