Heal Broken Bones Faster with Natural Medicine

Natural medicines and therapies can help speed the healing of broken bones. Bones have the amazing ability to heal themselves, and this healing begins before you even see a doctor. However, doctor’s visit is always recommended to ensure that the bones are aligned properly and will join in a clean line.

The outer layer of the bone is a storehouse of mineral deposits. The inner layer is called the marrow. The red marrow makes red blood cells, while the yellow marrow is used to store fat. Bones continually undergo changes in a process called “bone remodeling.” Osteoclast cells break down old bone and osteoblast cells trigger new bone cells to form. As soon as a bone breaks, the osteoblasts get to work. Fibroblast cells create protein fibers called collagen. As bones heal, they form a matrix of osteoblasts, which later harden, or ossify, becoming bone. It takes three to four months to recreate the solid, stable bone in most cases. But some bones have more blood supply so they heal faster, for instance, toe bones, whereas wrist bones can take longer.

To speed bone healing, you can incorporate the following changes into your life:

LIFESTYLE

• Stop smoking. Smoking slows the blood flow to the bones, thereby slowing healing. Smokers take longer to heal broken bones.
• Stop drinking. Alcohol slows the formation of the osteoblasts.
• Decrease or eliminate caffeined drinks like coffee, tea, and colas which increase calcium excretion. Since your body needs all the calcium it can get to heal your bones, it is wise to minimize sources of calcium loss.