Osteoporosis

 Osteoporosis

                       "Porous Bone" is the definition of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease in which bone resorption outnumbers bone production, causing bones to weaken and fracture.

  Pathophysiology

                    Osteoporosis is a multifaceted illness involving genetic, intrinsic, exogenous, and lifestyle variables. Osteoporosis was once considered to be caused by endocrine problems such as estrogen and vitamin D insufficiency, as well as hyperparathyroidism. However, it has been clear that pathophysiological processes have a role in osteoporosis onset.

Risk Factors

• Aging
• Being Female
• Low body weight
• Menopause
• Smoking
• Alcohol Use
• Low Calcium Intake
• Inactive  Lifestyle
• Family History
• Medications
• Diseases such as Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Symptoms

                      Osteoporosis has no early signs; in fact, symptoms may emerge after the bones have grown weak and brittle. Some of these signs and symptoms include:

• Loss of Stature
• Bent Posture
• Shortness of Breath
• Bone fractures especially wrist, spine, and hip

Diagnosis

                  A Bone Density Test is performed to assess the condition that causes bone loss.  This test uses X-rays to assess bone density at the wrist, spine, and hip sides as these are the major sites of fractures of the bone.

Treatment

                        Treatment of osteoporosis includes;

• Proper Nutrition
• Lifestyle Changes
• Exercise
• Fall avoidance is important to prevent fractures
• Proper Medications

Medications

                           The most important medicines used for bone health and to prevent osteoporosis are;

1. Biphosphonates

                             Biphosphonates reduce the loss of bone mass. These can be taken orally as well as by injections.

• Alendronate
• Ibandronate
• Risedronate
• Zoledronic Acid

2. Testosterone

                         In men, testosterone therapy increases bone density and, in other words, strengthens the bone and prevents bone fractures.

Nutrition

                   The most important nutrients that are essential for osteoporotic patients and for strengthening the bones are;

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Magnesium
• Protein

The complete nutrition therapy and all the essential nutrients that are essential for bone health will be discussed in the upcoming article where we discuss it in detail.