Factors that increases the risk of osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases nowadays. It is characterized by abnormal decrease of bone density with aging leading to weak and fragile bones susceptible to fracture. Women in menopause are most likely to get osteoporosis due to the lower levels of the female hormone estrogen that plays an important role to maintain bone mass.

Fortunately, preventive treatments help in maintaining an increase in bone density. However, those who suffer from osteoporosis needs an immediate diagnosis for bone mass density and assessing the risk of fracture is essential to prevent more loss of bone mass and to increase bone density.

Smoking
Being female
Skinniness and tiny structure.
Aging
Positive family history
Rheumatism
Low calcium intake
Low physical activity level
Lack of sun exposure
Early menopause (before 45 years old)
Some medications


Osteoporosis symptoms and signs:

Osteoporosis rarely causes any signs or symptoms and unfortunately bone fracture could be the first sign of having osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis symptoms:
Loss of height over time due to stooped posture
Bending shoulders
Back and leg pain

Therefore, it is necessary to conduct the Dexa c level executive list scan which is done to test osteoporosis, especially in menopausal women in menopause and men over 70 years old.


Prevention of osteoporosis

Diet
Eating a variety of food rich in calcium and vitamin D plays a key role in building and keeping bones strong.

a. Calcium
It is recommended that women before reaching menopause and all men to take at least 1000 mg of calcium daily. Women during menopause are recommended to take 1200 mg of calcium daily; due to possible side effects daily calcium intake should not exceed 2000 mg daily.

Calcium resources:
Milk, diary product such as yoghurt and cheese, leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach and beans. Dried fig, whole sesame seed, some varieties of nuts such as almond. In addition to calcium-added food.

There is an approximate assessment for calcium amount consumed daily, by multiplying the number of diary products portion by 300 mg. it is advised that women who could not obtain the sufficient amount of calcium in their diet to take calcium supplements. If calcium supplements exceed 500 mg daily, the intake should be divided in two doses (such as in the morning and evening).

b. Vitamin D
Experts recommend an intake of 800 IU of vitamin D daily for all men over 70 years old and women after menopause, as this dose is considered sufficient to reduce the loss of bone density and the frequent of fractures. Taking into consideration the sufficient calcium dose as mentioned above. However, 400 – 600 IU of vitamin D is sufficient for men younger than 70 years old and women before menopause. Therefore, vitamin D supplements is necessary if the vitamin D in the food intake is less than the required amount.

Vitamin D recourses:
Fish, eggs, food supplements such as cod liver oil, in addition to calcium added food.

Protein
Protein intake is essential for those who suffer from fracture in one of their bones.


Exercise
Exercise can help in improving bone density in women before menopause and protecting bone density after menopause. As well as reducing the risk of hip fracture as muscles become stronger. Experts recommend exercising at least half an hour three times per week.


Quit smoking
Studies concluded that smoking increase loss of bone and density. Therefore, quiting smoking is essential to maintain healthy bones.


Avoid falling down
Falling down increase the risk of bone fracture, therefore precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of falling and having fractures.