Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Things that increase osteoporosis risks are numerous and sometimes cannot completely be avoided. However, there are many natural ways to modify lifestyle in an attempt to avoid a extensive loss of bone as we age.

In a recent August 2011 issue of Life Extension, some of the things that increase osteoporosis were listed along with an explanation as to how they contribute to bone loss. I found a few of these things striking, and had no idea that they actually were large contributors to bone loss and should be avoided to maintain good bone density as well as good general health.

It was helpful to learn that compromised bone health contributes to a host of other diseases related to aging, like heart disease and diabetes as it states in this article that includes excerpts from a book called "Your Bones" which sheds insight on some of the danger posed to healthy bones by some health conditions as well as prescription drugs.

Eating Disorders

Inducing vomiting, the avoidance of food, using laxatives, suppressing appetite with over the counter medication, and use of diuretics is a certain way to create bone loss for yourself by way of no less than malnourishment and self induced starvation. This also contributes to amenorrhea which will further compromise bone density because the energy used to create estrogen by the body will no longer be present. Estrogen is a key regulator for osteoclasts (substances that remove bone) because estrogen will prevent the osteoclasts from forming canals through bone.

Diabetes Medication

In the Life Extension article, medications used for diabetes are mentioned as contributors to hip fracture risks. Medications like Avandia and Actos are some of the medicines that were referred to as thiazolidinediones. These are components of the medication that produce better insulin sensitivity within cells. The problem related to bone density occurs when these medications, through their inherent chemistry create more adipose tissue than bone tissue....something they are known for.

The Liver Connection

A healthy liver plays an important role in your overall bone health. This is because of the conversion of Vitamin D that takes place within it. Once the liver has effectively converted vitamin D into it's most absorbable and active form, it can then be absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestines. Those with liver disease and other compromised liver conditions will not be able to execute this process well and therefore will have less strong bone building tools within the body.

Source: Life Extension Magazine August 2011 issue