Do's and Don'ts for Osteoporosis Prevention
Osteoporosis Prevention
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones in such a way that it can completely change the lives of those that have it. Postmenopausal women are the most likely to get this disease, but it can really affect anyone. The major cause of osteoporosis is age. The older you get, the higher the chances become of getting this illness. There are many steps that can be taken to prevent osteoporosis though, and it is important that everybody be familiar with them. This is an illness that you do not want to be taking a chance with. It is known to severely lower the quality of life for those that are affected and forces them to plan every aspect of their lives with great care. Surely you do not want to risk getting a disease when there are some simple things you can do to avoid it. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts about preventing osteoporosis.
DO: Eat a balanced diet. Everybody should be eating a healthy diet anyway, so this will be helping with more than osteoporosis prevention. What are especially important are calcium and vitamin D. For calcium, try to include milk, cheese, yogurt, and any other dairy products in your diet. Even some fish are rich in calcium, with salmon and sardines both being popular choices. Vegetables you can eat are any leafy vegetables like lettuce, collard greens, and spinach. For vitamin D, egg yolks are always a good choice. Eating eggs sprinkled with a bit of cheese and a glass of orange juice on the side is a great way to start your day. Another easy way to procure some vitamin D for yourself is to simply get some sunlight. The sun will provide you many nutrients, and all you have to do is walk outside to get them.
DO NOT: Smoke or drink to excess. Smoking should be avoided altogether, but alcohol can actually be good in small doses. Many people know that a glass or two of red wine is good for the heart, but recent studies have also shown that a couple beers or glasses of wine can also help strengthen bones, which in turn decreases the chances of getting osteoporosis. Drinking more than the recommended amount will have an array of negative effects like cirrhosis of the liver, and that can also cause your bones to lose mineral density. When the density of the bones is decreased, the risk for osteoporosis increases, as well as the chances of fracturing or breaking bones. Smoking tobacco is simply one of the most unhealthy practices that you can take part of.
DO: Exercise regularly, both aerobically and with weights, to strengthen your bones. This is very important in the fight against osteoporosis and will help you in all other aspects of your health as well.
There are many other things that you should be doing to prevent osteoporosis. Speak with a physician to find out what methods are right for you.