If you are looking for natural treatments for your Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, do consider those dark, wrinkled fruits found on the grocery shelf next to raisins and dried apricots. Yes, it is true. Dried plums have been shown to increase bone density

Researchers at Oklahoma State University published studies on the effects of dried plums, sometimes called prunes. Like most studies on bone loss, they began their investigations with laboratory rats.


The researchers found that in the females rats who were fed dried plums reversed their trabecular bone loss. The plums did not just prevent bone loss. They reversed it. The research states: "dried plum improves trabecular microstructure of tibia after (bone) losses have already occurred.". An extended the study of male rats and found that “dried plum prevents Osteopenia in androgen deficient male rats."


Then they studied 58 postmenopausal women who were not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The women were “randomly assigned to consume either 100 grams of dried plums or 75 grams of dried apples daily for 3 months. Both dried fruit regimens provided similar amount of calories, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber. Serum and urinary biochemical markers of bone status were assessed before and after treatment. "


The researchers found that "Only dried plums significantly increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) activity. Higher levels of both serum IGF-I and BSAP are associated with greater rates of bone formation.”

This is good news for women and men who want dietary changes that could increase their bone density. Anyone with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis should be especially aware of this study. Of course some people find that 100 grams of dried plums has a laxative effect. Then just cut back on the amounts of dried plums consumed..

Anyone wanting stronger bones would do well to add dried plums or prunes to their diets on a regular basis.

You will find more natural treatments for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis at http://www.osteopenia3.com/Natural-Osteopenia-Treatments.html. Kate Lindemann Ph. D. has dedicated herself to providing information about Osteopenia to the wider public.