What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common bone disorder that is caused by the progressive loss of bone mass and density, making bones more vulnerable to fracture. During the childhood and adolescent years, the body breaks the old bones, and new, stronger bones are rebuilt. At a later age, our body breaks down bones faster than it is rebuilding new ones. This can result in osteoporosis.

Who Are At Risk

Due to their reduced levels of oestrogen, the hormone responsible in helping maintain bone mass, women reaching their menopausal stage become at higher risk for osteoporosis. Not only women can be affected by osteoporosis. Both men and women can be equally affected by secondary osteoporosis. On the other hand, senile osteoporosis (primary type II) can occur in one male for every two females. In general, the only difference is that, bone loss in males happens much later and at a slower pace than in women.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis may seem to be an unavoidable circumstance as our bodies age, but there are preventive measures that can reduce bone loss and the possibilities of fractures.

•    Increase Calcium Intake

Calcium is an important mineral for bone strength. Most of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, which in turn help people

avoid fractures and the weakening of bones. Sufficient calcium in the body also prevents tooth loss in older people.

Dietary sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yoghurt, whole almonds, tofu made with calcium sulphate as coagulant, soy milk, and dark, leafy green vegetables. Adequate consumption of calcium should begin at childhood, in order to have higher bone mass when reaching adulthood. This also helps in avoiding fractures as a person ages.

For premenopausal women and men 1000 mg of calcium a day is recommended, and postmenopausal women should take 1200 mg. The total daily calcium intake includes both dietary intake and calcium supplements.

• Sufficient Intake of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential in order for the body to properly absorb calcium. This is why many calcium supplements have vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D that the body needs mainly depends on age.

The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight, although a number of foods – fish liver oils, fatty fish, whole egg, and cooked beef liver – also contain vitamin D. Vitamin D from dietary sources is usually not enough, so taking vitamin D supplements may be a necessary option to ensure calcium absorption and prevent bone fractures.

• Change in Lifestyle

Too much alcohol can increase the risk of bone fracture because of poor nutrition and increased possibility of falling. Limit your intake to not more than two drinks a day, or avoid alcohol all together.

Smoking has been found to increase the rate of bone loss, and can have a significant impact on the reduction of bone density of women undergoing menopause. Quitting the cigarettes as early as possible can help avoid osteoporosis.

Regular exercise, approximately for at least 30 minutes three times a week, can improve bone strength and density in premenopausal women and maintain bone mass in postmenopausal women. Exercise can also improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falling that can lead to bone fracture.

• Avoid falling

Osteoporotic fractures can occur when a person trips, slips and falls. Being extra careful and taking precautionary measures when moving around an area, as well as clearing up clutters and providing enough lighting may help avoid falls.

• Monitor Your Medication

Some medications such as heparin, glucocorticoid and antiepileptic drugs may increase bone loss overtime. If you are taking any of these medications, check with your physician if it is possible to decrease or discontinue your intake.

Medication for Osteoporosis

For some cases, drug therapy and medication for osteoporosis maybe necessary. This is especially true for postmenopausal women who have had fractures, and other individuals who are at higher risk for osteoporosis. These medications include bisphosphonates, risedronate, ibandronate, alendronate, zoledronic acid, calcitonin, and oestrogen-progestin therapy. Before taking any medication, consult your physician.