Bones age just as we do, and osteoporosis is a big concern for the aging population. Our bones are always being broken down by micro fractures, so when bone doesn’t grow back, osteoporosis occurs.
Brittleness of bones can cause many problems, especially for the older generations; falls, broken bones and difficulty moving around to name a few.
Although there’s no cure for osteoporosis, you can do many things to strengthen bones and prevent the furthering of debilitating bone weakening.
According to a Healthline article about osteoporosis, over 53 million people in the United States have or are at risk for the bone disease.
This is an alarming statistic, but you can take necessary preventative measure to prevent osteoporosis…
What Exactly is Osteoporosis?
Well first you should know that bone is living tissue that constantly breaks down and regenerates. Osteoporotic bones contain more space in the pores of a bone with normal amounts of bone tissue. This is what causes the weakening of the outside of the bones.
Who Is at Risk?
Women are at great risk after menopause (usually around 45-55 years of age). However, after age 65 men and women begin to lose bone strength at the same rate.
In a person’s 30’s, bones start to lose density faster than it can regenerate new bone tissue. This is why it’s important to maintain healthy bone mass by adopting certain lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Depending on the individual, symptoms may be subtle and/or non-existent depending on the severity. However, symptoms can appear in the form of the following occurrences:
- Broken bones
- Frequent falls
- Weak grip
- Receding gums
The ribs, hips and muscles in the wrists and spine suffer the most when osteoporosis is at its worst and even in the beginning stages.
The dangers are great and as soon as symptom’s show, it’s time for a doctor’s visit and immediate lifestyle changes.
What are the Treatment Options?
Treatment comes in many forms…
- Exercise
- Proper nutrition
- Supplements
- Medication
Hormone therapy is used to mimic estrogen, which can help to maintain healthy bones. There are some supposed dangers of hormone therapy according to Mayo clinic like cancer, heart disease and blood clot formation.
Resistance training strengthens bones as well as eating a healthy diet. Vitamins C and D are essential for bone health so getting enough sun rays is very important for the body to produce vitamin D.
Lifestyle Changes
Habits that can accelerate bone loss include:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Bad diet
These bad habits are absolutely detrimental to someone who is already suffering from osteoporosis. They break down the bones and make them even more brittle.
Supplying your body with what it needs is a tall order for many due to several reasons like…
- Lack of education
- Addictions
- Carelessness
Maybe it’s harsh but it’s the reality of the difference between a healthy body and one which suffers from bone disease. Many people assume a problem has to get worse, but you can make it better and live happy with some lifestyle choices.
You Can Protect Your Long-Term Bone Health
Osteoporosis is no joke and preventative measures should be taken to prevent its development. It can be a process that occurs without warning which is why as we age, it’s a good idea to get a bone density test that detects your bone health and chances of developing osteoporosis.
Lifestyle changes are a must for bone tissue health and staying away from habits which damage the bones ability to regenerate is not an option.
Bone disease can be prevented in many cases but educating yourself and taking action before it happens is your best defense against osteoporosis.
