Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are not the same thing.
Be sure to get clear on the two.
Osteoarthritis – Degenerative joint disease.
Osteoporosis – Progressive bone disease.
OP is a major public health issue affecting more than 10 million Americans.
Statistics indicate that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are affected by this chronic degenerative condition.
Did You Know?
- Osteoporosis is defined as a condition where bone tissue deteriorates, leading to bone fragility.
- Although swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise, it does not appear to prevent osteoporosis. This is because this particular exercise does not put enough stress on the bones.
- OP results in more than 1.3 million fractures annually in the United States alone.
- The best exercise for OP sufferers is weight lifting.
- In rare cases, it can be caused from a gluten intolerance.
- Calcium is an essential treatment.
- You are at risk of if you do not exercise, you smoke heavily and you are calcium deficient.
- In the past OP was thought of as a women’s disease.
- Fractures usually occur in the hip, spine and wrist.
- Bone is a living tissue which responds to exercise by becoming stronger.
- Herbal remedies and acupuncture are known as the best natural treatments.
Diagnosis
Osteoporosis is derived from the Greek word meaning “porous bones”.
It is the word given to describe the loss of bone mineral density and bone mass.
This process involves the depletion of a variety of proteins from the bone.
More specifically, the lack of the hormone estrogen in women, and androgen in men.
OP occurs when there is an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption.
The body either fails to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed.
Some people do not even know they have osteoporosis until they fracture or break a bone.
Having other conditions may also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures.
Factors which may also dramatically increase the risk of OP include:
- Already diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis
- A parent with osteoporosis ( hereditary )
- Having Parkinson’s or scoliosis
Other contributing factors:
- Sex – women are at greater risk than men
- Age – the older you are, the more susceptible you are to the disease
50% of women compared to 1 in 8 men diagnosed with OP will suffer one or more fractures in their lifetime.
OP tends to worsen over time.
Early detection is critical.
Make sure to take precautions so as to protect yourself from fractures.
If you would like more information on osteoporosis, please read Osteoporosis:Everything You Need To Know.
Everyday Life With Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can affect any bone in the body, most commonly the wrist, spine, and hips.
While there is no cure, you can take control of the condition.
It’s often the simplest things we do that make the biggest difference.
Greens Really Are Good
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D are vital.
Doctors recommend you enjoy a balanced diet, one rich in vitamins and minerals.
If your body lacks calcium, it starts to extract it from the bones.
Make sure to eat things like;
- Low-fat dairy products
- Cauliflower
- Salmon
- Broccoli
- Leafy green vegetables
- Whole grain cereals
- Fortified juices
If you’re under 50 you should be getting 1,000 mg of calcium and 400-800 IU of vitamin D daily.
If you’re over 50, you need 1,200 mg of calcium and 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Weight loss and bone loss can sometimes go hand in hand.
Eat a balanced diet and you are sure to enjoy the way you look and feel.
Remember, everything in moderation.
Exercise is Key
What we do earlier in life helps as we age.
The importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated.
That said, osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people.
Prevention is better than cure, and while there is no cure for osteoporosis, regular exercise and feeding your body well is key to preventing almost every chronic degenerative disease.
Patients who exercise as much as their bodies allow them report the most relief.
Medicines are not meat to live by. ~ German Proverb
Osteoporosis Lifestyle
The right diet and exercise routine are vital for anyone suffering from OP.
Reducing your alcohol intake and quitting cigarettes are also very important.
The safest strategy is eating a diet that’s low in salt, high in fresh, minimally processed whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Make sure to look after your bones.
For more information on treatment and diet options, please read Snack Smart and Beat Osteoporosis.
Prevent Falls
Broken bones are the worst case scenario.
Preventing falls are vital and some rules need to be set in place to ensure no avoidable mishaps.
To prevent falls indoors and out, follow these guidelines.
- Make sure walkways are free of clutter
- Use carpet runners on slippery floors
- Do not walk in socks or stockings
- Use a cane or walker
- Make sure rooms are well lit
Be sure to look where you’re walking, not walk where you’re looking.
If you suffer from osteoporosis, or think you may be at risk, be sure to learn as much as possible about the condition.
It’s never too late to take action against this silent disease.
Life with osteoporosis is possible.
