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Osteoporosis
Stand tall against osteoporosis. No matter what your age, it’s never too late to stop bone loss now for better posture and fewer fractures down the road. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Pump it up
Make weight-bearing exercise a regular habit to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis
- Cut the caffeine
Avoid excessive calcium loss in the urine by switching to healthier beverages
- Aim for lifelong calcium and vitamin D nutrition
An extra 800 mg of calcium and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D a day can help protect the bones, from childhood through adulthood
- Get your soy
Make tofu, soy milk, soy protein, and other sources of beneficial isoflavones a regular part of your diet
- Watch the salt
Avoid excessive salt intake and high-salt processed and restaurant foods that may contribute to calcium and bone loss
Also indexed as:
- osteoporosis
About this treatment
About This Condition
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the normal amount of bone mass has decreased.
People with osteoporosis have brittle bones, which increases the risk of bone fracture, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal Asian and Caucasian women. Premenopausal women are partially protected against bone loss by the hormone called estrogen. Black women often have slightly greater bone mass than do other women, which helps protect against bone fractures. In men, testosterone partially protects against bone loss even after middle age. Beyond issues of race, age, and gender, incidence varies widely from society to society, suggesting that osteoporosis is largely preventable.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that may not be noticed until a broken bone occurs. Signs may include diminished height, rounded shoulders, dowager’s hump, and evidence of bone loss from diagnostic tests. Symptoms may include neck or back pain.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
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