Osteoporosis
is a condition wherein the bones lose tissue, leaving them fragile and
brittle. It is said that over 28 million Americans are at risk of
developing osteoporosis, and majority of them are women. In fact,
experts say that about 80% of the 10 million Americans already afflicted
by the bone condition are women.
The bones actually
consist of living tissues that get broken down and rebuilt over and over
again. When the creation of new bone tissues cannot keep up with the
destruction of old ones, osteoporosis develops. Although the condition
is commonly associated with old age and it’s true that you’re more and
more at risk as you grow old, it may strike young people too.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
is commonly due to deficiency in calcium or vitamin D. Deficiency in
vitamin K, manganese, magnesium, zinc, boron and copper seems to be
contributing factors too because these vitamins and minerals appear to
play roles in proper bone formation. Osteoporosis may also be brought
about by hormonal changes in the body. It’s for this reason why the
condition is very common among women after menopause wherein their
bodies start to produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Dealing with Osteoporosis Naturally
Whether
you are already diagnosed with osteoporosis or you are at risk of
suffering from the condition, it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle
and stick to a strict diet. There are also numerous natural remedies
for osteoporosis.
Exercise regularly. Walking,
jogging, step aerobics and dancing are some exercises that can help
tremendously. All of them allow your body to work against gravity and
carry your weight, something which forces the bone to form new tissues.
Avoid smoking. There are chemicals in cigarettes that are said to cause
women to reach menopausal stage earlier. Health authorities say that
smoking may also cause the body to lose more bone tissue than usual.
Limit alcohol intake. Experts say that having moderate amounts of
alcohol (2 servings a day for men and 1 serving a day for women) is
actually good for you. However, too much can wreak havoc to the health
in a number of ways, and it includes weakening of the bones.
Reduce caffeine consumption. According to a study, caffeine in a cup of
coffee makes calcium in a tablespoon of milk useless. While this
finding does not really indicate that you should quit drinking your
favorite java in order to prevent osteoporosis, it’s a good idea to
limit your intake of coffee to 3 to 4 cups daily. Take note that tea and
soda also adds to your overall caffeine intake.
Get enough sunlight. Staying in the sun for 15 to
20 minutes is said to be enough to keep vitamin D in the body at optimal
range. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium to be absorbed by the body.
Supply your body with vitamin K. This nutrient is necessary for the
retention of calcium in the bone for strength and prevention of bone
tissue. Foods rich in vitamin K are green vegetables, most especially
Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, broccoli and spinach. Add
healthy fat to your diet because it is necessary for vitamin K
absorption.
Get sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty
acids. According to the experts, adding enough omega-3 fatty acids to
your daily diet is important for keeping the bones strong. Some
excellent sources of bone-friendly omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseeds,
walnuts, soybeans, salmon, sardines, tuna and shrimp.
Have a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter. Magnesium is important
in rebuilding and preserving bone tissues, and this mineral can be found
in abundance in peanut butter. Consume 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
to get as much as 50 mg of magnesium.
Eat bananas.
It’s no secret that bananas are packed with potassium that is good for
the heart. The mineral bananas have plenty of is also vital for
strengthening the bones, most especially those found in the spine and
hips.
Add plain yogurt to your everyday diet.
Yogurt is rich in calcium which makes your bones strong. Many people who
are lactose intolerant may still consume yogurt to benefit from its
calcium content because lactose found in it are said to be already
broken down.
Take coconut oil. Women can benefit
from the regular consumption of coconut oil because it is known to
prevent loss of bone tissue brought about by hormonal changes during
menopause.
Drink orange juice. Studies have shown
that vitamin C which orange juice has plenty of is necessary for keeping
the bones in tip-top shape. It’s a good idea to opt for orange juice
that is also fortified with calcium to really help keep osteoporosis at
bay.
source : http://www.healthdigezt.com
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