LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Usually the bone loses density, which measures the amount of calcium and minerals in the bone. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

What causes Osteoporosis

Your bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made and old bone is broken down. When you're young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass by their early 20s. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it's created.

Here are few  tips on doing a lifestyle check to see if you might reduce your risk by improving your habits.

Bone Health and Your Lifestyle Habits

Your everyday habits -- good and bad -- affect bone health. How do your habits stack up?

·                                 Vitamin D and calcium. Calcium is one of the important minerals needed for bones to form. If you do not get enough calcium and vitamin D , your bones may become brittle and more likely to fracture. 

·                                 Fruits and vegetables. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides you with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K -- all good things for bone health.

·                                 Protein. Very high amounts of non-dairy animal protein can weaken the bones. As it makes body acidic.To neutralize acid,Calcium is removed from bones and it is lost in urine.Sufficient protein is important for bone health. 

·                                 Caffeine. When used in excess, caffeine can threaten bone health.It includes tea ,coffee ,cold drinks.

·                                 Alcohol. Excess alcohol intake can decrease bone formation. If you are tipsy from the alcohol, you're more likely to fall. In older people, falls are linked with broken bones.

·                                 Activity level. Physical activity can help keep bones strong. If you're not an exerciser, ask your doctor for guidance on doing weight-bearing exercises such as fast walking. Ask about lifting weights or other muscle-strengthening exercises. Both types are good for your bones.

·                                 Smoking. Smokers absorb less calcium, which is bad for the bones.  

 

Osteoporosis Tests and Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis, a doctor will usually take a full medical history, order a bone density test, and possibly other tests.