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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease where bones begin thinning and become increasingly likely to break. Brittle bones may snap and break easily. Osteoporosis is thought to occur more frequently in older women, because menopause decreases the absorption of bone building calcium.
However, in the current era, it is said that young people now run the risk of suffering from osteoporosis as well. Bone density is thought to grow to a peak by the age of 25, but a poor lifestyle and an unhealthy diet is said to slow bone growth down. In both sexes, low testosterone levels are reported to play a role and being underweight, smoking and high amounts of drinking may increase the danger of osteoporosis.

It is believed that stress may have a bad impact on bones. Cortisol, the hormone released when a person is stressed, is thought to suppress bone formation and reduce calcium absorption, women which suffer from depression also tend to have low bone density. The alleged most severe sign of osteoporosis, also known as ‘the shrinking disease,’ is where there is a dramatic loss of height or a curving spine being formed, at this time period it is considered that the bones have been degenerated beyond the stage of repair. Bone is always alive and immediatley renewing itself. Old, worn out bone is said to be broken down by cells called osteoclasts and substituted by bone building cells named osteoblasts.
Osteoporosis is an unpleasent disease; however, there is vast amounts that can be done to maximise the health of bones and the formation of strong bones.

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Ways said to help in preventing osteoporosis
–It has been recommended to stop smoking. Smoking has a toxic effect on the skeleton and may stimulate early menopause and raise the risk of hip fracture later on in life.

- A Healthy Body weight is viewed as vital. Being underweight, especially for females, might raise the risk of anorexia and sticking on a strict diet may decrease both the amount and differentiation of nutrients that the body receives.

-  Being a Low body weight has been advised to result in the loss of periods, and may put younger women at the same risk as those that are at the menopause. When periods cease, production of the hormone oestrogen is reduced rapidly. As oestrogen is vital for calcium absorption, bone density may decrease rapidly.

- Avoiding fizzy drinks is said to be vital. Fizzy drinks might raise the risk of both osteoporosis and bone fractures, as they use up the calcium that should really go to the bones.

- Frequent exercise has been highly advised. Bones are recommended to be placed under constant exercise in order to stretch and contract muscles, which may help causing the bones to strengthen.

– Taking Supplements –It is believed that Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are the most helpful. Magnesium supplements and fish oils have also been advised.

- Nutrition – Calcium is viewed as an essential mineral to have for aiding strong bones. They can be discovered in dairy products, such as milk and cheese.
- Vegetables, such as, broccoli and turnips, are said to be an excellent source of calcium. Fish, including salmon and tuna is also high in calcium. Nuts, grains and seeds, for example both pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are reported to be good. Dried fruits, such as figs, reportedly increase calcium levels. However, excess salt, caffeine and animal protein have been recommended to be avoided, as these might decrease the body’s ability to absorb or retain calcium.


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