| Home > Conditions / Ailments > Osteoporosis> - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Osteoporosis Information
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the bones gradually weaken, resulting in poor posture and brittle bones that are prone to fracture (breaks). Any bone in the body can be affected by osteoporosis, but fractures of the wrist, spine and hip are most common. Spine and hip fractures are of great concern because they often result in serious consequences, including major surgery, deformity, diminished height, permanent disability and death. Osteoporosis affects approximately 15-20 million people in the United States today. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men due to the physiological, nutritional and hormonal differences between males and females. The condition affects 25% of postmenopausal women. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age, as peak bone mass is achieved at or near the age of 35.
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Many people think osteoporosis is caused by an insufficient amounts of calcium in the diet, but this is only half true. Although the amount of calcium consumed is important, the real issues related to osteoporosis are the way calcium is absorbed by the body and the type of calcium consumed. There are three types of osteoporosis, each with its own distinct cause: Type I is caused by hormonal changes, particularly the loss of estrogen that occurs during menopause, which robs the bones of essential minerals. Type II is linked to dietary deficiencies, with a focus on insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Type III occurs as a result of drug treatment for other conditions unrelated to osteoporosis. Although most people believe osteoporosis is a condition women need to address only after menopause, research shows that the disorder can begin in early adulthood and come into full strength in later years. Women with delicate bone structures and those of northern European and Asian decent are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Other factors that can adversely affect bone health include poor diet, insufficient exercise, smoking, late puberty, early menopause, hyperthyroidism, family history of bone disease, chronic liver or kidney disease and long-term use of cortosteroids, antiseizure medications or anticoagulants.
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Osteoporosis usually progresses without symptoms until the vertebrae become so compressed that a severe backache or fracture occurs. A drastic loss of height is another sign of the disease. Osteoporosis is best diagnosed with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiomety (DEXA), a technique that scans the body to measure bone density.
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Eat plenty of foods high in calcium and vitamin D, including broccoli, chestnuts, clams, dark green vegetables, flounder, salmon, sardines, shrimp and soybeans. Eat whole grain and calcium-rich foods at different times of the day to prevent grains from binding to calcium, impeding its absorption in the body. Take calcium supplements at bedtime, when it is best absorbed by the body and can aid sleep. Eat sulfur-rich foods, like garlic and onions, to make bones healthy. Avoid soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, smoking, yeast products, sugar and salt. Limit citrus fruits and tomatoes because they inhibit calcium intake. Get plenty of exercise and include walking in the daily routine to strengthen and maintain bone mass.
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Boron improves calcium absorption.
Calcium is necessary for maintaining strong bones.
Silicon enhances calcium utilization and strengthens bones.
Soy Isoflavones works like estrogen in the body.
Magnesium assists calcium uptake.
Glucosamine and Condroitin are needed for bone development.
Vitamin D assists the absorption of calcium.
Vitamin K is essential for the production of bone protein.
Alfalfa, Barley Grass, Black Cohash, Nettle, Rose Hips and Yucca help build strong bones.
Horsetail and Oat Straw helps the body absorb calcium.
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