Preventing Osteoporosis

As you age, your bones will erode a bit. That's normal. Everyone's bones lose density after age 40. To some extent, it's considered a natural part of aging, and occurs when bone density is lost, making bones more brittle and easily fractured.

Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. Osteoporosis is much more common in women than men. 25% of all postmenopausal women have the disorder. They have lighter bones than men and they lose bone rapidly after menopause, because their bodies are producing less estrogen. But men aren't immune, especially if they drink heavily, smoke or have taken steroid drugs.

Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can become thin and porous, which makes them vulnerable to fractures. The common areas of bone loss are in the spine, hips, and ribs. The risk of osteoporosis increases with age. By age 70, it's estimated that the density of the skeleton has decreased by approximately one third.

Certain factors increase the risk for developing osteoporosis. Some of these are consuming alcohol and caffeine, smoking, never having been pregnant, a fragile frame and fair skin, being underweight, sedentary lifestyle, low intake of calcium, a high-protein diet, too much iron, and the presence of digestive disorders. In addition, early menopause and a family history of disease raise the risk of osteoporosis.

Certain drugs can result in a calcium loss from the body. A few of these are diuretics, blood thinners, some anticonvulsants, and especially some thyroid medications.

Other possible causes of osteoporosis are removal of the ovaries, Cushing's syndrome, lack of mobility, or the prolonging use of steroids.

Osteoporosis can begin at menopause and go without any significant symptoms for a long period of time. Often the first symptom of the disease is discovered when a minor fall causes a fracture. Typical areas for these fractures are above the wrist and top of the femur. Fractures of one or several vertebrae can also occur in result in a progressive loss of height in a curvature of the spine.

In these cases, compression of the spinal cord may cause chronic pain. Osteoporosis can also cause a backache if it is occurring in the vertebrae.

Your bones don't have to crack under the strain of this disease. You can slow; stop or even reverse bone loss. To prevent or slow down the osteoporosis, take these steps now.

Be sure your diet includes a minimum of 1000 mg a day of calcium. The all natural supplement Caltrasil ® (Liquid Calcium) contains four of the most highly absorbable, amino acid forms of calcium. It is scientifically formulated to be pH balanced for the best absorption and assimilation possible. Caltrasil ® is combined with scientifically correct ratios of minerals, vitamins and amino acids to enhance absorption.

Eat high calcium foods including low-fat dairy products and soft-bone fish like salmon and sardines. Also eat beans and bean sprouts, soybean crud, broccoli, kale, and sunflower seeds contain small amounts of calcium, too. Avoid supplements derived from dolomite or bone meal, however, and don't exceed 1500 mg of calcium per day.

Cut back on sodium and salt. Begin a program of regular, weight bearing exercise like walking, jogging, biking, or low impact or non-impact aerobics. Ask your doctor about estrogen replacement therapy, which can prevent osteoporosis and other side effects of menopause.