It is estimated that one in four women and one in eight men have osteoporosis. This disease does not give any warning signals,signs or symptoms. Only sudden bone fracture will betray the presence of this ailment. Osteoporosis is a disease which causes bone loss in people generally above the age 35 for women and 45 for men. This disease affects more women than men.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition affecting the bone structure of the body wherein the bone loss is faster than the body can replace it, making the bones brittle,porous and weak. This makes the bones break easily even due to a small accident like tripping and falling to the ground and sometimes even break spontaneously.
During our body’s growth process bone tissues are continuously broken down and rebuilt. This process of growth stops at mid thirties for women and forties for men. From this point on, the bone loss is gradual in men and women and aging occurs. For those affected by osteoporosis,the bone loss is heavy and much faster making the bones brittle,porous and weak.
Bone loss occurs due to depletion of calcium in the body. In women,the hormone estrogen helps and improves the capacity of the metabolism to absorb calcium from the diet to build bone tissues. In women,the production of estrogen decreases after menopause and so the capacity to absorb calcium decreases. This results in decreased production of bone tissues,weakening the bones. After the onset of menopause in the first five years,women lose 20% to 30% of bone mass. This first five year period is crucial period since during this period the bone loss occurs due to depletion of calcium in the body. In women,the hormone estrogen helps and improves the capacity of the metabolism to absorb calcium from the diet to build bone tissues. In women,the production of estrogen decreases after menopause and so the capacity to absorb calcium decreases. This results in decreased production of bone tissues,weakening the bones. After the onset of menopause in the first five years,women lose 20% to 30% of bone mass. This first five year period is crucial period since during this period the precondition called osteopenia might develop.
The solutions rely on medications to slow down bone loss to reduce the risk of fractures and improve production of bone tissues. Consumption of calcium supplements does help in restoring bone tissue production. An average adult requires a daily dosage of 1000 mg and those above fifty years of age require a daily dosage of 1500 mg. Take not more than 500-700 mg at a time as it improves the absorption rate. It is advisable to take calcium supplements with vitamin-D as the pair work together to produce better results. The daily requirement of vitamin-D for a normal adult is 500 IU and for those suffering from osteoporosis,it is 700 to 900 IU.
Add canned sardines to your diet as it contains calcium in high quantities. Use mild exercises such as walking and follow your doctor’s advice in this matter. Consume regularly lots of low fat dairy products such as milk as they contain lots and lots of calcium.
Men suffering from osteoporosis may opt for hormone injections after consulting a doctor and must resort to consumption of calcium supplements along with vitamin-D.In men,reduction in production of male hormone testosterone occurs naturally after age 50,resulting in reduced capability to make use of calcium obtained from the food intake,to make bone tissues.
Remember that you are not alone and there are millions suffering from this condition so do not be depressed. Try consuming tea as it is found to improve bone density since tea contains estrogen like substances which will help you in your fight against osteoporosis. Quit smoking,alcohol and drugs. Never physically over strain yourself and take precautions against accidental fall as it may cause bone fracture. Undergo bone density tests and consult your doctor for latest treatments available.
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