In our twenties, our bone formation is rapid, but as we age, the proportion begins to reverse. After the age of 35, bone breakdown occurs faster than bone accretion, resulting in a gradual loss of bone mass.
But we definitely want to age gracefully and not have to stoop or lose height as we age. Curvature and loss of height are all signs of rapid bone loss.
According to the site timesnownews Women over 50 and men over 70 have a higher risk of infection osteoporosis of younger women and men.
For women, low estrogen around the time of menopause is a major cause of bone loss, and for men, low testosterone as they age can lead to bone loss..
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones, putting them at greater risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. The disease often progresses without any symptoms or pain, and it usually goes undetected until weak bones cause painful fractures. Most of these fractures are fractures of the hip, wrist and spine.
Spine and hip fractures can be dangerous because they often cause chronic pain and disability.
According to a Cleveland Clinic report, it’s never too early to prevent bone loss with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and physical activity..
How to avoid bone loss:
Eat well and properly:
Eating the right diet can help fortify your bones with calcium and vitamin D, which work together to strengthen and protect your bones..
Do weight training exercises:
Heel hitting activities such as walking, jogging, etc. will stimulate the formation of new bone, when one puts their foot on the ground, it sends a mechanical stimulation through the skeleton, which leads to the formation of new bone material.
Avoid smoking:
The nicotine and carcinogens in tobacco are also harmful to the bones. Smoking harms the blood circulation and thus hinders the bone’s absorption of calcium..
Undergoing bone density (DXA) tests:
This is important, especially following menopause for women and for men starting at age 65. “If you have clinical risk factors for bone loss or fracture, you may need to DXA early
Take medication if needed:
Let your doctor decide if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, and which medications can slow bone loss. There are two types of medications that stop bone loss: an antiperspirant, which prevents the body from reabsorbing bone tissue; An anabolic steroid that builds bones in people with osteoporosis .
Manage other health conditions well:
Take care of other health issues like thyroid disorders, parathyroid disorders, early menopause or any other health condition that affects your bone density.
Get enough sun exposure:
Walking in the early morning, tilting the rays, or doing some gardening activities in the evening hours. The sun’s rays benefit bone health because it makes vitamin D, which ensures better absorption of calcium, but it does not get burns or create triggers for skin cancer.