Osteoporosis is a condition where bones decrease in density and become porous and fragile.
Who is at risk?
Older women are at the greatest risk for developing osteoporosis. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition because they naturally have less bone (10-15% less) in their skeletons than men. People lose bone mass with age as the bones begin to break down to adapt to strain. Your body regularly replaces bone mass, but, as you grow older, the rate of bone loss will gradually exceed the rate of bone replacement. When the bone loss becomes severe, osteoporosis has developed.
Preventing Osteoporosis
Building and maintaining bones requires calcium and vitamin D. Nutritionists recommend consuming these vitamins through food, and taking supplements as needed. In order for the body to properly absorb vitamin D, a person should be partially exposed to sunlight for a few minutes several times a week. Vitamin K is also recommended for the prevention of bone fractures.
Make sure your consumption of caffeine, protein, and sodium is reasonable. Too much consumption of caffeine, protein, and sodium, will result in the loss of calcium.
Regular physical activity helps in building and maintaining bone mass. In order to have a permanent positive effect on bone mass, physical activity or exercise must be regular.
Bone density testing is recommended for women over 65, and women who have experienced bone fractures.