Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when the body loses bone mass leading to weaker bones with an increased risk of fracture. The bones can become so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses can cause fracture. Hip, wrist and spine are most commonly affected. It often goes undiagnosed as the process is slow with no visible symptoms.

Risk factors

• Gender:Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Age:Older individuals have a greater risk of osteoporosis.
• Family history:If you have a parent or sibling with osteoporosis then the risk of you having osteoporosis is greater.
• Dietary Factors:Low calcium intake, being underweight and low vitamin D intake can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Drugs and Medications:Long term use of corticosteroid medications or medications for seizures, cancer, transplant rejection and gastric reflux is also associated with high prevalanec of osteoporosis.
• Medical Conditions:People with cancer, lupus, kidney or liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, multiple myeloma have a higher risk of osteoporosis.
• Lifestyle:A sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Prevention

• Diet:A healthy balanced diet with calcium and vitamin D intake is necessary to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Exercise:A combination of strength training exercises along with weight-bearing and balance exercises can be helpful in strengthening bones if done regularly.