How to Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones and occurs due to a calcium deficiency in the diet. It progresses gradually over a period of time. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weak and increases their chances to crack. It is a disease in which the disintegrating spinal bones and a curved back may decrease your height to a certain extent.

Some of the aspects that can increase the risk for Osteoporosis are:

-Females are at more risk than men in this case.
-If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, you are at risk.
-Lack of exercise.
-A diet that has miniscule amounts of calcium can cause Osteoporosis.
-An underweight person is prone to Osteoporosis.
-Hereditary factors. If somebody in your family has had Osteoporosis, it is a chance you may get it too.
-Smoking and alcoholic people are at risk.

Good news is that Osteoporosis can be nipped in the bud....simply with a well balanced, calcium rich diet! Certain factors like the gender cannot be changed, but the rest of them can be surely controlled. You must have the required determination to exercise and stop smoking, and there you are!

Steps to avert Osteoporosis: The basic guard against building up of osteoporosis is developing strong bones till the age of 35. It helps a lot to make your bones strong if you are hale and hearty. Just follow the simple steps given below to keep osteoporosis at bay:

1.Eat healthy. A well balanced diet which fulfills the daily needs of calcium is highly recommended. Some very good sources of calcium are fish and their bones, green leafy vegetables, eggs, milk and other dairy products like yoghurt. We should ensure that our diet contains any one or all of the above regularly. These sources are natural and get absorbed by our body faster. The amount of calcium in your diet should be in the required amount.

2.Keep your weight in control. It feels nice to be a size zero, but it could prove fatal for you in future. Always remember to eat right and get some exercise everyday. It may be a brisk walk in the park or some other weight bearing exercise to keep you fit. You must watch your weight, and try to maintain it at the normal required level. You should take care that the diet you consume compliments your lifestyle. For instance, a woman with a sedentary lifestyle does not need a high calorie intake and vice versa.

3.Stay away from smoking and drinking. Smoking has its own set of health hazards like causing throat and mouth cancer. Besides this, it can be a hindrance to calcium absorption too. Alcohol intake should be restricted for the same reason. Especially pregnant women must strictly not smoke or drink for the simple reason that it can have life threatening effects on the unborn baby.

4.Consult your doctor or an orthopedic surgeon. Be open about your family history of Osteoporosis with your doctor. You should not hide anything from him. Let him know in depth about your menstrual cycle if it is irregular or you have reached menopause. The doctor may ask you to go in for a Bone density measurement examination that is safe and pain free. This test plays a great role in determining your chances of contracting osteoporosis. Now just abide by these steps and you are on your way to fight osteoporosis!