Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones in which bones become weak, fragile and brittle. In other words, the bone density or bone mass reduces significantly and bones become more porous than a healthy bone.    

A bone which is affected by osteoporosis (osteoporotic bone) is more prone to injuries and fractures as it has lost density or mass and thus has abnormal tissue structure. It may become so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture, that commonly occurs in the hip, wrist or spine region.  

Bone is living tissue. In our body bone tissue is renewed continuously which means old and damaged bone tissue is replaced by new bone tissue. This is a normal process that maintains the bone's density, strength, and structure. A healthy bone, when viewed under a microscope, looks like a honeycomb. After osteoporosis, the holes or spaces in the honeycomb becomes large than in a healthy bone.

Bone density is very high during the late 20s. As we age, generally after the age of 35, the bone density starts to decrease. The reason for this is that our body stops producing as much bone mass as it did before, i.e. the rate of formation of new bone tissue is less than the rate of deterioration of old bone tissue.    

Symptoms of Osteoporosis:

o   Low bone density or mass

o   Bones become more porous

o   Fracture occurs very easily such as with a fall or stepping off a curb

o   Back or neck pain due to fractured vertebra as it may pinch the nerves in the spinal cord. 

o   Getting shorter or curved upper back: compression fracture causes compression of the vertebrae that may cause a curve in the upper back.

Reasons for Osteoporosis:

o   A calcium and vitamin D deficient diet

o   Aging: the risk increases after the mid-30s and generally after menopause in women

o   Reduced level of estrogen hormone in women and testosterone hormone in men may reduce the bone’s ability to produce bone mass 

o   Being tall and underweight may increase the risk

o   Inactivity or immobility in lifestyle may increase the risk  

o   Low levels or intake of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium

o   An imbalance in the production of thyroid hormone (overactive or underactive thyroid) may cause osteoporosis    

How to Prevent Osteoporosis:

o   Protein: Protein is an important building block of bone. So, include plenty of protein in your diet. Vegetarians and vegans can include soy, nuts, and legumes in their diet to fulfil their daily requirement of protein.

o   Body Weight: Maintain optimum body weight as being underweight increases the chances of bone loss. 

o   Calcium: Get an adequate amount of calcium from your diet or take a calcium supplement.

o   Vitamin D: This vitamin helps the body to absorb calcium and thus improves bone health.

o   Exercise: A regular exercise helps build strong bones and reduce bone loss.

  

    

                                        

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