Improving Bone Health with Marijuana?

According to new research, medical marijuana may have the potential to strengthen your bones by boosting density and lowering your risk of osteoporosis. In the study, researchers found that the endocannabinoid system can help “stimulate” bone growth. This is fascinating news for anyone suffering from bone and joint-related conditions. Previously it was thought that osteoarthritis cannot be prevented and once someone has the disease they cannot reverse it. However, ongoing research has proven this is not true.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become weak, which can lead to an increased rate of fractures and broken bones. If one were to look at bone impacted by osteoporosis through a microscope, it would look like a honeycomb due to the increased porosity. It’s particularly common in women and can happen at any age, though is more prevalent beyond the age of 40.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Typically, there’s a variety of potential reasons why someone may develop osteoporosis including:
- Genetics
- Environmental Factors
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Hormone Imbalances
- Thyroid Problems
- Steroid Use
In most cases, patients can and should make dietary and lifestyle changes in order to prevent or treat osteoporosis naturally. For example, a deficiency in calcium can lead to bone porosity. Therefore, it would only make sense to ensure you’re receiving a high enough dietary intake of calcium. Unfortunately, there are individuals who’ve been deficient in vital nutrients for decades due to poor dietary choices. This often results in degenerative diseases like osteoporosis.
Other Treatments for Osteoporosis
In additional to medical marijuana, some regenerative medicine doctors use PRP treatment combined with nutritional therapies and strengthening exercises. Another potential option is stem cell treatment. Researchers believe these cells can restore function and improving bone strength.