1. Osteoporosis - "The Silent Disease"
Ever heard of the “silent disease”? Osteoporosis is a condition affecting approximately 10 million people in the US aged 50 years and older that gradually weakens your bones, making you more susceptible to fractures that can be life-altering. While this condition is common, many people are unaware they have it until it’s too late, most often after they experience a fracture from a minor fall, which is why it is called the “silent disease.”
Imagine your bones as the foundation of a house. A strong foundation is essential to support the entire structure. But what if tiny, unseen termites were slowly eating away at that foundation? That’s what osteoporosis is like. Just as termites can weaken a house’s foundation over time, osteoporosis gradually erodes bone tissue, making it more brittle and prone to fractures that can happen to any bone, but most often occur in the hip, vertebrae of the spine, and wrist. These fractures can cause pain, disability, and even lead to a loss of independence.
By understanding the risk factors and taking preventative measures, you can protect your bones from this silent disease and maintain a strong, healthy foundation for your body, before it is too late.
2. Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
There are several factors to be aware of that can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, including:
Age and Gender: As we get older, our bones naturally become thinner and weaker. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, particularly after menopause, but this does not mean that men are not at risk!
Diet and Lifestyle Factors: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D can contribute to weak bones. Additionally, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity can increase the risk of osteoporosis and many other conditions.
Family History and Certain Medical Conditions: Having a family history of osteoporosis and/or fracture, as well as certain medical conditions like thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect your bone health and increase your risk of osteoporosis.
Fall Risk: Factors that put you at a high risk for falls, like vision or balance problems, muscle weakness, cluttered or uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, and medication side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness, can increase your risk of experiencing fractures.
Medications: Some medications are associated with bone loss and/or an increased risk of falls and fractures due to side effects, such as:
Glucocorticoids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, cortisone acetate)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole)
Opioids (morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine)
Medications affecting the central nervous system (antidepressants, sleep aids, antipsychotics)
Anti-Seizure drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
Blood Pressure medications (clonidine, lisinopril, losartan, furosemide, spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide)
Prostate drugs (tamsulosin, terazosin)
3. Recognizing the Signs
Although osteoporosis often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs, some symptoms can present that may be associated, such as:
Back pain can be caused by a collapsed vertebra, a common complication of osteoporosis
Loss of height due to vertebral compression over time
Postural changes, like a stooped posture or a hunched back
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.
4. Prevention:
Take action against osteoporosis with these simple steps to improve your bone health and help prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression, including:
Diet: Fill your plate with foods rich in calcium and vitamin D like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals that can help strengthen your bones. Additionally, consuming adequate protein is essential for muscle health, which bones need for support.
Lifestyle: Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is essential for not only your bone health, but many other diseases and functions of your body.
Exercise: Incorporate regular weight bearing exercises like walking, running, and dancing that can improve bone density, as well as exercises to improve balance, such as yoga and tai chi, that can help decrease your risk for falls that may result in fracture. Exercises that maintain muscle tone and mass will help give your bones the support they need to prevent falls and, therefore, fractures.
Supplements: In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend supplements, such as BoneShield®,which contains a synergistic blend of various vitamins and minerals that work together to promote bone strength and density, including:
Calcium: Essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium also plays an important role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve functions.
Vitamin D3: Also known as cholecalciferol, vitamin D3 is crucial for calcium absorption and helps regulate calcium levels in the blood to ensure there is enough calcium available to build strong bones.
Phosphorous: The second most common mineral in the body after calcium, phosphorous plays a major role in various bodily functions, including formation of bones and teeth, energy production, cell growth, and kidney function.
Magnesium: Another essential mineral for bone health, magnesium works in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D to support bone density.
Zinc: Involved in various metabolic processes, including bone formation, zinc helps to regulate production of hormones that affect bone growth and development.
Copper: A cofactor for several enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, copper is a key component and aids in formation of collagen for bone and connective tissue.
Boron: A trace mineral that works together with Vitamin D3, boron has been shown to enhance calcium absorption and retention in the body.
When is the best time to start supplementation?
The sooner you start supplementation, the better. Bone mass typically peaks in your late 20s and 30s, then gradually declines. Starting supplementation earlier can help maintain bone density and reduce risk of osteoporosis in the future. When deciding on when to start supplementation, consider the risk factors such as age, sex, family history, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Our risk increases as we get older, so if you are over the age of 50, it is especially important to start supplementation.
Women and those with a family history of osteoporosis are at a higher risk, so it is generally recommended to start supplementation sooner.
Certain medications can contribute to bone loss and risk of falls and fractures. Ask your pharmacist if you could benefit from supplementation.
Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D also put you at a higher risk, so if you have any of these risk factors, it is important to start supplementation.
5. Bone Density Scan:
A bone density scan, also known as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, is a painless test that measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones and is often used to diagnose osteoporosis. Results are most often expressed as a T-score, which compares your bone density to the bone density of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex.
T-score > -1.0 is normal bone density
T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone mass, suggesting you may be at risk for osteoporosis
T-score < -2.5 indicates osteoporosis
Who should have a bone density scan?
Women age 65 years and older
Men age 70 years and older
Anyone who has broken a bone after age 50 years
Women age 50-64 years with risk factors
Men age 50-69 years with risk factors
Remember, early detection and intervention are key to managing osteoporosis. Now that you understand the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies of osteoporosis, you can take proactive steps to protect your bones, reduce your risk of fractures, and improve your quality of life. By prioritizing nutrition, staying active, knowing the risks, and getting screened, we can prevent osteoporosis and live a healthier, more active lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Don’t let time run out. Together, we can break the silence around osteoporosis and take control of our bone health!
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