Dr. Suwarna Vyas warns you against Osteoporosis and the measures to keep it under control.
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass with micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to enhanced bone fragility. This increases the susceptibility to fracture. A low bone mineral density (BMD) predisposes osteoporotic fractures. With increasing longevity of the Indian population, it’s now realized that, like in the West, osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Indians lag when it comes to bone health which is why osteoporosis is slowly taking a toll in India. Peak bone mass achieved during puberty is a strong predictor of development of osteoporosis in later years. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency are major contributors of BMD during puberty and adolscence. The skeleton takes up calcium avidly and builds up its reserves. This uptake of calcium into the bone depends mainly on calcium and vitamin D nutrition, as well as exercise. Generally peak bone mass is achieved by the age of thirty. From the mid-thirties there is a gradual progressive bone loss which continues throughout the lifetime and is accelerated during menopause in women.
We take a look at the factors that cause Osteoporosis.
Modifiable factors
Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
Over weight
Sedentary life style
Smoking
Excessive alcohol and caffeine intake
Non-modifiable factors
-Female sex
-old age
-small thin built
-Family history of fractures
-Menopause
Medical conditions like Hypogonadism, Thyrotoxicosis, Cushing Syndrome, Anorexia Nervosa, Malabsorption Syndromes, Chronic liver and Renal disease; drugs like glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants and chronic inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis may lead to secondary osteoporosis.
Preventive measures
-Encourage children to drink milk for adequate calcium intake
-Go outdoors in the Sun and allow sunlight in your house for the synthesis of vitamin D
-Exercise for strong bones. These three are the crucial elements in determining peak bone mass.
-Be regular with exercise for 30 minutes a day or 3 days a week as it helps increase the bone mass.
-Dietary intake should include milk, milk products (like paneer,yoghurt, curd ,buttermilk, cheese) almond, walnuts, fish and orange. They are good sources of calcium.
-Consumption of tobacco and alcohol is strongly discouraged.
-Medical advice is suggested incase of suffering from any illness regarding bone health
