Let's Talk About Osteoporosis!!!

Osteoporosis affects millions of individuals worldwide, leaving many in crippling conditions. Since this bone disorder can be devastating, it is important to be aware of preventative strategies that can be incorporated in an individual’s everyday routine to minimize the risks that are associated with osteoporosis and fractures. Bone health should be important to all and the time to start taking preventative measures is now.

Osteoporosis is a common chronic bone disorder that is complex and multifactorial in its origins. It has its biggest impact on postmenopausal women preferably the elderly. It is characterized by damaged bone microarchitecture decreasing the overall strength to the bone. Due to the compromised bone strength of the individual, risk of falls are increased the older a person gets, with fractures resulting from falls being one of the most common complications that limits an individuals independence. Men and premenopausal women can also develop osteoporosis depending on certain disease process that may be present, lifestyle behaviors and medications.

Risk factors associated with osteoporosis are either modifiable or non-modifiable. Women are exposed to these risk factors for the most part without being aware of it. Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis are family history, smoking, poor diet, eating disorders, amenorrhea, a sedentary lifestyle, age, having a thin or small frame, sex hormone deficiency, excess alcohol consumption and surgically induced menopause. Interestingly race is also a risk factor with whites and Asians at higher risk, even though both women and men can suffer from osteoporosis no matter their ethnicity or race.

Osteoporosis leaves an individual susceptible to falls and fractures of the hips, spine and wrist, which poses a major health problem for the elderly. Risk factors for fractures in an individual with osteoporosis are poor coordination as a result to bone turnover, abnormal gait due to bone architecture and previous fractures and falls which sometimes is related to a person who has dementia with low body mass index. This has a great impact on the mortality and the morbidity of an individual especially if there is the presence of another disease process.

There are preventative measures that can be taken with the intentions of reducing the risk factors associated osteoporosis and fractures. A lifestyle change should be highly encouraged and preventative strategies that includes improving nutrition making sure to be getting adequate micronutrients that’s necessary for bone health, partaking in physical activity and avoiding alcohol and cigarette smoking. Consuming carrot juice, sea greens like kelp, kombu and wakame is packed with nutrients and provides bone building vitamins like vitamin D and K and minerals like boron, magnesium and calcium. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C stimulate collagen production that is necessary for bone flexibility and strength. For bone health the ideal source would be plant based.

Ipriflavone that goes by the chemical name 7-isopropoxy isoflavone is a compound that occurs naturally in plants and food with alfalfa being its richest source. It has been studied and is known for its bone health properties that stimulates bone formation, minimizing bone loss while at the same time increasing bone mass, this is a key component in preventing osteoporosis. Iprifavone is also used to complement prescription hormone therapy. Silica therapy is a therapy that has been used also; it helps because of its properties in strengthening the whole connective tissue system.

Being aware of preventions and the risk factors that are associated with osteoporosis is the first place to start. Bone health just like any other disorder needs consistency in maintaining its function. Starting this maintenance at a young age by way of lifestyle adjustments is ideal and should be taught to all especially the female population.

Reference:

Burke-Doe, A., Hudson, A., Werth, H., & Riordan, D. G. (2008). Knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors and prevalence of risk factors for osteoporosis, falls and fracture in functionally independent older adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 31(1), 11-7. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp-02.lirn.net/docview/213606209?accountid=10722

Christodoulou, C., & Cooper, C. (2003). What is osteoporosis? Postgraduate Medical Journal, 79(929), 133. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezp-02.lirn.net/10.1136/pmj.79.929.133

Gazella, K. A. (1999, Apr). Treat and prevent osteoporosis naturally. Total Health,21, 37-38. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp-02.lirn.net/docview/210238644?accountid=107221

Liddane, L. (2001, May 02). How you can recognize, prevent osteoporosis health knowing how the disease develops enables you to take preventive measures. series: Osteo.0502. Orange County Register Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp-02.lirn.net/docview/273446155?accountid=107221

Page, L. (2002, May). Can you prevent, even turn around, osteoporosis? Total Health, 24, 34-36. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp-02.lirn.net/docview/210157403?accountid=107221