Rickets

Rickets is a children's disease that causes deformation of the skeletal system due to mineral deficiency. Without the minerals to strengthen the bones, they become soft and weak, causing bowleg and a curved spine. In an attempt to compensate, the body makes more cells. This causes a bony overgrowth, most noticeable at the bone ends. It also produces a characteristic rosary-like beading on the chest. These deformities occur mostly in children and infants who grow quickly. Older children typically complain of bone pains while walking.

In adults, the same lack of minerals causes a similar condition, called osteomalacia. The changes in bone structure are not nearly as obvious or severe because the skeletal system is already completely formed. Bone pains are common in osteomalacia, particularly in the hips and spine. In both osteomalacia and rickets, severe cramps develop as a result of falling blood-calcium levels.

Rickets is much more common in times of poverty or war. It is primarily due to a vitamin D deficiency or a lack of sunlight. Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium, the most essential mineral for hard, stable bones. Since calcium is also needed in the blood at all times, if blood-calcium levels fall, this mineral is taken from every possible source. Usually calcium is absorbed through nutrients in our food, but if this is unavailable, calcium is taken from the bones. Without vitamin D, calcium cannot be absorbed from food. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are also essential because they trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Vitamin D is also supplied through absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract. From there, this vitamin must then be converted in the liver and kidneys before it becomes fully active.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that if fats and oils are not well assimilated, absorption is hindered and rickets or osteomalacia may develop. Malabsorption syndrome is caused by diets that eliminate all fats and from poor bile production. If a liver or kidney disease prevents the full conversion of vitamin D to its active form, osteomalacia can also occur. Anticonvulsant medications also cause osteomalacia. Only rarely is rickets or osteomalacia due to a lack of calcium in the diet.

Supplements and herbs

Although rickets and osteomalacia are usually the result of nutritional deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium should also be supplied in ample amounts. magnesium is also required for bone health. Silica is also highly recommended, since it strengthens bones. It is available in mineral form as a liquid gel or in organic form in capsules. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are also important for strong bones.

Fresh herbs such as juices or teas have a quick and reliable effect on rickets.

• Stinging nettle is rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, which is important in the development of the bones as well as for the assimilation of calcium. Take 1 tbsp. of juice daily. Add 5-10 drops of extract daily to meals, or steam fresh leaves in oil with onion (use young shoots only).
• The silica from horsetail helps to increase calcium absorption by the bones without calcium supplementation. Take 3 cups of horsetail tea, or 3 capsules of aqueous horsetail extract daily or 10-15 drops tincture in liquid three times daily.
• Carrot, dandelion and watercress juice complement the above therapies. Take 1 tbsp. of juice daily.
• Take a calamus bath to stimulate metabolism.

What else you can do

• Spend time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, without glasses or contact lenses, to stimulate vitamin D production.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin D, 400 IU
• Calcium, 1,000 mg
• Magnesium, 500 mg
• Silica, 1,000 mg
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
• Quercetin, 250 mg

More useful herbs

• Oak