Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).
Signs and Symptoms
People with osteoporosis often would not know they are living with the condition until the following incidents manifest;
a) Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
b) Loss of weight over time
c) A stooped posture
d) Shortness of breath (smaller lung capacity due to compressed discs)
e) A bone that breaks much more easily than expected
What Are The Risk Factors Of Osteoporosis?
Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop osteoporosis may not have any specific risk factors. Factors that may increase your risks of osteoporosis include; age, body size, race, family history, hormonal changes, diet, medication, and lifestyle. By understanding these factors, however, you may be able to prevent the disease and resulting fractures.
How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
Bone density measurement by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the hip and spine is one way to diagnose osteoporosis and predict fracture risk.
What Are Some Essentials In Managing Osteoporosis?
The goals for treating/ managing osteoporosis are to slow or stop bone loss and to prevent fractures. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following:
a) Proper nutrition: An important part of treating osteoporosis is eating a healthy, balanced diet including lots of fruits and vegetables, fish, algae, and other edible seaweeds. These food sources are rich in essential minerals and vitamins which minimize bone loss and maintain overall health.
b) Lifestyle: In addition to a healthy diet, people at risk of osteoporosis should make key lifestyle changes to promote overall health balance. Smoking, alcoholism, and drug indulgence are all activities that one should desist from or keep at a minimum.
c) Exercise: Exercise, to include daily walking, is an important part of an osteoporosis management/treatment program. These exercise programs help to build mass and strength and improve coordination and balance, as well as improve daily function and delay loss of independence in older people.
Self-Care Tips:
Vitamins D3/K2 appear to be protective of the bones with regards to osteoporosis. Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the food you eat. Studies also show that Vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 together can build stronger bones in women after menopause. K2 works in conjunction with vitamin D3 by directing absorbed calcium towards the bones as opposed to depositing calcium into the soft tissues. Poor vitamin K intake is linked to low bone mass, osteoporosis and fracture risk. Women who consumed less than 109 mcg of Vitamin K per day were at risk for breaking a hip.
In addition to D3/K2 studies show that increasing magnesium intakes from food and supplements might increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal and elderly women. Study found that elemental magnesium in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis suppressed bone turnover compared with placebo, suggesting that bone loss decreased. Magnesium contributes to bone density and bone crystal formation and also helps regulate Vitamin D levels. All three of these supplements (magnesium, D3/K2) play a critical role in calcium absorption and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved