Osteoporosis

pihusangma · Dec 4, 2009

Osteoporosis affects millions of women across the globe. In India particularly, the situation is quite grave. A recent study has revealed that 20% of Indian women over 40 years of age suffer from osteoporosis and 65-70% suffers from osteopenia or weak bones. Indians genetically have weak bones and this coupled with improper diet and lack of exercise aggravates the problem.

Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease. Because, for years it may not show any symptom until a sudden strain or bump causes hip fracture or a vertebral collapse. The disease usually aims people over 45 years of age and is more common in post menopausal women.

shakambari · Dec 4, 2009

Thanx for the informative post.

pihusangma · Dec 7, 2009

Changes in the level of estrogen make women more vulnerable to this disease. Our body keeps forming bones till the age of 35. After that till 45 years our bone mass remains steady. Then bone mass starts declining due to menopause. During this period the danger of osteoporosis increases.

Osteoporosis is not always hereditary. Though the quality and amount of bone mass is genetically linked yet environmental factors and lifestyle plays a crucial role.

To save ourselves from this disease, first and foremost we need awareness. A healthy lifestyle from young age can help in battling this disease.

We need calcium and vitamin D for building bones.

piyagupta · Dec 8, 2009

A healthy lifestyle from a young age can go a long way in deterring this disease. Weight bearing exercises, if started from young age can help in building bones. Along with it you need a proper diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium can be obtained from milk and all dairy products.

Have yogurts every day. Dry beans, kidney beans and black beans and broccoli are good sources of calcium. Include tofu and sardines in your diet. Fenugreek leaves and coriander leaves also contain calcium. Have fortified orange juice. You can obtain vitamin D from eggs and liver. Spending 15 minutes every day in the sunshine is good.

pihusangma · Dec 9, 2009

Exercises like brisk walking, jogging are very good. Those who suffer from osteoporosis should not do muscle building exercises. You can start taking calcium supplements also. Our requirement of calcium varies with age and situations. Pregnant and lactating women, postmenopausal women and people over 65 years need more of it. So it is always better to consult a doctor before taking such supplements.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is very popular today for postmenopausal women. But doctors are not sure wholly about it. The treatment has some undesired side effects and hence should be done only under experts.

A holistic approach towards life with proper diet and exercise seems the best solution for osteoporosis.