Osteoporosis Prevention

Osteoporosis is a disease wherein bones become fragile or porous and thus brittle, leading to easy fractures. A bone mineral density test (BMD) is the only way one can diagnose osteoporosis and thus determine any risks for future fracture. The main reason BMD has to be done is because osteoporosis can go undetected for decades before a fracture. It is through this that one determines if treatment is needed to maintain bone mass and prevents further bone loss.

The best defense against osteoporosis is building strong bones, especially before the age of thirty, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, although there are treatments for osteoporosis, there is no actual cure for it. There are five steps for preventing osteoporosis, which have to be adapted jointly to help prevent osteoporosis. First of all, the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D must be consumed for the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly, and for blood to clot. Inadequate calcium highly contributes to the development of osteoporosis. So 1,000 and 1,300 mg of calcium has to be consumed daily, from the foods you eat or through calcium supplements. Vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium and is available through the skin from direct exposure to sunlight and from foods like liver and egg yolks.

Maintain a regular weight-bearing exercise routine, like walking, dancing, jogging and racquet sports, to get good bone health. You are more likely to reach your peak bone density if you exercise regularly in childhood and adolescence. It is also better to avoid smoking and consumption of excessive alcohol to prevent osteoporosis. Although there is no actual cure for osteoporosis, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, estrogens and raloxifene are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis. Of course, the best thing to do to prevent the onset of osteoporosis is to have a bone density test and to take appropriate medication.