About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fractures (breaks or cracks) than normal bone. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals such as calcium, and the body cannot replace these minerals fast enough to keep the bones healthy. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery.
Are you at risk of getting Osteoporosis?
There are many factors that determine who will develop osteoporosis. The first step in prevention is to determine whether you are at risk, since not everyone is. The risk factors are: Age. The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones become weaker and less dense as you age. Gender. Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman as they have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men due to changes involved in menopause. There are other factors that may also be involved.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Calcium plays an important role in maintaining bone. Calcium alone cannot prevent or cure osteoporosis, but it is an important part of an overall prevention or treatment program. Most people unfortunately consume something less than half the Recommended Daily Intake of Calcium. One way to increase the amount of calcium in your diet is to eat calcium-rich foods like low-fat milk, cheese, broccoli and others. There are also several different types of calcium and a variety of supplements available.
Getting enough calcium, whether through diet or supplements, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures.
Other supplements
Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D also works in the kidneys to help resorb calcium that otherwise would be excreted. Vitamin D is manufactured in the skin following direct exposure to sunlight. The amount of vitamin D produced in the skin varies depending on time of day, season, latitude and skin pigmentation. Exposure to the sun should be in moderation and not between 11am and 2pm. Full body exposure to the sun for brief periods is recommended for maximum benefit. As adults age, the ability to make vitamin D through the skin decreases. People who are housebound and experience no sunlight exposure are unable to make vitamin D.
