Paget's Disease

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What Is Paget's Disease

Paget's Disease, which is a condition that interferes with your body's ability to replace old bone tissue with new bone tissue, is the second most common bone disease after Osteoporosis. Instead of new bone repairing old bone like normal, people with Paget's disease experience abnormal bone growth where it isn't needed. Dysregulation, as it is called, can alter the normal skeletal structure and cause discomfort. The risk of developing Paget's Disease increases with age, and it can affect the pelvis, skull, spine, and legs.

Signs Of Paget's Disease

Many people who develop Paget's Disease don't actually realize that they have it because they don't have symptoms; or the symptoms they do have are common in patients with Arthritis or Osteoporosis. If you experience the following, they may be indications of Paget's Disease.

Bone or joint pain
Tingling or weakness (especially if it is in the spine)
Bone deformaties
Bowleggedness (if it occurs in the legs)

What Causes Paget's Disease

The exact cause of Paget's Disease is unknown, but it is believed to have a familial connection. Roughly 30% of cases have a family member who has, or has had, the disease. Another possible cause is the Measles virus, which is contracted during childhood. The causes are:

Family history
Measles virus
Viral infection in bone cells

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Magnesium and calcium are two important minerals that are essential for proper bone health. Having a diet rich in both of these can contribute to healthier bones. You don't have to eat meat or dairy to get these minerals. You can eat dark leafy greens, bananas, avocados, oranges, grapefruit, cabbage, and broccoli, among many others, to incorporate more magnesium and calcium in your diet.
Exercising has a positive effect on bone health. Keeping the joints and bones flexible is a great way to avoid abnormal bone growth, and it makes it harder for Paget's Disease to set in. It is best to practice light exercise and increase flexibility. You can also try exercises like Tai Chi or yoga, which utilize body postures that help relax and simultaneously strengthen core muscle groups. Pilates can be beneficial as well.
Vitamin D is also an important nutrient for those with Paget's Disease. Since vitamin D is essential for the intestines to absorb vitamin D, eating foods that are high in vitamin D can be beneficial. You can also get sufficient vitamin D by soaking up the sun. Catch some sunshine every day to maintain higher vitamin D levels.
Because bones are more prone to fractures and breaks in those with Paget's Disease, it is optimal to avoid high-impact exercises like running or weight-lifting. Try to install handrails in your bathroom and on your stairs (if you have them) to avoid trips and falls. You can also wear non-slip socks inside the house to avoid falling. Once you break a bone, Paget's Disease can cause the bone to grow back abnormally, so it is best to take measures to avoid any and all possible breaks or fractures.
Eating an alkaline diet can help keep your bones strong. When there are too many acidic foods in the body, it has to borrow alkalizing minerals from the bones to help balance its pH level. Eating a more plant-based diet can help your re-establish your body's natural pH level by giving you the essential nutrients you need without the interference of chemicals from processed foods.
It's a good idea to decrease stress because cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, is detrimental to bone health. You can get massages, receive acupuncture treatments, meditate, exercise, and ensure proper sleeping habits to help decrease your stress levels.

Things you should eat