How to Prevent Osteoporosis?

Answer 1

Osteoporosis, also known as porous bones is when bones become brittle and weak. A fall, cough or even bending over can cause a fracture. Low mineral and calcium levels can cause bones to weaken. Most fractures caused from osteoporosis occur in the hip, wrist, and spine. Osteoporosis is more commonly thought of as a woman’s disease but can affect men as well. In women, as menopause approaches, ovaries no longer produce the hormone called estrogen. Estrogen can aid in preventing bone loss. This can lead to a condition called osteopenia. Estrogen supplements are sometimes prescribed to aid in preventing further bone loss.

There is usually no pain or symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis. Once bones are weakened, there are symptoms that follow. Moderate to severe Back pain, decline in posture (stooping), loss of height, and bone fractures. Many of the symptoms are not noticed until the disease is in its advanced stages.

It is unknown to doctors what causes osteoporosis. Bones continuously change as new bone is made and old bone deteriorates. In young adults, their body creates new bones at a faster rate than the body breaks down old bone. Peak bone mass is reached at about the age of 30. Size and density of bones determines their strength. Bones containing fewer minerals than normal have a tendency of being weaker and eventually lose their structure.

Many risk factors that you can change play a part in your chances of developing osteoporosis. Some of them include; eating disorders, calcium intake, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Some of the risk factors that cannot be changed are; aging, frame size, thyroids, race, being a female and some medical conditions affecting bone health.

Weight loss surgery, Crohn’s disease, hyperparathyroidism and Cushing’s disease can all affect your body’s ability to absorb calcium and minerals needed to maintain healthy bones.

Nonpharmacological therapy such as vitamin D supplementation, fall prevention and weight bearing exercise may be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Answer 2

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the sufferer displays an abnormal amount of bone tissue loss. This condition results in weak, porous bones. Those with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of bone fractures than those who do not have the disease. Most osteoporosis sufferers are women, and most of them are post-menopausal. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent osteoporosis.

Diet

To prevent osteoporosis, one should be sure to intake adequate amounts of both vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, and it is most often obtained via a combination of exposure to sunlight and eating certain foods.

Health care professionals believe that calcium deficiency is a leading cause in the development of osteoporosis. In order to prevent the disease, people, especially women, should make sure to intake the daily recommended amount of calcium. Post-menopausal women should have about 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily. Just a few foods high in calcium are listed below:

--oatmeal and milk

--cheese

--certain breakfast cereals

--yogurt

--canned sardines, with bones

--milk (including whole, skim, and calcium fortified)

Exercise

Regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health. Exercise can help prevent a number of illnesses, including osteoporosis. Exercise can help people maintain healthy bones and improve posture, especially when the back muscles are being used during exercise. Swimming is a good activity to strengthen back muscles, which can support the formation of a strong, healthy spine.

Most osteoporosis experts recommend weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, tennis, rowing, weight lifting, Basketball, volleyball, bicycling and hiking, to name a few. Female athletes should also be wary of getting too much exercise, which can lead to amenorrhea, bone loss, and bone fractures. Athletes should exercise within reasonable limits.

In addition to diet and exercise, hormone therapy and medication are also used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Contact a health care provider to find out more about these treatments.

Answer 3

Exercising, healthy eating and refraining from unhealthy lifestyles reigns king among available options for a longer, happier life. These ideals often prove difficult to maintain; however, these choices are sure to help prevent many non-genetic diseases and difficulties. Of all of the debilitating conditions, osteoporosis is one of the toughest on mobility and comfort. Here are some ways to help prevent osteoporosis.

Start early, start now

Regardless of your age at this very moment, it is not too late to begin taking better care of your body and developing healthier habits. Your bones are virtually irreplaceable and necessary for mobility. It is a good idea to care of them as best as you can. One fabulous way to begin these healthy habits is to monitor your vitamin intake. Several vitamins are great for increasing bone strength; one of them is vitamin D. You can find a variety of hearty foods with good amounts of vitamin D, e.g. milk and other dairy products, soy and meats. Try to integrate some of these foods to build bone strength.

Remember to consult with your doctor before making major changes in your food choices or supplements to ensure your optimal safety and health. Movement is good

Sedimentary lifestyle choices cement your bones. Bones are meant to move -- not sit still. Ensure you are up and moving as much as possible during your day. Regular movement (preferably not repetitive) keeps your bones alive and healthy. Osteoporosis and Arthritis are common results of not moving your body enough. Find a walking partner, join a boot camp, take a daily evening stroll or play with your children each day outside; several options exist just for you to enjoy. Join the "movement" by getting up and moving your body to maintain healthy bones!

Your bones (and entire body for that matter) rely on you making wise, healthy choices on a regular basis. If you incorporate healthy eating habits, regular movement routines and avoid unhealthy lifestyle choices, you can enjoy a fruitful and joyous life with less chance of debilitating pain and regret. Live the life you are meant to live. Enjoy and love your body.