You must be aware of the disease osteoporosis. It is a disease that occurs when the bones lose its density and mass, making them fragile and weak. It is called as a ‘silent disease’ as you cannot feel the symptoms of it unless you have a fracture and get it checked. Practicing healthy habits are very essential to get rid of osteoporosis.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Before we come down with the symptoms of the disease, we must be aware of its causes. You might be thinking, what causes osteoporosis? The answer to this is:
Bone remodelling
If you are suffering from the disease, the holes present in the bones become large making it more fragile. Bone remodelling takes place with the growing age. Till the age of 20, the bone formation is complete; after that, as we grow older it loses its density and mass.
Effect of medical and hormonal injections
Osteoporosis can also occur because of hormonal and medical conditions. If you have taken a certain glucocorticoid steroids, it will make it difficult for your bones to absorb calcium. Moreover, taking thyroid hormone injections will accelerate the bone remodelling process which in turn will give rise to osteoporosis. Apart from the above causes, too much intake of alcohol and smoking can lead to the disease.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
As this disease is called a silent disease, there are yet some clues to indicate that you are suffering from the disease. Following are the signs of occurrence of osteoporosis:
Fracture
The common symptom of osteoporosis is when you get a fracture. This is when your bone is impacted by force or pressure than it cannot withstand. But if you are having osteoporosis, a fracture can even occur by a strong sneeze or a cough.
The fracture can be treated by wearing a cast which prevents the movement of bones during the process of healing. In this case, you must follow the medical tips given by your physician.
Wrist fracture
Another symptom you might be having osteoporosis is wrist fracture. Your wrist will bend causing you pain and you will be unable to have a grip on things. This happens due to the weakening of your bones.
Hip fracture
The other disease that is a symptom of osteoporosis is a hip fracture. This occurs when the upper portion of your thighbone is broken. This is a serious condition as it affects the blood flow and in most cases, a surgery or a replacement is advised.
Loss of height
Osteoporosis attacks your spine. So, if you feel that your height has suddenly decreased, it is a sign you are suffering from the disease. A doctor will suggest some x-rays and scans and will prescribe supplements accordingly.
Preventing Osteoporosis
You are well aware of some of the symptoms of osteoporosis and you might be wondering how you can avoid them? Here are a few remedies that can prevent you to suffer from this disease. The consumption of healthy food habits containing enough amounts of vitamin D and calcium. Daily exercise to your bones will keep them strong and refrain from bad habits like smoking and alcohol.
Protecting yourself from osteoporosis is possible if you follow the given steps:
Consume foods with high amount of Vitamin D and Calcium- A person with osteoporosis needs to consume food that contain rich amount of calcium as well as vitamin D. providing your body with the right amount of calcium will give more strength to the bones and give good health to the bones. Vitamin D will on the other hand help the body to absorb calcium into the bones in a proper manner. Make sure to include dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, okra, turnip, broccoli, cereals, juices and bread to your diet.
Cut short alcohol and smoking- Shift to healthy habits when you want to make your body healthy. Cutting off alcohol and smoking can give you lesser chances of developing osteoporosis.
Give exercise to your bones- Regular exercise is essential for healthy body and bones. Good physical activities can give more strength to the bones. Daily exercise is henceforth an essential factor that will keep your bones healthy and strong.
Giving your body the right kind of healthy ingredients along with the right physical activities can make it healthy and strong. Health of the bones can be maintained by giving it the right food and the right kind of activities.
