Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects the bones of mostly
adult patients. While there is currently no known medical cure for
osteoporosis, there are diet and lifestyle choices that you can make to
help prevent the condition.
As one of the most common types of arthritis, osteoporosis occurs when
there is too much calcium lost from the bones. When the bones lose
excessive calcium, the degree of bone density is also affected.
Osteoporosis can cause bones to become fragile and brittle,
substantially increasing the risk of bone fractures. Women are
significantly more likely to suffer from the degree of calcium loss
that is required to decrease bone density and result in osteoporosis.
Prevention of osteoporosis, like many medical conditions, is the key to
staying disease-free. If you, like many adults, are at risk of
developing osteoporosis, consider consuming a diet high in calcium.
Most health professionals and dieticians recommend that you include
about 1500 mg of calcium in your diet, every day. Milk, dairy-based
foods, salmon, sardines and other fish are all great choices for
providing a natural calcium boost.
Speak with your doctor about supplementing your diet with calcium and,
possibly, vitamin D. Your doctor or dietician may suggest that you
supplement your diet with additional Vitamin D to aid in absorbing this
extra calcium. Natural sunlight provides a great source of Vitamin D,
so you can absorb this important element simply by spending more time
in the sun.
If you choose to take an over-the-counter supplement, it may be
possible to achieve the required levels of both Vitamin D and calcium
in one multivitamin. You doctor can tell you if your supplement is
giving you enough of the nutrients you need to prevent osteoporosis. By
assessing your condition, he or she will suggest the appropriate level
of required supplements.
If you are a woman already diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor may
suggest an estrogen treatment as a viable option. This type of therapy
can help increase bone mass and density in your spine and hips.
Estrogen therapy may also decrease a woman's risk of developing
osteoporosis. Other possible benefits of estrogen replacement therapy
include a reduction in the risk of heart attack and heart failure. It's
important, however, to be aware of certain side effects. Studies have
shown that there may be a link between estrogen therapy and breast
cancer.
Doctors advise adults who drink or smoke to limit these activities as
much as possible. Research has shown that smoking will lower the levels
of estrogen, leaving the bones at greater risk for losing mass.
Moderate to heavy alcohol use has also been directly linked to an
increased loss of bone density.
Getting enough regular exercise is another important preventive step.
Improved muscular strength through weight-bearing exercise can help to
build essential bone mass. Walking is a great choice for helping to
prevent osteoporosis and boosting your overall good health.
Individuals who suffer with osteoporosis have other treatment options
to consider. Prescription drug medications are available to help
restore bone density and slow the progress of the condition. New drug
therapies are also in development. Of course, it's important to have a
professional health assessment and understand all of your treatment
options before you choose a method of therapy.
Speak with your doctor if you think you may be at risk of developing
osteoporosis, or believe that you have the condition. Learn about the
steps that you can take to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, and get
more facts about treatment options. The fact is, you can live more
comfortably with osteoporosis.
