Osteoporosis Symptoms:

There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include:

• Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
• Loss of height over time.
• A stooped posture.
• A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected.

Causes of Osteoporosis?

• Changes to hormones. Low levels of certain hormones can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. For example:
  • Low estrogen levels in women after menopause.
  • Low levels of estrogen from the abnormal absence of menstrual periods in premenopausal women due to hormone disorders or extreme levels of physical activity.
  • Low levels of testosterone in men. Men with conditions that cause low testosterone are at risk for osteoporosis. However, the gradual decrease of testosterone with aging is probably not a major reason for the loss of bone.

• Diet. Beginning in childhood and into old age, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Excessive dieting or poor protein intake may increase your risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.

• Other medical conditions. Some medical conditions that you may be able to treat or manage can increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as other endocrine and hormonal diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia nervosa

• Medications. Long-term use of certain medications may make you more likely to develop bone loss and osteoporosis, such as:
  • Glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropic hormones, which treat various conditions, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Antiepileptic medicines, which treat seizures and other neurological disorders.
  • Cancer medications, which use hormones to treat breast and prostate cancer.
  • Proton pump inhibitors, which lower stomach acid.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which treat depression and anxiety.
  • Thiazolidinediones, which treat type II diabetes.

• Lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can be important for keeping bones strong. Factors that contribute to bone loss include:
• Low levels of physical activity and prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to an increased rate of bone loss. They also leave you in poor physical condition, which can increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone.
• Chronic heavy drinking of alcohol is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.
• Studies indicate that smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture. Researchers are still studying if the impact of smoking on bone health is from tobacco use alone or if people who smoke have more risk factors for osteoporosis.

Treatment of Osteoporosis:

The goals for treating osteoporosis are to slow or stop bone loss and to prevent fractures. Your health care provider may recommend:

• Proper nutrition.
• Lifestyle changes.
• Exercise.
• Fall prevention to help prevent fractures.
• Medications.

People who develop osteoporosis from another condition should work with their health care provider to identify and treat the underlying cause. For example, if you take a medication that causes bone loss, your doctor may lower the dose of that medication or switch you to another medication.

If you have a disease that requires long-term glucocorticoid therapy, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic lung disease, you can also take certain medications approved for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis associated with aging or menopause.

Here’s Top Vitamins and Minerals For Stronger Bones:

1.  Calcium:

Calcium is only a part of the story most people know that they need calcium to build strong bones. However, calcium supplementation on its own has been proven to be of limited benefit and in some cases, even harmful. It is vital to ensure your intake of these top 4 bone nutrients in addition to calcium.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium has a known role in the bone-building:

Without adequate calcium, magnesium will not be metabolized. Magnesium is far more likely to be deficient in the modern-day diet than calcium as it is not found in high amounts in dairy foods which make up a large part of the average Western diet.

Instead,

it is foods that may be less commonly eaten such as green vegetables, whole grains, and nuts that are magnesium sources. Food processing causes huge magnesium losses. 80 percent of women currently consume less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium.

Magnesium is often found in supplements as carbonate or oxide, chloride, or sulfate which are believed to have lower absorption rates. Look for better-absorbed forms such as magnesium citrate, malate, or glycinate.

3. Vitamin D:

Vitamin D reduces bone loss and fracture incidence:

• Vitamin D deficiency amongst the general population is now known to be a major modern-day health concern.
• Vitamin D3 is the most useable form and can be made in the skin when exposed to UVB rays in
• Sunlight but increased use of SPF creams mean this is less likely to happen.
• Exposure to the sun on bare skin for 20 minutes in the middle of the day will make around 400 IU vitamin D.

The Best Food Source of D3 is:

• Oily fish such as Mackerel, herring, salmon (one portion of each contains around 350iu vitamin D).
• Cod liver oil is the richest source.
• Cottage cheese and eggs contain a smaller amount.
• 7 eggs per week will provide 140iu vitamin D.
• Since around 1000 IU of vitamin D per day is needed, a supplement will often be required to keep levels topped up.

4. Boron:

Boron has only relatively recently been found to be a necessary nutrient mineral and it plays an important role in preventing bone loss. It is needed for converting vitamin D to its active form and has a vital effect on the metabolism of calcium and magnesium.

Food Sources of Boron are:

• Fruit, leafy vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
• The average diet, however, is unlikely to supply the amount needed for bone strengthening which is 3mg daily.

5. Vitamin K:

Vitamin K has a very important role in bone formation and like boron, is only recently researched in this respect. It is needed to make a protein in the bone called osteocalcin, which hardens calcium and strengthens bone.

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is the most abundant form of vitamin K in western diets, found in foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, cheese, and soya beans.

However,

It is vitamin K2 (menaquinone) which is associated with bone health. K2 is much less common in the Western diet because the principal source is fermented soya beans, which are more widely found in Eastern foods.

For optimal bone health, most people will need to supplement. Vitamin K is very safe but due to its effect on blood clotting, people taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin should not take it except with the advice of a qualified health practitioner.

Conclusion:

Osteoporosis decreases bone density causing the organ to become thin and weak. However, bone fractures can be prevented or reduced by taking some steps. Factors that can cause or exacerbate osteoporosis such as a sedentary lifestyle and smoking can be avoided. Some medications can also prevent the natural process of bone loss.

Osteoporosis is a dangerous medical condition. It can cause serious problems in your life. So take control of what you eat every day and you can look forward to a healthier life.

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Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”

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