Osteoporosis a Silent Disease, Know its Causes and Treatment

Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because many people only discover they have it when they suffer a broken hip or a small accident, how to close a stuck window or open a bottle, and this results in a broken wrist.

The factors leading to osteoporosis and measures that can be taken to minimize the effects of the disease make proper diet and choose certain lifestyles.

Osteoporosis Causes:
The causes of osteoporosis are unknown. However, the chances of acquiring it increase dramatically with aging, especially in women. A prevailing theory is that osteoporosis results from the loss of estrogen, a female hormone that affects the calcium content of bones. Menopause can lead to osteoporosis, as estrogen production decreases considerably at that time.

For unknown reasons, osteoporosis occurs more in white and Asian women than black women. Furthermore, the thin, especially those of very light skin, are at greater risk than fat women with dark skin.

The disease can also be caused by other factors: the surgical removal of both ovaries and the onset of chronic arthritis or inflammation of the joints can lead to osteoporosis, sedentary people, whether by choice or because of disease, are more susceptible to disturbance.

A diet low in nutrients, especially calcium promotes the development of bones, may also contribute to osteoporosis. People who use drugs with steroids for a prolonged period to treat other diseases are in an area of significantly greater risk. Other risk factors include smoking, early menopause and osteoporosis cases in the family.

Osteoporosis Symptoms:
Depending on the strength of bones, osteoporosis can have no symptoms and no pains in its early stages. If there is pain, is more common to occur in the lower spine. The disease poses no threat to life, but it causes fractures, which, in the elderly, can result in serious complications. In principle, the shooting pains in the spine can be caused by fractures in the bones of the spine (vertebra).


Prevention and Osteoporosis Treatment:
The doctors encourage patients with osteoporosis to follow an exercise program that will assist in strengthening the muscles that support the bones weak. However, to protect the bones of the spine, you should avoid carrying heavy objects. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to use a vest to help support the body weight while sitting and rising.

People prone to fractures must exercise and follow a balanced diet to prevent and control disease. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D stimulate bone formation. When the diet does not rely on these nutrients, your doctor may prescribe supplements of vitamins and minerals.

Osteoporosis has no cure, so the best line of defense is prevention. If you wait too long to worry about the disease, may be too late to reverse the damage. There are some steps that can be followed to prevent future bone loss.

* Follow a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D;
* Getting regular exercise;
* Have a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking or abusing alcohol;
* Perform a bone densitometry and take appropriate medications as needed.
* Milk is good for health, especially in the fight against osteoporosis

Of course the best way to prevent bone loss is to know what causes it exactly.

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