Information on a disease involving loss of bone density, prevention by incorporating the proper diet, exercise, and supplements.
Osteo is another term for bones. Porosis is another terms for porous. Consequently combining the two terms results in the medical term or condition known as osteoporosis, or "˜porous bones.' This results in a fragile bone condition, which is basically a severe reduction in bone density.
When bone loss occurs, this produces the dreaded bone disease known as osteoporosis, which afflicts both women and men in their later years. What does occur is basically the bone as it loses its ability to repair itself, results in a skeletal system that will begin to thin. Also, when there isn't enough calcium, as calcium from bone is released into the bloodstream, this calcium is needed more by the body in other areas in order to help maintain healthy nerves and a normal heartbeat.
When a person is young, there is much collagen in the bone, and so the bone remains pliable. But as a person ages, less of the collagen is present, and the bones consequently become more brittle.
When a woman reaches menopause, she may lose 40 - 50% of her bone density. A man who will lose far less than a woman nonetheless will still suffer some loss in bone density. This is usually indicated by symptoms of severe backaches, stooped or hunched shoulders, fractures that occur particularly in the wrist and hip areas. A person who is white and female has a higher propensity to developing this disease. African American women on the other hand have a higher bone density and are not as much in danger in developing the disease later in life.
Also heavier women do not lose as much bone density as those who weigh less do. The added weight puts a certain amount of stress on bone structure, which in turn will help keep the skeletal structure stronger.
Usually after a woman reaches thirty, the amount of bone loss from that point every ten years is approximately ten percent. This is one reason why women by the time they enter their fifties may have a greater chance of breaking a bone, or incurring a fracture.
One way to find out if osteoporosis is present is to have X-rays taken, which will show through bone-density measurements if any bone density loss has occurred. Although some health care insurance programs may not cover the cost of this test as it is expensive; it is still a good idea to have one done especially for those women who have reached the age of 50 and beyond.
Other tests also can be done to detect the presence of this condition, such as blood tests, hair composition tests, etc. in order to determine if calcium is being loss by the body. Calcium found in blood or hair samples will usually indicate that the body is having problems with calcium absorption, and is getting its calcium from its bone tissue. Dental problems are also a good indication of bone loss. If there is teeth loss or the person has many dental cavities, this can be another indication that the body is having problems with calcium absorption, which in turn will result in a lower bone density.
Osteoporosis is due to several causes. Basically if the body is inefficient in its calcium absorption, this will result in bone loss. The lack of certain vitamins and minerals will also contribute to bone loss. Among these are Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. The right balance of magnesium, and phosphorus can also affect the proper formation of bone density.
Even chlorinated water can encourage calcium loss in the body.
Phosphorous found in most soft drinks will affect the calcium/phosphorous balance in the body and may have an adverse effect on calcium absorption. This is one reason why it would be wise to limit the consumption of these drinks, especially if signs of osteoporosis are present.
Taking certain medications may affect the loss of calcium in the body, and it is recommended to check with a physician to learn what side effects a medication may have, i.e. if it will interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. If a medication does affect the absorption of calcium, then adding something like cod liver oil to the diet, or eating sardines may help to offset this loss.
A person who is lactose intolerant carries a greater risk of bone loss because of the possibility of calcium malabsorption.
Smoking definitely contributes to the onset of this disease and should be avoided, as well as alcohol consumption.
The production of a hormone by the thyroid gland known as calcitonin affects calcium absorption. This hormone lowers blood calcium, and inhibits bone resorption, which happens when minerals from the bone return to the blood. Consequently, when the production of this hormone slows down, the bone structure weakens. The intake of calcium in the diet will encourage the production of CT (calcitonin) and why it's important to incorporate calcium rich foods.
A person's lifestyle and nutrition does play an important role in whether this disease will or will not develop, or once it has started progress. There are several ways to ward off or slow down this disease. One is to exercise, preferably by performing weight bearing exercises such as walking or even weight lifting as this will help keep the bones stronger. Starting an exercise regime early enough may prove to be a strong deterrent to the development of osteoporosis in one's later years. The amount and frequency of exercise is also important, i.e. at least more than three times week for forty-five minutes to an hour.
Another method is through HRT--hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal women. Taking a daily hormone supplement of estrogen, besides alleviating hot flashes, has been a proven effective method in helping to fight the reduction of bone loss.
Diet is another important method in helping to prevent or at least slow the development of osteoporosis. Eating less red meat, since the consumption of protein by the body results in the excretion of calcium. In other words, eating more protein can actually accelerate the body's loss of calcium. So by limiting those foods that contain protein is recommended. Then by incorporating calcium rich foods into the diet will help prevent or slow the progress of the disease.
It is possible to rebuild the bones by taking in enough calcium. Leafy green vegetables, tofu, even almonds are all beneficial, and should be added to the diet. Taking a daily supplement of 1500 milligrams of calcium, preferably calcium carbonate per day is also highly recommended. It is also recommend taking a corresponding supplement of 400 to 500 mg of magnesium as this will prevent calcium deposits from forming in arteries and kidneys. Also, it is recommended taking a supplement of hydrochloric acid to aid the digestion of the calcium in the stomach.
Going outside every day when possible and thereby getting enough sunshine ensures that Vitamin D from the sunlight is taken into the body as this also will help in the absorption of calcium by the body.
If osteoporosis is present, and for those already suffering from this disease, the following list can help prevent possible fractures that may occur from accidents involving falls:
Ensure that no loose electrical cords are lying on floors and carpets where someone can trip on them
Ensure adequate lighting is provided throughout every room of the house.
Ensure all scattered type rugs are secured, i.e. they have
rubber backings and are nonskid.
Ensure railings to stairs, and particularly in bathtubs areas are installed.
Ensure rubber mats are placed inside showers stalls and tubs.
Ensure that during the winter months, especially in the cold climate areas snow and ice are removed from all walkways, sidewalks, driveways, and that an appropriate amount of sand and salt is scattered across all icy areas.
Osteoporosis is preventable, and if already present can be slowed down to some degree by incorporating the proper diet and eating habits, a supplemental regime of vitamins and minerals, and a regular exercise program that involves some form of weight bearing exercise such as walking or weight lifting.
