Osteoporosis is a disease where bones start degenerating and losing density. Its name comes from Latin for “porous bones.”

The inside of healthy bone looks like a sponge or honeycomb. This area is called trabecular bone. An outer shell of dense bone wraps around the spongy bone. This hard shell is called cortical bone.

When osteoporosis occurs, the ‘holes’ in the ‘sponge’ grow larger and more numerous, causing the bone to lose strength and density. In addition, the outside of the bone grows weaker and thinner.

Although your bones are very strong, they are living tissues that are constantly being broken down and replaced. Up until your early 20s, your body has the ability to make new bone faster than it breaks down old bone tissue. But this process slows down as you age. Old bone tissue can break down faster than it is created, resulting in osteoporosis.

People with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of fractures, or bone breaks, while doing routine activities such as standing or walking. The most commonly affected bones are the hip, spinal vertebrae, and some peripheral joints, such as the wrist. Osteoporosis can occur in people of any age, but it’s more common in older adults, especially women. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, it affects 21.2 percent of women over age 50 and 6.3 percent of men over the same age across the world.

OSTEOPOROSIS SYMPTOMS

As osteoporosis develops slowly, in most cases, people with osteoporosis don’t know they have the condition until they experience a fracture or break after a minor incident, such as a fall. Even a cough or sneeze can cause a break in osteoporotic bones.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LATER STAGE OSTEOPOROSIS

Once bone mass has deteriorated further, you may start to experience more obvious symptoms, such as:

Loss of height – compression fractures in the spine can cause you to become shorter. This is one of the most noticeable symptoms of osteoporosis.

Fracture from a fall – a fracture is one of the most common signs of fragile bones. Fractures can occur with a fall or from minor movement such as stepping off a curb. Some osteoporosis fractures can even be triggered by a strong sneeze or cough.

Back or neck pain – osteoporosis can cause compression fractures of the spine. These fractures can be very painful because the collapsed vertebrae may pinch the nerves that radiate out from the spinal cord. The pain symptoms can range from minor tenderness to debilitating pain.

Stooped posture – the compression of the vertebrae may also cause a slight curving of the upper back. A stooped back is known as kyphosis, which can cause back and neck pain. It can even affect breathing due to the extra pressure on the airway and limited expansion of your lungs.

Common risk factors for osteoporosis include:

  • older age
  • going through menopause before age 45
  • having ovaries removed before age 45
  • having low testosterone in men
  • having low oestrogen in women
  • taking certain medications that decrease hormone levels
  • smoking cigarettes
  • having a family history of osteoporosis
  • drinking alcohol frequently
  • not getting enough regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercise like walking

Certain medical conditions may also increase your risk for osteoporosis.

These include:

  • some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
  • Cushing’s syndrome, an adrenal gland disorder
  • pituitary gland disorders
  • hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism
  • a shortage of oestrogen or testosterone
  • problems with mineral absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease
  • vitamin D deficiency

May affect bone strength, but more research is needed

  • diabetes
  • HIV (AIDS)
  • liver disease
  • cystic fibrosis
  • dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • sickle cell disease
  • some cancers

PREVENTION

From a young age, both men and women, particularly those with known higher risks of osteoporosis and fractures in later life, can use preventive lifestyle measures, nutrition and supplements to reduce the risks.

These include:

  • have a healthy and varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains
  • eat calcium-rich foods
  • absorb enough vitamin D – get some sun – exposure of some skin to the sun needs to occur on most days of the week to allow enough vitamin D production
  • avoid smoking – smokers have lower bone density than non-smokers
  • limit alcohol consumption – excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis
  • limit caffeine – excessive caffeine can affect the amount of calcium that our body absorbs
  • do regular weight-bearing and strength-training activities.

Calcium and vitamin D

Calcium, which is essential for healthy bones, can be stored by the body. So whilst it is not vital to consume the recommended amount every day, it is important to average the daily nutrient intake over time.

The Osteoporosis Society recommends adults over 19 should have a daily calcium intake of 700mg (and women who are breastfeeding need an extra 550mg a day). According to the British Dietetic Association, this should be increased to 1200mg for post-menopausal females and males over 55.

Dietary sources include:

  • dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt
  • green leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli
  • fish with soft bones, such as tinned salmon and tuna
  • fortified breakfast cereals

Vitamin D also plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis as it helps the body absorb calcium. Your body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but it’s difficult to get the recommended 10 micrograms a day from the UK sun between October and March. The NHS recommends everyone over the age of five considers taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D during these months, or all-year-round if your exposure to sunlight is limited.

TREATMENT – HOW CAN BIOMED HELP?

Establishing your individual requirements is an essential part of optimising your health.

This is where BioMed can help. We offer Bioresonance and Quantum Analysis Screening service which analyses all your body’s different systems, creating a report which highlights any deficiencies or imbalances. This is particularly important if you have concerns regarding osteoporosis as any lack of the nutrients vital to healthy bones, as mentioned above, can be identified and addressed.

Following the screening an individualised Health Plan can then be created. This may include recommending vitamins and/or supplements, Bioregulatory remedies and various other treatments.

 

BioMed works with you every step of the way, monitoring your progress to optimise

the benefits of any treatments and lifestyle changes you make.

 

BOOK a consultation NOW with Claudia, your Health Care Professional at BioMed,

to discuss your health matters.

 

 

 

 

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