As the on-going COVID-19 pandemic continues we are facing a huge healthcare crisis. Globally the pandemic has accelerated or rather decelerated the entire human population into the confines. Work from home, social shielding and discreet outdoor ventures has not only disrupted our emotional well-being but has also drastically affected our physical health. As people are confined to their homes with reduced physical activity there is rapid bone resorption (loss) as muscles and bones are not getting adequate stimulation. Also lack of exposure to sun during the pandemic has critically affected vitamin D levels in our body. People are frequently feeling tired with lack of energy and strength. Everyone needs to be cautious about the health of their bones as much as their other needs. Bones support us and allow us to be mobile. Bone health is always a priority and we always tend to overlook it. Bone density problem is a silent manifestation and could lead to a major medical issue over a period of time. While osteoporosis onsets with age among men & women, women face the brunt a little earlier, like from their 30s. Well-versed with the situation and to avoid unnecessary bones issues, let us now take a look at some measures that can take care of your bones during the pandemic.
Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, green leafy veggies and dry fruits. Good sources of vitamin D include fortified cereals, egg yolks, saltwater fish, liver and milk. Calcium and vitamin D work together to protect your bones – calcium helps to build and maintain bones; while vitamin D helps your body to effectively absorb calcium.
Get exposure to sunlight to make enough vitamin D
Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. The sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy for vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D has a significant role in calcium homeostasis and metabolism.
As per pan-India study the best time to get exposed to the sun is between 11am and 1pm since the wavelength of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is 290-320nm during this period which is essential for skin to make vitamin D.
Get plenty of physical activity
Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise. The best exercises for healthy bones are strength-building and weight-bearing exercise like walking, climbing stairs, lifting weights and dancing. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day.
Strength-building and weight-bearing exercise provides stimulation to bone cells and helps to increased bone mineral density and bone size thus reduced the risk of osteoporosis.
Live a healthy lifestyle
Smoking and excessive alcohol intake contributes to bone loss and weakened bones. These unhealthy habits unknowingly reduce blood supply to the bones, slow down the production of bone-forming cells and impair the absorption of calcium. By avoiding these habits, you can lower your rate of bone loss and protect your bones from negative impacts.
Ayurveda and phyto-medicines for bone health
There are several herbs and phyto-medicines mentioned in Ayurveda for promoting bone health. Herbs like Hadjod, Salai guggul, Ashwagandha and Bala are clinically proven to reinstate bone cell homeostasis (osteoblast and osteoclast) and to improve bone mineral density. While herbs like Arjuna, Methi, Lakha serves as an organic source of bio-available calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, mucopolysaccharrides, minerals and phytoestrogen, of which all are essential components for healthy bones.
The best approach to bone health is adopting proper lifestyle and restoring the healthy balance of bone forming cells (Osteoblast) and bone resorption cells (Osteoclast). As with aging this balance shifts in a negative direction, favoring greater bone loss. Ayurvedic herbs augments bone mass formation and increase its natural healing abilities. Natural or phyto-medicines are free from any kind side effects, can be continued for long term and has sustained benefits for the holistic wellness of your bone health.
About Millennium Herbal care:
Millennium Herbal Care makes multiple products for joint & bone health, like OSHEAL ANTARTH SGC, ANTARTH LINIMENT & OINTMENT.
OSHEAL TABLETS is natural anti-osteoporotic formulation to prevent fragility fracture and improve bone quality. It combines herbs having following benefits –
- Hadjod and Salai guggul – Enhances osteoblastic activity & promotes bone formation & mineralization.
- Methi and Ashwagandha -Nourishes bone matrix by supplying phytoestrogen & organic absorbable calcium.
- Arjuna and lakha – Accelerates fracture healing and increases bone strength
ANTARTH PLUS SGC is an Advance Anti-arthritic with Disease Modifying Action. It combines herbs having following benefits-
- Salai guggul, Haridra and Chopchini- Provides fast and sustained relief from joint pain & stiffness.
- Ashwagandha and Shuddha guggul – Prevents cartilage degradation & improves joint function.
- Guduchi, Omega 3 & Omega 6 – Promotes remission & delays progression of chronic joints disease.
ANTARTH OINTMENT & LINIMENT is a powerful natural and safe topical anti-arthritic for high speed relief from pain and inflammation.
- Antarth liniment and ointment combines potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxant herbs like Salai guggul, Dashmool, Nirgundi, Nilgiri, Pudina and Gandhpura to provide faster relief from joint pain, inflammation, stiffness and impart strength to the joints.
Authored By: By: Dr. Dipesh Mahendra Waghmare, Medical Advisor Executive to Millennium Herbal Care
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
