Our bones are composed of living tissues. These are constantly growing until such time that it stops and deteriorates in the old age. This is because our bones are also composed of cells that are capable of regenerating and growing. Osteoporosis is a big threat to our health because what makes a person stand up and maintain a perfect form is the bone. Osteoporosis is considered as "The Silent Thief" by many in the medical profession.
Bones become vulnerable with age
Bone density is at its peak before one turns to 20 years old. But as one grows older, some of the bone tissue deteriorates and the bone density mass is severely affected as the bone weight decreases. As years go by, there exists an imbalance between the production and deterioration of bones. Due to everyday body use, our bones become brittle and weak. The body's capacity to produce new bones becomes slow as we age.
The bone is made up of tissues that comprises up to 15% of the bone mass. It is also composed of organic components such as collagen, minerals and water. These vital compositions of the bone deteriorate with age making the bone weaker and more brittle. When there is a significant reduction of the bone density, osteoporosis occurs. A bone that is brittle and weak becomes highly susceptible to injury, fracture and diseases. The major cause why osteoporosis occurs is due to the regression in the quantity of the organic compounds present in the bone that are generally responsible for making the bone tough and stress resistant.
Unhealthy lifestyle and genetics can make the bones fragile
Osteoporosis is triggered by various causes like alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, certain medical conditions or taking drugs that induce the development of the disease by depleting the bone tissues that make up for a healthy bone. In some cases, osteoporosis may be inherited especially when any or both of the parents have a family history of the disease.
Lack of vitamin C and D in the diet
The lack of calcium and vitamin D also makes a person prone in developing a brittle bone. Calcium deficiency results to osteoporosis because it is the mineral that makes the bone tough and strong. Even with sufficient calcium however the body still needs vitamin D in order to help the body absorb calcium better. It is essential to eat foods that are rich sources for vitamin C and D. Taking vitamin supplements can help your body meet its nutritional requirement for these minerals.
Hormonal change can affect bone density
Hormonal cause for osteoporosis is also significant especially among menopausal women. When a woman reaches the menopausal stage, the female hormone called estrogen drops dramatically. This process actually accelerates osteoporosis. In men, a sudden drop in the testosterone level also induces the occurrence of osteoporosis making them prone to osteoporosis as well. Hormonal therapy is often prescribed when the cause for osteoporosis is due to hormone imbalance and insufficiency.
Getting a lot of exercise, eating foods high in calcium and protein and taking vitamin supplements are important in order to prevent osteoporosis. While the condition may be inherited one is without the recourse to avoid the disease but to delay its occurrence through proper exercise, healthy diet and lifestyle.
