Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Symtoms

Brittle bones are considered to be a sign of old age by many people. They are generally caused by a loss of bone mineral density that is most defined in postmenopausal women. However, in addition to old age, there are many other conditions that can cause brittle bones that can easily fracture or break, causing pain and even disability in some people.

For many years, it was taken for granted that older women who were past menopause age would get brittle bones. A person builds up bone mineral density up until the age of 30, at which time their bones are as strong as they are going to be during their lifetime. In order to maintain good bone health, therefore, it is important to get started early in life. While heredity does play a factor in some diseases such as osteoporosis, which causes a loss in bone mineral density, there are other factors that can come into play as well when it comes to the loss of bone mineral density.

These include the following:

Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Diabetes
Auto immune diseases
Radiation and chemotherapy treatments
Obesity

Many of the factors that can contribute to the loss of bone mineral density can be controlled, while others cannot. Heredity plays an important part in osteoporosis and brittle bones but only to a certain degree. By taking care of bone health early in age, a person can build up strong bones so that they have a higher degree of bone mineral density by the time they reach the age of 30, at which time the bones are at their strongest point.

Eating foods that are rich in calcium as well as taking calcium supplements is one way to contribute to good bone health at any age. Even those who have already been diagnosed with bone disease are advised to modify their diet to include more calcium enriched foods. These foods include low fat milk and yogurt, fish and leafy green vegetables. In addition, a supplement of vitamin D is also recommended for those who want to avoid having brittle bones as they age. Vitamin D will help the body absorb calcium into the bloodstream.

Avoiding foods that are high in phosphates such as soft drinks, alcohol, caffeine as well as red meat is another way to lower the incidence of brittle bones. These foods can rob the body of the calcium that is so needed for healthy bones and bone tissue.

In addition, it is important for anyone who is concerned about bone disease, whether they wish to prevent the disease or treat it, to exercise. Bone strengthening exercises that include aerobics, swimming, walking, jogging and even dance are recommended to build stronger bones. Those who have already been diagnosed with bone disease are still advised by doctors to exercise as much as possible in relation to their condition, even if it includes just walking, so that they can maintain a higher degree of bone mineral density.

Bone mineral density is determined by blood tests as well as imaging scans. Those who are concerned about brittle bones and bone disease, regardless of whether they wish to prevent it or treat it, should speak to their physician about the benefits of a healthy diet, calcium supplements and a more active lifestyle.