According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, more than 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk of developing it. Thankfully, medications, lifestyle choices and alternative treatments are available to help prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Definition
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose mass and become prone to breakage. This can occur because the bone in a person's body loses cells too quickly or because the growth of new bone cells occurs too slowly. Weakened bones can then incur fractures and individuals with osteoporosis frequently experience breaks in the bones of the hip, wrist and spine.
Prevention
Adequate calcium intake is vital to bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Adults need 1,000 to 1,300 mg of calcium daily to build and maintain bone density. In addition to calcium, adults need 400 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily to promote proper absorption of calcium, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Weight-bearing exercise is another method of preventing osteoporosis, since it increases bone density. Prevention methods should begin in childhood and parents should encourage their children to eat calcium-rich foods, exercise daily and take vitamins containing calcium and vitamin D if necessary.
Medication
Bisphosphonates prevent the further breakdown of bone and work to rebuild bone density, especially in the hip and spine. Calcitonin slows the resorption of bone, slowing loss. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) mimic the activity of estrogen in the body, which helps protect bone. SERMS are only for use by women and are especially beneficial for post-menopausal women. Teriparatide actually causes the body to build new bone, effectively reversing the effects of osteoporosis instead of merely slowing bone loss.
Alternative Treatments
Hormone therapy in post-menopausal women can help reduce the effects of bone loss for those who cannot take any of the more effective medications available. Physical therapy can be used to build bone density through exercise. Red clover and soy are used as alternative medicines for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Soy is currently under investigation as to its effect on bone in post-menopausal women.
Avoiding Complications
The biggest danger from osteoporosis comes in the form of falls, since falling can cause bone fractures in fragile bones. Keeping the home free of clutter, wearing shoes with nonslip soles and walking using a cane are all ways to avoid a fall that could lead to bone breakage.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Osteoporosis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoporosis Overview
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: What is Osteoporosis?
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Soy
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Red Clover
