Over time bones lose density, they become brittle and breakable. The cause of this can be bad nutrition, deficient nutrients, Peri-menopause, Andropause and ageing in general. Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases. For a long time it was considered predominantly a woman’s disease. But no longer.
Many men also suffer from Osteoporosis. As with women when a mans testosterone levels decrease the chances of Osteoporosis increase. With both men and women, smoking and alcohol abuse are leading external contributors to weak brittle and diseased bone. It is very common to see those going for treatment for alcohol abuse also showing low bone density. The best choice is to quit smoking and quit or dramatically cut down on alcohol consumption.
Falls and breaks are obviously not something people want to go through. First and foremost there is a lot of pain associated with bone breaks. Secondly, in major bone fractures there is extended recovery time. During this recovery time, regular exercise that a person is accustomed to may or may not be allowed. This can lead to emotional depressive issues as well as weight issues. This is especially true of the most significant bone fractures to the hip, spine, pelvis, or leg. There are several things that aid in maintaining bone strength and density.
Proper diet and nutrition is essential. The recommended daily allowance of calcium is 500 milligrams per day in post menopausal women that number jumps to 1200 milligrams. Vitamin D also plays a vital role in maintaining bone density. It aids in the absorption of calcium. Without it the body will not process calcium as it should. As the body ages and sun exposure is less desirable, the skin does not as readily produce the vitamin D that is needed. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is 400-600 IU. It is important to have these blood levels checked by a doctor so that the required dosage is reached and maintained.
Exercise is another component of maintaining bone density. Walking is the number one exercise to help maintain good bone health. Low-impact exercises such as Yoga and Tai Chi, that stretch the muscles as well as strengthen them, resistance training in water, as well as weight lifting are good ways to get the impact stimulus that helps bones stay stronger, longer.
In addition to classic osteoarthritis or Osteoporosis medications, hCG is another treatment that has been found to help. Human chorionic gonadotropin is present in some treatments for thinning bones. This hormone is present during pregnancy, keeps the pregnancy going, as well as aids in fetal development.
People shouldn’t wait to find their bones weak and brittle before addressing the issues of bone density. Healthy diets, adequate vitamin and mineral intake, exercise and cessation of bad habits need to be a priority.
Adrienne McLeod writes for a Miami Health Clinic about health, fitness, nutrition, vitamins and supplements, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Anti-Aging Medicine, Botox and Juvederm.
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