Bone health and osteoporosis are important health issues that can significantly affect quality of life. Bone health can be maintained or improved by adopting a healthy lifestyle and regular health checks. It is of great importance for each individual to take conscious steps to protect their bone health in terms of long-term health outcomes.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become less dense and brittle. Although it is often associated with the aging process, factors such as hormonal changes, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption can also contribute to osteoporosis. In women, bone loss accelerates as estrogen levels drop after menopause.
Osteoporosis can often be asymptomatic in the early stages and is usually noticed when a fracture occurs. Symptoms of osteoporosis include a stooped back, loss of height, and fractures in the arm or hip. Risk factors include age, gender, family history of osteoporosis, low calcium and vitamin D intake, low physical activity levels, and smoking.
What causes osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This condition occurs when minerals and proteins found in bones are lost over time. Osteoporosis is most common in adults aged 50 and over, but it can affect people of all ages. Causes of osteoporosis include:
- Age, gender
- Menopause
- Family History
- Small and thin bone structure
- Some chronic diseases
- Use of certain medications
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking and alcohol use
Many different methods are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, and the most appropriate treatment method varies depending on the patient’s age, general health, stage of osteoporosis, and other factors. The methods used in the treatment of osteoporosis are as follows:
- Your doctor may prescribe medications to stop or slow bone loss.
- It is important to consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Exercises such as walking, running, and cycling help strengthen bones.
- Smoking causes bone loss, so it is important to quit smoking.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones, so it is necessary to quit drinking alcohol.
To maintain bone health, it is important to exercise regularly, have a balanced diet, and get enough vitamin D from sunlight. Exercise helps strengthen bones and increase mineral density, while a balanced diet provides minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are necessary for bone formation. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium into bones.
Treatment for osteoporosis is a long-term treatment program. Your doctor will check you regularly to monitor the progression of osteoporosis and adjust treatment as needed.