Causes of Osteoporosis - How to Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone with decreased density of bone resulting in porous and fragile bones. Due to the lower bone density it leads to weak bone and frequent fractures of bones with minor injury to the bone. Osteoporosis occurs as bone density falls below 2.5 standard of young adults. Bone is made up of collagen fibers and salts. The crystaline salts of bone are composed mainly of calcium and phosphate. Women aging over 50 are mostly affected by osteoporosis due to low estrogen level. The bones that are mostly affected by osteoporosis are hips, ribs, wrists, shoulders and spine fractures. Although, it can affect any one. Osteoporosis can affect young people and men too. Statistics show that osteoporosis affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over 50 years of age.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

• Back pain
• A stooped posture
• Loss of height
• Bone fracture

Osteoporosis may be present without symptoms until fractures occur. Fractures cause pain. Sometimes people feel pain with osteoporosis in knees, wrists and hips. Some people do not feel any pain.

• Women after menopause
• Caucasian or Asian race
• Not exercising
• Diet with low calcium and Vitamin D
• Poor nutrition
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking or alcohol intake
• Liver and kidney disease
• Steroids
• Malabsorption
• Low estrogen levels
• Family history

Women are more likely to have osteoporosis as most women have less bone mineral density than men. Women experience rapid bone loss after menopause due to decrease in estrogen production.

Diet is important for healthy bone development. Calcium is a major nutrient in bone formation and thus it is necessary to eat calcium rich food like milk, yogurt and cheese, green vegetables like broccoli, spinach.

Taking vitamin D is necessary as it helps calcium absorption for the intestine. Foods that have vitamin D are salmon, eggs, tuna, vegetable oil and cod liver oil. Proper sun exposure is essential for vitamin D formation in body.

Alcohol and caffeine should be discontinued.

Regular exercise is also a good way to maintain strong bones. Exercise strengthens the muscles which help to maintain bone structure stronger.

Smoking is a contributing factor in osteoporosis. Smoking causes bone mass loss. So by stoping somking, osteoporosis can be prevented.

Drugs that doctors’ use for osteoporosis are:

• Alendronate (Fosamax)
• Risedronate (Actonel)
• Ibandronate (Boniva)
• Zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa)

Herbal remedies for osteoporosis.

Consuming Soy products can improve bone density. Soy has isoflavones which helps balance estrogen level.

Dandelion Tea drinking helps to build bone mass.

Black Cohosh, study indicates this herb may help prevent osteoporosis. It is recommend an intake of either 20 or 40 mg of black cohosh extract twice daily.

Dong quai has been useful to keep hormone levels in balance. The dose that can be taken is 250 mg of extract of dong quai daily as a tonic herb.

Almond Milk is a very good home remedy for osteoporosis is calcium- rich almond milk. It can be made using almond.

Prevention is better than cure and this applies to osteoporosis too.

Disclaimer

The information in this hub does not replace the medical treatment. Consult your physician before using this.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical help. Please consult your physician before using home remedies.