Osteoporosis, or the silent disease is code for a progressive problem that happens to the bones.
Osteoporosis is what happens when the bones of the body lose their density and mass, represented by the amount of minerals and calcium found in them.
There are no signs of osteoporosis at first, it progress silently until one day it’s discovered by a fall causing an unexpected fracture, most fractures caused by osteoporosis occur either in the vertebrae, hip, wrist or rib.
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| Different bone density between normal bone and osteoporosis |
Etiology of Bone Loss:
Well, the bones of the body are to be considered the same as a living tissue, which is constantly being shed away to be replaced by newer ones, now here comes the problem, whenever the body is not able to compensate the broken bones with enough new ones, or when the body is reabsorbing too much of the bones already present, the density and mass of the bones are altered, and become lower than they should be, making them fragile and brittle which makes it easy for a simple fall to cause a serious fracture.
Osteoporosis is likely to occur if:
1. You don’t have enough calcium or vitamin D.
2. You have enough vitamin D and calcium but your body doesn’t absorb them well.
3. There is a family history of osteoporosis .
4. You are an Asian or a White woman.
5. You have a small thin body texture.
6. Going through menopause causing a drop of estrogen could lead to osteoporosis.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis:
1. A well adjusted diet.
2. You need Exercise such as walking, running, jogging or dancing.
3. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
4. Taking medications, most common of which is bisphosphonate for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
5. To avoid consumption of alcohol.
6. To avoid smoking.
At last, prophylaxis of osteoporosis requires special care and attention to your bones health and your body’s much needed nutrition.