Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by the deterioration of bone tissue and the loss of bone density. Normally, bones undergo a constant process of breakdown and rebuilding. However, in individuals with osteoporosis, bone resorption outpaces bone formation, resulting in fragile and brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis:
Age: Osteoporosis is more common in older adults, as bone density tends to decrease with age.
Gender: Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, especially after menopause, when estrogen levels decline.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with menopause or conditions like hyperthyroidism, can contribute to bone loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health, can increase the risk of osteoporosis. More leaning toward the Vitamin D and it support in absorbing calcium into the bones. First thought people have is drink more cow milk when in actual fact milk is acidic and can leak calcium from the bones a great big study was done on this many years ago link at the bottom.
Family History: A family history of osteoporosis may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to bone loss.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as a "silent disease" because it may progress without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. Common fractures associated with osteoporosis include those of the hip, spine, and wrist. However, some individuals may experience back pain, loss of height, or a stooped posture as the condition progresses.
Prevention and support
Nutrition: Ensure an adequate intake of calcium from a balance diet (plant based is best) (no do not drink more milk and do not take a supplement studies below on why) Women in menopause/ post require 1000IU vitamin D + K might need to be supplemented. Another consideration is genes, you may be unable to process synthetic vitamin D you may need it activated. Magnesium is also important in balancing between calcium and magnesium and we are often defiant in magnesium.
Regular Exercise: Engage in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, to promote bone density.
Lifestyle Modifications: Quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and maintain a healthy body weight.
Probiotic specific strain have been researched a double blind placebo controlled study was done on 249 post menopausal women in Sweden using this specific brand of probiotic strains over 12 month showed a 78% reduction in bone loss compared to those on placebo.
Homeopathy - Can help support the prevention of further degeneration common remedy we use are silica, Cal phos, Cal Carb, Cal F.
Calcium help prevent fractures is just not true.
"A meta-analysis with seven cohorts totalling 170,991 women reported that calcium supplementation does not reduce the risk of hip fractures, and on the contrary, an increase in risk is possible."
"12 year long Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that those who consumed the most calcium from dairy foods broke more bones than those who rarely drank milk. This is a broad study based on 77,761 women aged between 34 and 59 years of age."