BY CLAIR WHITTY
Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones have become weak and brittle causing them to break easily. This can happen if you trip or fall, hit off something, or even from coughing. The most common fractures occur in the hip, spine, or wrist.
It is known as a silent disease as you often don’t know you have it until you break a bone. A Dexa scan will give you an indication of what condition your bones are in. Your doctor should be able to help you organise a scan.
Osteopenia is the name given to the stage before Osteoporosis. Your warning sign as such. If you’re at this stage, you can do something to prevent it developing into full blown Osteoporosis or at least slow the process.
Low levels of calcium in the diet, eating disorders, and digestive problems where you don’t break down or absorb calcium are common risk factors. Hormonal changes during the menopause can impact on bone health too.
Your best defence is a diet rich in nutrients that support bone health. Calcium is the nutrient you hear the most about. However, calcium alone is not the answer as it needs co-factors to help it get into the bones. You’ll need a diet rich in sources of magnesium, vitamin D, Zinc, and minerals like Boron as well as calcium. This can include dairy products, nuts, sesame seeds, tahini, soya, almonds, oily fish, beans and lentils as well as green leafy vegetables.
Foods that have a negative impact on your bones include coffee, fizzy drinks, sugar, and alcohol so avoid these as best you can. Smoking can have a negative effect on your bones too. Weight bearing exercise is great for bone density. There are many exercises you can do without having to go to the gym.
Even if you are on medication for this condition there is no reason why you shouldn’t follow the same nutrition and lifestyle advice to help prevent you getting any worse.
If you are looking for a good supplement my favourite is NHP OsteoSupport. I like it because it’s a well-thought-out formula, containing the main nutrients to help keep your bones healthy and strong. Including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, zinc, and some digestive support to assist digestion and absorption of the nutrients.
Look after your bones today for a healthier you tomorrow.
Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands.
Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre
Phone: 056 7764538
Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie
