Prevention of osteoporosis

General or Other | Rheumatology | Prevention of osteoporosis (Disease)


Description

After the age of about 30, bone thinning is a natural process and cannot be stopped completely. Whether you develop osteoporosis depends not only on the thickness of your bones early in life but also on your health, diet, and physical activity later in life.

The thicker your bones, the less likely the bones are to become thin enough to break. Young women in particular need to be aware of their risk for osteoporosis and take steps early to slow its progress and prevent complications.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A lot of physical activity during the preteen and teen years increases bone mass and greatly reduces the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood.

If you eat a diet adequate in calcium and vitamin D and exercise regularly early in life and then continue with these healthy habits, you may be able to delay or avoid osteoporosis. Not getting enough calcium during a lifetime significantly increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and is associated with low bone mass, rapid bone loss, and broken bones.

A diet high in calcium is important. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream; dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, collard greens, and spinach; sardines and salmon with bones; tofu; almonds; and foods with added calcium, such as orange juice, cereals, soy products, and breads. Calcium supplements and vitamins are also available. ...