The statistics of osteoporosis prevalence in the United States is around 52 million people in 2010 and may go as high as 63 million by 2020. It is a bone disease characterized by the thinning of the bones or the loss of bone density. The many risk factors explain why we speak millions when talking about osteoporosis.
Sure enough, the cliché “Prevention is better than cure” applies in the case of osteoporosis. Yet, there is no identified cure for osteoporosis, though you can treat the ailment with bone drugs like Fosamax. Then again, repercussion may come in the form of adverse reactions, and in this case, Fosamax may cause a femur fracture to its long-term patronizers.
In order for us to think of ways to dodge osteoporosis it is highly substantial that we get an insight on the risk factors of osteoporosis. There are factors that are non-modifiable while others can still be changed. Factors which you can no longer change are the following:
Gender. Women are two times more expected to endure this disease than men.
Age. The elderly tend to lose bone mass much faster than the young ones.
Ethnicity. Women of the White and Asian race have greater risk which contrary to the Black and Hispanic women whose risks are lower.
Family history. A family history of osteoporosis would hint your tendency of incurring the disease as well.
The modifiable factors of osteoporosis are:
Sex hormones. Women who are estrogen-deficient – like in the menopausal stage, as well as men with low testosterone levels, are likely to endure the bouts of osteoporosis.
Anorexia nervosa. An eating disorder characterized by the denial to maintain a healthy body with an apparent fear of gaining weight.
Calcium and Vitamin D intake. A diet with low intake of these nutrients can make you prone to bone loss.
Medication use. Long-standing use of steroidal medicine or anti-seizure drugs could succumb oneself to loss of bone mass.
Lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle or lengthened bed immobility makes bones weaker.
Cigarette smoking. Cigarettes can weaken the bones.
Alcohol intake. If intake of alcohol is already excessive it may elevate the risks of bone loss and fracture.
Recognizing the risk factors of osteoporosis will broaden our perceptions on how likely we are to experience this disease. The same treatment drug Fosamax may also serve as prophylactic measures for the said bone-crippling illness. Even though this would suggest that you may have to put up with the side effects of Fosamax.
Mail this postThe bones in the human body are living parts that are constantly being replaced through a turnover process. There are multiple cells in bones that make this happen. Osteoclasts are cells that eat away at living bone to create small channels which then allow bone forming cells, called osteoblasts, to lay down new bone. This is called remodeling.
This bone turnover process is regulated by hormones. As one ages, hormone levels begin to decline, especially beyond the age of 40. This may result in decreased bone turnover, or a change in the ratio of bone formation to resorption. When less bone is being formed than resorbed, then bone density will decrease accordingly. Up to a certain point, this does not increase one’s risk of fracture. Eventually one ends up with osteopenia, which is a decrease in bone density (demineralization) over 1.5 standard deviations from that seen in the baseline “young normals.” Once the individual reaches 2.5 standard deviations below the “young normal” the term is then osteoporosis (severe demineralization). These numbers are attained with a bone density scan.
What are the factors involved in altering bone regeneration? One’s diet is essential. Taking in too much soda and intake of excessive processed foods can leach calcium from bones. Another important factor is decreasing hormone levels. As this is happening, the ratio of bone production to resorption may be affected adversely with resulting demineralization.
One interesting factor that may harm bone quality is excessive exercise. A normal amount of weight bearing exercise is very beneficial to bone health providing for increased bone density and prevention of osteoporosis. When a person exercises too much it can lead to a triad of problems including disordered eating, amenorrhea (loss of a girl’s period), and osteoporosis.
Women start losing bone density during their twenties, and altered hormone levels are the main reason. Bioidentical hormones are the best bone management program for maintaining bone density. Bioidentical hormone replacement treatment (BHRT) provides natural hormones identical to what the body produces. The typical hormones distributed by pharmaceutical companies are composed of synthetic hormones. There are considerable potential side effects with these hormones made in a lab.
The hormones evaluated and treated with bioidentical hormones arizona by Arizona naturopathic doctors include thyroid hormones, testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone. Restoring those hormones back to prime levels can reduced patient fracture risk along with increasing concentration, energy, creativity, vitality, while reducing wrinkles and blood pressure and may help with Phoenix weight loss. The combination of benefits is substantial.
Mail this postWhat Causes Osteoporosis?
Most people consider their bones to be strong and able to support a significant amount of weight or stress. However, bones can weaken for a variety of reasons. When they do, their ability to withstand even minor weight or stress is affected. The results of this weakening can include continuous pain, frequent fractures, and even a loss of height. This condition is known as osteoporosis.
We will explore the factors that lead to weakened bone structure and how our bones develop. We’ll also describe a few known risk factors as well as preventative measures you can take today in order to prevent the condition. Knowing the health facts about diseases are part of the first steps in seeking medical attention
The Nature Of Bones
At the heart of osteoporosis is bone density – or, more specifically, a lack of it. Normally, the density of your bones is influenced by the amount of calcium and other minerals within them. If there is a healthy supply of these minerals, your bones will have enough density to support your frame. If there is a deficiency of these minerals, they will weaken.
Our bones are constantly changing through a process called “remodeling.We grow new bones to replace the one bones. When we’re young, the new bone that is created has a higher density than the bone it replaces. As a result, our skeletal structure becomes stronger with age. However, when we reach our 30’s, the new bone that is created lacks the density of our younger years. Soon, the density levels drop below the level it replaces.
We develope bone mass and bone density up to the age of 30. The chances of attracting the disease osteoporosis is linked to our levle of bone density. The higher the density, the lower the likelihood. Of course, there are other factors that can place you at risk.
Factors That Place You At Risk
Age is obviously a factor since bone remodeling after our 30’s continues to weaken our skeletal structure. Gender and ethnicity are also factors; women are more susceptible than men and Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians are more susceptible than Caucasians. There is also a connection between osteoporosis and genetics, certain types of medications, and an inactive lifestyle. Plus, doctors suspect that long-term smoking can further weaken the bones.
How To Prevent The Condition – Know the Medical Facts
Calcium and vitamin D are critical. Young people should have a rich source of both in order to build bone mass early. However, even patients who already suffer from osteoporosis can benefit. By adding Vitams D and Calicum to your diet, you can slow the effects of done density loss. You should also exercise regularly, including both cardiovascular and weight-training activity in your workout routine. Besides avoiding tobacco, limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Researchers believe that excessive amounts can prevent your bones from properly absorbing calcium.
Once it develops, osteoporosis progressively grows worse. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to slow its effects. Have your doctor test you in order to check whether the condition is present. The earlier a loss of bone density is diagnosed, the sooner you can begin taking measures to compensate.
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