Vitamin D & Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis, which means porous bone, occurs when the bones lose calcium and become weak and brittle. It can strike at any age, although it is most common in those over age 50 and generally affects more women than men. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, because it has no symptoms. Often, you will not even realize you have osteoporosis until you experience an osteoporosis related fracture. Such fractures are common in the hips, spine and wrists. If you have osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about ways to improve your bone health.

Function

Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, and your body cannot absorb calcium without it. The most common source of vitamin D is sunlight. You can maintain adequate levels of vitamin D by spending just five to 15 minutes in the sun each week. People who are housebound or live in areas without abundant sunshine may need to take a vitamin D supplement. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to measure your level of vitamin D and recommend a daily supplement, if required. Food sources of vitamin D are limited, but include oily fish, such as tuna and sardines, and egg yolks. Milk is often fortified with vitamin D.

Prevention

Eat foods rich in calcium to maintain good bone health. Include foods such as broccoli, spinach, kale, soy products like tofu, and dairy products in your diet. Your doctor can also recommend a calcium and vitamin D supplement if he determines it is necessary. In addition, get regular exercise. Incorporates weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and jogging, with strength training exercises using weights. This combination of regular exercise will slow down bone loss and aid in building strong bones.

Considerations

Smoking can cause bone loss, so if you smoke you should quit. If you are unable to quit on your own, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation options. It's also best to avoid alcohol. The use of alcohol inhibits the ability of your body to absorb calcium.

Warnings

Talk to your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program. If you have not exercised recently, your doctor may want to make suggestions and monitor your exercise activity. In addition, consult your doctor prior to beginning any over-the-counter calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Tips

Seek out support if you are having difficulty adjusting to a diagnosis of osteoporosis. In some cases, attending a support group where you can speak to others with osteoporosis may be helpful. Ask your doctor what options are available in your area.