Ageing. Some of the effects of this process include: lower concentration of many hormones, metabolism disorders, slower absorption of microelements, lack of exercises and finally atrophy of the bone tissue. Bones become fragile and susceptible to fractures.
Diet
has also huge influence on the development of this disease. There is a controversy over the consumption of diary products. The scientists are not sure about the direct cause, but one thing is known - osteoporosis is common in highly developed countries, where the consumption of diary product is relatively high. The problem is that pasteurized milk, which is ton as nutritious as fresh milk, is used to produce them.
Osteoporosis can be also caused by drinking a lot of coffee and other beverages containing caffeine, which causes intensive extraction of water from the organism. Another “enemy” are phosphates, used as preservatives in the food industry. Eating any product, which contains substances coded as E 338, E339, E340, E341 and E350 may lead to temporary disturbance in the absorption of calcium. Phosphates create insoluble compounds with calcium that are not absorbed by the bowels. Many research projects concern the destructive influence of alcohol. Alcohol abuse may damage osteoblasts (cells responsible for building bone tissue).
Compulsive smoking can affect bones in many ways. Female smokers may suffer from hormone secretion disorders. Lower production of estrogen stimulates faster decomposition of bone tissue. Smoking can visibly advance menopause. Smokers are usually shorter and thinner and thus the risk of osteoporosis is greater. Cigarette smoke contains cadmium - one of the heavy metals, which if inhaled, will severely damage the bone structure.
Pollution of the environment. Heavy metals are present in the soil, in the water and in industrial fumes. The most dangerous include lead, mercury and cadmium. Many tissues can be damaged by those – bone marrow, brain, liver and kidneys. Lead can also concentrate in bones, displacing calcium and creating stable bonds. As a result, the bone becomes weaker and more vulnerable to fractures.
Diseases that may lead to bone tissue atrophy
- Sex gland failure
- Hyperactivity of the renal cortex
- Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland
- Hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands
- Diabetics
- Anorexia
- Multiple myeloma
- Metastasis of neoplastic cells to the bones
- Resection of stomach o bowels
- Alcohol abuse
- Immobilization
Pharmaceuticals. Many pharmaceuticals taken because of various diseases may treat one thing and have negative influence on something else. A large number of medicines have unwanted side effects, for example decalcification of bones. The strongest side effect is produced by steroids – hormonal medicines used, among other things, to treat rheumatic dysfunctions. Many pharmaceuticals sold without prescriptions are often overused. Aluminum compounds, used for production of protective medicines, helpful in case of hyperacidity, might be a good example. Aluminum builds bonds within the bone structure and disables the ability to build new hydroxyapatite crystals. People forced to use such medicines, should take only those, in which aluminum is replaced by magnesium, or at least stop eating citrus fruits. Lemons, oranges and grapefruits contain acids that increase the rate in which aluminum compounds are being absorbed. Pharmaceuticals that may cause osteoporosis:
- Anti-inflammatory steroids
- Antihrombotic drugs
- Diuretics: furosemid
- Aluminum-based medicines for people suffering from hyperacidity
- Thyroid gland hormones
- Anticonvulsive drugs: barbiturates, phenytoin
- Antineoplastic drugs
Who is likely to acquire osteoporosis?
Women and people over 65
Childhood and adolescence (up to the age of 20) is the time when the body grows and the amount of calcium in bones increases. Between the age of 20 and 40 bones reach their maximum density, after that bones start to lose calcium.
Women comprise 90% of patients suffering from osteoporosis. The primary factors that cause this include failure of the sex glands during the time of menopause and weaker and more delicate constitution, comparing to men.
The likelihood of developing osteoporosis late in age is directly related to the maximum density of bones, reached at the age of 20. This high density, observed between the age of 20 and 40, might be treated as calcium reserves needed for the rest of the life, when its level may only decrease. People who are slim and those who have been temporarily malnourished or seriously ill in the childhood tend to have meager safety-margin, so their bones become susceptible to fractures earlier.
This is why people at the age of 20-40 should take additional dietary supplements containing calcium.
To protect yourself from osteoporosis, you should start preparing your organism early, because at the age of 50 it will not absorb minerals and microelements with the same efficiency.
Modern eating habits not always correspond with doctor’s recommendations. To prevent osteoporosis you need a diet rich in microelements serving as construction materials for your body.
Calcium and magnesium are some of the primary mineral compounds needed by your organism, forming bones and teeth, required for the proper function of heart, circulatory system, neurons and muscles. Both those components can be found in the Strong Bones supplement. It contains chelate compounds, which ensure the best efficiency and prolonged absorption of the active substances.
Another useful supplement is C Plus, containing bioflavonoides, rose fructus extract and vitamin C.
The Stress Management B Complex dietary supplement, containing vitamin B, has also positive influence on the skeletal system.
Diet is an important factor as early as in babyhood. Malnutrition in this early period of life will have consequences when the person becomes adult and the maximum bone density is lower than it should be. We should be cautious and pay attention to any slimming attempts made by teenagers. From the overall amount of calcium consumed, only 40% is absorbed by the digestive system. One of the factors that stimulate proper absorption of this mineral is vitamin D. At least some of this important vitamin is produced by bacterial flora, living in the digestive system, so the general state and health of our bowels has strong influence on this process. The AC-Zymes dietary supplement can help you maintain this. One capsule contains 2 million live Lactobacilhus acidophilus bacteria. Additionally, to improve the effect, you may try Nopalin.
Many experts suggest that we should first cleanse our bodies before we start taking any vitamins, supplements, minerals or herbal extracts. Nopal can do both things at the same time. It contains soluble and insoluble fiber that has positive physiological and microbiological influence on the organism. Nopalin influences digestive processes and limits the amount of fluids accumulated in tissues. Metabolism of vitamin D depends on proper function of kidneys and liver, therefore Nopalin has also the ability to aid those vital organs. It bonds bile acid, regulates the concentration of glucose and helps kidneys filtrate the blood.
Finally, the last microelement essential for the proper absorption of calcium is zinc. You can find this mineral in the Chelated Zinc supplement.
We often say that health is the most important aspect of life, but what do we do to improve it ?
Good dietary supplements are the best and cheapest life insurance and the best treatment, as it prevents diseases before they occur.