30/05/2023
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density and quality are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased.
The most common osteoporosis warning signs, include:
1. Fragility-related fractures: These occur when even mild impact causes a fracture of the wrist, back, hip or other bones.
2. Height loss: More than two inches in height can be lost over time.
3. Receding gums: Teeth are connected to the jawbone, and if the jaw is losing bone, gums can recede.
4. A curved, stooped shape to the spine: When osteoporosis weakens the vertebrae, they gradually become wedge-shaped, creating a pronounced curve in the upper back. This is sometimes called a widow’s hump.
5. Lower back pain: Osteoporosis doesn't cause back pain, but it weakens the spine so it can no longer handle normal stress.
Who Should Worry About Getting Osteoporosis?
Premenopausal women whose estrogen levels have begun to drop sharply are at an increased risk for osteoporosis
Other contributing factors for the disease are a family history of osteoporosis, eating disorders, advanced age, long-term use of steroids and excessive smoking and alcohol use
Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable if it's caught in time. You can also make lifestyle changes to prevent or reduce your risk, such as:
- Getting more calcium: The recommended amount of daily calcium intake is 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg daily via diet and/or supplements. Good sources of calcium include: low-fat milk, green vegetables, salmon, cereals, orange juice, ...
- Ensuring you get enough vitamin D: This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium. People can get some of their vitamin D from sunlight. Dietary sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, trout and salmon. Many types of milk and cereal have been fortified with vitamin D.
- Exercising: Exercise can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss. Exercise will benefit your bones no matter when you start. Take 15 or 30 minutes out of your day to do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises like walking, jogging, yoga, jumping rope, water aerobics, climbing stairs,...
- Eating well: Make sure your diet includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, salmon, egg yolks, almonds, lean proteins, beans, avocados and olive oil.