Why We Need Calcium - One in Two Women Over The Age Of 60 Suffer From Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis means 'porous bones' and is a disease where due to loss of calcium containing material the bones become thin, weak and fragile, and more prone to fractures.
The bones can become so brittle that even coughing can cause a fracture.
Osteoporosis affects one in two women over the age of 60.
Men also suffer from it, but mainly when they are well into old age.
Most men and women start to lose calcium from their bones when they reach about 40 years of age, but after the menopause women lose calcium more rapidly than men due to the significant drop in the production of the hormone oestrogen.
When oestrogen levels decrease, the bones lose calcium as well as other minerals at a much faster rate.
Bone loss is approximately 1% - 5% per year after menopause.
Younger women can also suffer from a lack of oestrogen production and subsequent calcium loss, often caused by stringent dieting and intense exercising.
Calcium can also be drained from the bodies store during pregnancy and breastfeeding, to build the bones and teeth of a baby.
Smoking and drinking even small amounts of alcohol can cause the body to drain from it's supply of calcium, which doubles the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Calcium builds bones and teeth and is required throughout life as an important part in the maintenance of strong healthy bones.
The body stores 99% of it's calcium in the bones, 1% is absorbed into the bloodstream and other fluids essential for maintaining the healthy function of the heart, muscles blood and nerves.
When the body lacks calcium, it will start to break down bone to meet calcium needs.
This process reduces bone density and increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in later life.
There are no usual tell tale symptoms of bone loss until the disease is well advanced which is the reason Osteoporosis is called the 'silent disease'.
The first known symptom is usually a fractured hip, wrist, spine, rib, pelvis or upper arm from which recovery can be very slow.
Osteoporosis can also cause severe back pain, rounded shoulders and general shrinking in overall height.
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by taking a bone density test.
Talking with your doctor to determine if you are at risk of having osteoporosis is necessary before being referred for a bone density test.
The scan itself only takes a little time and is painless.
The result from this test is called a T-score.
Should a positive diagnosis of osteoporosis be made, your doctor will usually recommend that you start medication to prevent further bone loss and fractures, and will discuss the choice of treatments available to you.
In most cases it will also be suggested that you increase your calcium intake with supplements as well as a balanced diet.
Your doctor may also recommend an exercise program, and increasing your exposure to sunlight to build up vitamin D levels.
Follow-up tests to monitor your bone density and the effectiveness of your treatment are usually made yearly.
Osteoporosis is a disease that requires long term treatment and monitoring.
Today our lifestyle and eating habits, even in well fed countries, has resulted in 50% of the population including children, receiving less than the required amount of daily calcium and Magnesium to keep bones and body healthy.
The body loses calcium every day through urine, sweat, faeces, and the shedding of hair and nails.
The daily renewal process of our bones requires approximately 150 milligrams of calcium, Because the body can't make it's own calcium we need to eat a well balanced diet that includes calcium rich foods.
Magnesium and Vitamin C and D is also important to help the absorption of calcium and other vitamins and minerals.
Excellent sources of calcium include reduced or low fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese, salmon or sardines with the bones still present, and calcium fortified soy beverages and yogurt.
Calcium is also found in almonds, broccoli, tofu set in calcium, soybeans and tahini {sesame seed paste}.
Supplementing the correct amount of calcium can vary for each person and often needs to take into account your particular body metabolism.
Its best to talk to your doctor before taking calcium supplements.
The bones can become so brittle that even coughing can cause a fracture.
Osteoporosis affects one in two women over the age of 60.
Men also suffer from it, but mainly when they are well into old age.
Most men and women start to lose calcium from their bones when they reach about 40 years of age, but after the menopause women lose calcium more rapidly than men due to the significant drop in the production of the hormone oestrogen.
When oestrogen levels decrease, the bones lose calcium as well as other minerals at a much faster rate.
Bone loss is approximately 1% - 5% per year after menopause.
Younger women can also suffer from a lack of oestrogen production and subsequent calcium loss, often caused by stringent dieting and intense exercising.
Calcium can also be drained from the bodies store during pregnancy and breastfeeding, to build the bones and teeth of a baby.
Smoking and drinking even small amounts of alcohol can cause the body to drain from it's supply of calcium, which doubles the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Calcium builds bones and teeth and is required throughout life as an important part in the maintenance of strong healthy bones.
The body stores 99% of it's calcium in the bones, 1% is absorbed into the bloodstream and other fluids essential for maintaining the healthy function of the heart, muscles blood and nerves.
When the body lacks calcium, it will start to break down bone to meet calcium needs.
This process reduces bone density and increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in later life.
There are no usual tell tale symptoms of bone loss until the disease is well advanced which is the reason Osteoporosis is called the 'silent disease'.
The first known symptom is usually a fractured hip, wrist, spine, rib, pelvis or upper arm from which recovery can be very slow.
Osteoporosis can also cause severe back pain, rounded shoulders and general shrinking in overall height.
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by taking a bone density test.
Talking with your doctor to determine if you are at risk of having osteoporosis is necessary before being referred for a bone density test.
The scan itself only takes a little time and is painless.
The result from this test is called a T-score.
Should a positive diagnosis of osteoporosis be made, your doctor will usually recommend that you start medication to prevent further bone loss and fractures, and will discuss the choice of treatments available to you.
In most cases it will also be suggested that you increase your calcium intake with supplements as well as a balanced diet.
Your doctor may also recommend an exercise program, and increasing your exposure to sunlight to build up vitamin D levels.
Follow-up tests to monitor your bone density and the effectiveness of your treatment are usually made yearly.
Osteoporosis is a disease that requires long term treatment and monitoring.
Today our lifestyle and eating habits, even in well fed countries, has resulted in 50% of the population including children, receiving less than the required amount of daily calcium and Magnesium to keep bones and body healthy.
The body loses calcium every day through urine, sweat, faeces, and the shedding of hair and nails.
The daily renewal process of our bones requires approximately 150 milligrams of calcium, Because the body can't make it's own calcium we need to eat a well balanced diet that includes calcium rich foods.
Magnesium and Vitamin C and D is also important to help the absorption of calcium and other vitamins and minerals.
Excellent sources of calcium include reduced or low fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese, salmon or sardines with the bones still present, and calcium fortified soy beverages and yogurt.
Calcium is also found in almonds, broccoli, tofu set in calcium, soybeans and tahini {sesame seed paste}.
Supplementing the correct amount of calcium can vary for each person and often needs to take into account your particular body metabolism.
Its best to talk to your doctor before taking calcium supplements.