Some Common Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that is characterized by a loss of density and certain minerals that make bones brittle and easily broken. Bones are constantly being grown and replaced and if there are no new bones being made to replace older ones, osteoporosis can set in and be quite painful. This disease can occur in both men and women. However, osteoporosis more commonly occurs in women, especially after menopause. Though the only proper diagnosis and treatment of this disease should come from a medical professional, here are some common causes of osteoporosis.

Lack of Calcium

This is one of the biggest and most common causes of the loss of bone density that leads to osteoporosis. Because it is necessary to keep bones healthy and strong, it is of the utmost importance to maintain a diet that is rich in calcium. Some calcium rich foods are milk, cheese, tofu, peas, salmon, almonds, and baked beans. These foods may not always contain calcium, so always make sure to double check the nutrition label.

Loss of Estrogen in Women and Testosterone in Men

Men require testosterone and both men and women require estrogen in order to maintain strong bone density and prevent osteoporosis. A lack of these hormones creates a deficiency that can have several causes, including age and level of physical fitness. As a person's age increases, or in the case of women, if they stop menstruating, it is important to regularly have their hormone levels checked by a doctor. If an irregularity occurs, it can be corrected with synthetic hormones.

Lack of Exercise

For people who can't or are unable to exercise or lead an active lifestyle, osteoporosis is a distinct possibility. This is because bone loss occurs in those who are the least active, whether by choice, paralysis, or atrophy. Physical therapy is a great way to keep paralyzed or atrophied bones, muscles, and joints healthy and a person's doctor can prescribe the program that is just right for them. For those people who have chosen to lead decidedly non-active lifestyles, it is important that they (and everyone else) still manage to exercise. Though everyone should check with their doctors before adopting a new exercise program, some suggestions are jogging, brisk walking, and weightlifting.

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are two lifestyle choices that can interrupt new bone growth, cause mineral loss, and lead to osteoporosis. In addition, drinking alcohol to the extent that it causes drunkenness increases the risk that a person will fall and injure themselves by breaking an already weak bone. By quitting these habits or decreasing the frequency to which you partake in them, an individual has taken two great steps in preventing not only bone loss and osteoporosis, but also a host of other health problems.

That Which You Can't Control

Unfortunately, there are some things that make a person prone to osteoporosis that can't be controlled. Just as women get the disease more often than men, persons of Asian ancestry and Caucasians are more likely than other races to develop the disease. In addition, if there is a family history of osteoporosis, a person is also more than likely to develop it later in life. Because these things cannot be controlled, these and the previous reasons are why it is of the utmost importance for everyone to know the causes and symptoms of this disease. Luckily, osteoporosis is one of the few diseases that can be easily prevented and treated if a person has educated him or herself.

Rebecca Buffum Taylor, "Living With Osteoporosis", Web MD.
Kamiah A. Walker, "Causes of Osteoporosis", Spine Universe