Diet and Exercise: The Keys for Fighting Osteoporosis

Posted on February 4th, 2010

Osteoporosis is an ailment that strikes many older women. The disease is characterized by a loss of bone density and strength. There are a number of causes including dietary deficiency, age, lack of exercise and the prolonged use of corticosteroids. Physicians, dieticians, physical therapists, osteoporosis sufferers are experimenting with a number of ways to treat this disease.

Normal bones are made up of a series of thin intersecting plates called cancellous bone. Cancellous bone is overlaid by a covering of more dense matter known as cortical bone. Osteoporosis occurs when the cancellous bone loses calcium. It may become thinner and in some cases it disappears altogether. Sometimes the cortical bone becomes thinner as well. These processes leave the bones less dense and very brittle. Osteoporosis usually takes many years to develop and can result in extremely weak and fragile bones throughout the skeleton.

Many factors play a role in the development of osteoporosis. Hormonal diseases or imbalance, local injury, inflammation, malnutrition, or lack of exercise all play a role. The prolonged use of corticosteroids like prednisone and cortisone, genetics, and environment are also involved in the development of osteoporosis. It is also quite natural for bones to lose density as a person ages.

Post menopausal women most commonly fall victim to osteoporosis. They develop fractures to the wrist, spine or hips from minor bumps or falls. Lack of estrogen appears to be a major factor. The common treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is estrogen replacement therapy. Some doctors and dieticians recommend calcium supplements or foods high in calcium be used in conjunction estrogen drugs.

Overall, several factors seem to be implicated in the development of osteoporosis. Insufficient calcium in the diet is one factor. Calcium is the most abundant metal in the body. It is important not only for bone strength but also for strong teeth, blood clotting and muscle contraction. Calcium supplements, fortified dairy products, and green leafy vegetables are often proscribed for people in danger of developing osteoporosis and for those who already have it.

Vigorous regular exercise is another treatment doctors proscribe for the prevention of osteoporosis. Ingesting large amounts of vitamin D is also recommended. Limiting or eliminating the use of alcohol and tobacco products can help. The absolute cause and cure for osteoporosis remains a mystery, but using the common sense approaches mention above can go a long way to protecting your lovely boney.

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