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Osteoporosis - Symptoms and treatment
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.
May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Let us start with learning about the risk factors.
If you say yes to any of the following statements, you could be at high risk for weak bones:
Older than 65
Have broken a bone after age 50
Have a close relative with osteoporosis
Health is "fair" or "poor"
Smoking
Are underweight for my height
Have never had enough calcium
Are a persistant alcoholic
Have a sedentary lifestyle The bone mineral density (BMD) test is performed to determine the risk for osteoporosis. One good news is that you are never too old or too young to improve
your bone health. With healthy nutrition, physical activity, and routine medical checkups, wonders can be worked for your bone health. If you have osteoporosis, the following lifestyle
modifications will be of help:
Get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.
Do not smoke.
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Ensure that your home has enough light and remove trip hazards to prevent falls.
Take your osteoporosis medications as directed by your doctor. Osteoporosis and Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in keeping our bones strong and healthy, and in slowing natural loss.
1. Role of Vit D Vitamin D plays an important role in managing osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often associated with inadequate calcium intake. However, a deficiency of vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis by reducing calcium absorption.
Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Even if you have an adequate calcium intake, you may not absorb it effectively if you have low levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is found in milk, cod liver oil and fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel. Some yogurt and breakfast cereals are also fortified with this vitamin.
2. Role of soya Many soy foods are naturally high in calcium as this mineral is added as a coagulating agent. In addition, soy also contains magnesium and boron, which are important in
bone health.
In addition, isoflavones in soy foods inhibits the breakdown of bones. The role of soya in maintaining healthy bones and preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women is undeniable.
3. Role of calcium Adequate intake of calcium-rich foods will help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Apart from milk, yoghurt, cheese and other dairy products, calcium is found in dark green vegetables and dried beans. Calcium-fortified products such as orange juice and cereal bars, and of fish like salmon and sardines with bones can also help fill in gaps in daily calcium consumption.
Lastly, it helps to remember that osteoporosis is preventable and treatable.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.
May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Let us start with learning about the risk factors.
If you say yes to any of the following statements, you could be at high risk for weak bones:
Older than 65
Have broken a bone after age 50
Have a close relative with osteoporosis
Health is "fair" or "poor"
Smoking
Are underweight for my height
Have never had enough calcium
Are a persistant alcoholic
Have a sedentary lifestyle The bone mineral density (BMD) test is performed to determine the risk for osteoporosis. One good news is that you are never too old or too young to improve
your bone health. With healthy nutrition, physical activity, and routine medical checkups, wonders can be worked for your bone health. If you have osteoporosis, the following lifestyle
modifications will be of help:
Get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.
Do not smoke.
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Ensure that your home has enough light and remove trip hazards to prevent falls.
Take your osteoporosis medications as directed by your doctor. Osteoporosis and Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in keeping our bones strong and healthy, and in slowing natural loss.
1. Role of Vit D Vitamin D plays an important role in managing osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often associated with inadequate calcium intake. However, a deficiency of vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis by reducing calcium absorption.
Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Even if you have an adequate calcium intake, you may not absorb it effectively if you have low levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is found in milk, cod liver oil and fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel. Some yogurt and breakfast cereals are also fortified with this vitamin.
2. Role of soya Many soy foods are naturally high in calcium as this mineral is added as a coagulating agent. In addition, soy also contains magnesium and boron, which are important in
bone health.
In addition, isoflavones in soy foods inhibits the breakdown of bones. The role of soya in maintaining healthy bones and preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women is undeniable.
3. Role of calcium Adequate intake of calcium-rich foods will help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Apart from milk, yoghurt, cheese and other dairy products, calcium is found in dark green vegetables and dried beans. Calcium-fortified products such as orange juice and cereal bars, and of fish like salmon and sardines with bones can also help fill in gaps in daily calcium consumption.
Lastly, it helps to remember that osteoporosis is preventable and treatable.