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Natural Health News Articles
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| Posted: 8th August 2004 |
| Osteoporosis |
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Osteoporosis, a chronic disease that results in the deterioration of bone mineral density affecting millions of people worldwide, of which 80% are women and only 20% are menDespite ever increasing numbers this disease is often preventable.
Osteoporosis refers to the porosity of the bones. When oestrogen production decreases at the onset of menopause, not enough calcium is deposited to keep up with accelerated bone loss. oestrogen is important in the manufacture of new bone tissue, and when its production level drops down at the onset of menopause, bones become riddled with holes or "air pockets," like a sponge. They become brittle and easily broken
The leading causes of osteoporosis (in men and women) include:
Heavy use of alcohol
Steroid usage
(men) Hypogonadism (loss of male hormone)
Genetics/family history
Lack of weight-bearing exercises
Smoking
Inadequate calcium intake throughout life
According to national studies, we are not getting enough calcium in our daily diet. While foods such as milk, broccoli, kale, beans and cheese are primary sources of calcium, large quantities of these foods would need to be eaten in order to get the right amount of calcium. A single serving of dairy provides only about 300 mg of calcium and up to 100 IU of vitamin DStudies have shown that you can triple your medication's bone-building benefits if you get the recommended 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily. But, according to a recent survey, only 30 percent of women are taking calcium and vitamin D with their osteoporosis medication.
Because the average woman only gets about half the recommended daily requirement of calcium through her diet, patients who are on therapy for osteoporosis need a calcium and vitamin D supplement. "It's generally acknowledged that we don't get enough calcium through our diet, so it's a good idea for most adults, particularly those patients on osteoporosis therapy or at risk for osteoporosis, to take a calcium supplement.
The oestrogen dip and accelerated calcium loss occurs long before the last period. |
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