How to prevent osteoporosis!
Author Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik | 2019.04.18.
One million Hungarians suffer from osteoporosis - Four times more women affected by the „silent disease” than men With medication or physiotherapy is the most effective way of treating osteoporosis, which often even requires rearranging the home to keep the patient healthy. Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik According to our orthopaedic specialist, almost a million people are affected by the disease, but preventing it is much easier than we think.
The bone tissue in our body increases until we are about 20 years old, after which the bone mass starts to decrease and weaken. This is perfectly normal for everyone, with 3-5% of bone mass loss per year being normal. We should be concerned if the combined function of bone-building cells and bone-breaking cells is disrupted, which can lead to greater bone loss and osteoporosis. Today, unfortunately, little is said about prevention, but it is necessary to emphasise prevention in this topic!
Osteoporosis, or bone loss, indicates a decrease in bone mineral content. It is also known as a silent disease, as it does not initially cause any symptoms, and is usually the first sign of a fracture that occurs with a small bump. The bones most commonly fractured are the vertebrae of the spine, femur, wrist and ankle.
Does osteoporosis only occur in old age?
Almost one million people in Hungary are affected, and the disease develops at a changing age and in old age: women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
Although the majority of cases occur mainly in the elderly, osteoporosis is now affecting more and more young people. The risk of developing osteoporosis is influenced by the quality of bone tissue, childbirth and how long the baby was breastfed. People who are more likely to develop osteoporosis include anorexics; those who have had their ovaries removed; those who lead sedentary lifestyles; and those who smoke and drink alcohol or coffee frequently. Also, eating too much phosphate-rich food (certain meat products, fizzy drinks, cheese) or drinking fizzy drinks or alcohol often because of the aluminium in the drink reduces bone mass. Our specialist says that vegetarians should also make sure that they are getting enough vitamins in their bodies.
The disease can be diagnosed by bone density measurement or X-ray, or possibly blood and urine tests, neither of which are painful. There are also several methods of treatment available, including medication and physiotherapy, depending on the extent of the condition. Researchers have succeeded in developing a new generation of products that can help to reattach the worn bone scaffolds, but this has not deterred anyone from the importance of prevention.
How can you prevent osteoporosis?
- Take an average of 1,000 mg of calcium a day, preferably in the evening, when it is most useful.
- Look out for other vitamins: magnesium, B6, manganese, copper, fluoride and most importantly D3, which helps calcium to be absorbed more easily.
- Get regular exercise, as the stress on your bones helps them to form.
- Avoid smoking and fizzy drinks, and drink as little alcohol and coffee as possible.
- Look out for a diet rich in vitamin D.