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When we were growing up, we witnessed older folk like our parents and relatives, their friends and neighbors succumbing to all sorts of aches, pains, ailments and diseases. At the time, we seemed to think that these afflictions were only meant for "old people." Osteoporosis is one of these conditions. It involves a gradual loss of the minerals in bones.

Is it any wonder then that those folks you probably saw afflicted with this debilitating disease, walked bent and with difficulty. This is because the loss of bone mass causes some bones to become compressed. This usually leads to loss of height. As the disease develops there is severe pain especially in the lower back. The patient develops an increasingly stooped posture known as "dowager's hump." Patients are more likely to fall and break or fracture their hips spine, wrist or hips which are the bones most commonly affected. These are the symptoms of osteoporosis.However, the symptoms only appear when the disease is far advanced.

While osteoporosis is a normal condition of aging, and women (whom it affects more than men) start talking to their doctor around the age of 40, it is not surprising that some women become afflicted around the age of 20 also. It is understandable that with age, the body loses its ability to replenish lost minerals like phosphorus and calcium. When women reach the age of menopause, they experience a drop in hormone levels which accelerates the loss of calcium from bones. In younger patients, insufficient calcium in the diet prevents the body from maintaining bone density and quality. This is particularly evident during adolescence, when there is rapid bone growth.

Alcohol is another factor which causes bone loss. So too is smoking, being underweight or having hormonal imbalances. The good news is that osteoporosis can be prevented. By diet, of primary importance would be replacing that very calcium, the loss of which causes the problem. Emphasis should be laid on a proper intake of calcium which is found in all dairy products, with milk as the leading one; Calcium is also in sardines, shellfish, beans and nuts. As menopause approaches, women should start adding more calcium to their diet. After menopause, they should take calcium supplements and hormone replacement therapy. Orange juice, broccoli and leafy vegetables also should rank high on one's diet.

Ensuring an intake of at least 10 minutes of sunlight a day without sunscreen is also a preventive measure, as sunlight supplies Vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended. Regular exercise is quite beneficial in keeping bones strong. Resistance exercise like walking is recommended for both men and women, as this type of exercise slows bone mineral loss. Those who drink alcohol and coffee should reduce the intake of both. These who smoke, should stop smoking.

In addition, there some medications which force calcium into the bones to strengthen them. Some of these are alendronate, calcitiol, disodium and etidronate. These are medications which doctors may prescribe. These can be taken daily for several years. It is important to control the condition if it is diagnosed. If it is allowed to progress, it becomes irreparable.

Learn more about this author, Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne.
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