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What is OSTEOPOROSIS ?

bone disorder

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Osteoporosis literally leads to abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because osteoporosis doesn't cause symptoms until bone fractures. Therefore, patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture. The symptom associated with osteoporotic fractures usually is pain; the location of the pain depends on the location of the fracture.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Diet Bone continually renews itself by remodeling (building up and breaking down). For this to occur, bone needs certain nutrients:
  • Calcium - Calcium has been shown to be effective in helping to build bone mass. For optimum nutrition, the range of calcium intake is between 1000 to 1500 mg per day depending on your age, dietary intake, and other health conditions. Calcium is found in yogurt, green vegetables such as kale, soy products and tofu, seafood such as salmon and oysters, and sesame seeds.
  • Vitamin D - Vitamin D has also been shown to be effective in building bone mass. It is synthesized in our bodies from sun exposure and is also found in foods such as egg yolks, liver, salt-water fish, and fortified beverages. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. Daily intake should be approximately 400 to 800 IU per day depending on the season.
  • Vitamin K - The research on vitamin K to reduce bone loss has been very promising. Until recently, vitamin K has been best known as a treatment for aiding blood coagulation. However, researchers have also found that vitamin K is important for the maintenance of healthy bones3,6. Vitamin K is found in green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, lettuce, and spinach. Vitamin K supplements are available in the United States, but are currently unavailable in Canada unless by prescription for treatment of blood coagulation. Because of vitamin K's role in blood coagulation, individuals on blood thinners should check with their doctor before attempting to increase their vitamin K intake.
Exercise Weight-bearing exercise is vital for bone health. Running, jogging, walking1, dancing, and weight training are all exercises that put more weight on bones than activities such as swimming. The added weight on the legs encourages bone formation, creating a stronger frame that has less chance of being fractured. Exercise also decreases the risk of falls by improving balance. You should begin with a simple exercise protocol from a qualified health care professional.
Quit smoking Smoking is bad for the bones as well as for the heart and lungs. In women, nicotine inhibits the bone protective effect of estrogen.
Limit alcohol intake Regular consumption of 2-3 ounces of alcohol a day may be damaging to bones, even in young women and men. Heavy drinkers are more likely to have bone loss and fractures. This is related poor nutrition.

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, currently bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate and risedronate), calcitonin, estrogens, parathyroid hormone and raloxifene are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis.

Know about Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD Test)

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