Osteoporosis

Baby Boomers : Osteoporosis and Calcium

Most Baby Boomers are starting to turn 60 this year, but the question is: Will they be healthy in their senior years? One of the most important concerns, especially for women, is Osteoporosis. The term Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. It is estimated that without changes in lifestyle, 12 million people will be diagnosed with Osteoporosis by 2012.

Many Baby Boomers are not concerned about Osteoporosis because they think it is a problem only for senior citizens. This is not a gender related health issue, but for women the risk for Osteoporosis dramatically increases as their ovaries begin to reduce production of estrogen. Osteoporosis can happen long before a woman begins to feel the effects of Peri-menopause. Osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures a year.

A fracture can mean complications especially from hip fractures. When mobility is limited, it can mean a loss of appetite, circulatory problems, skin problems, and even depression. Unless Baby Boomers are made aware of these problems associated with Osteoporosis, it will continue to increase in numbers throughout the population.

Osteoporosis can be a concern for men but normally not until after they are 60. They don’t experience the sudden drop in hormone levels, but as their Testosterone decreases, bone is not formed as quickly as it used to in their earlier ages. Osteoporosis does develop not only later in life for men, but also progresses at a much slower rate. Some lifestyle issues can affect men’s bone health. Primary risk factors for Osteoporosis are age, sex, and not enough calcium intake.

However, you should consider the other risk factors. For instance, if you have a small frame it puts you at a higher risk for developing Osteoporosis later in life. Asian and Caucasians seem to be more at risk as well. If you have a female member of your immediate family that has already developed Osteoporosis or have suffered from bone fractures, that could put them more at risk. Other risk factors include women who go through Menopause at an early age, medications for thyroid, steroids, inactive lifestyle, smoking, and drinking caffeinated drinks.

How can Osteoporosis be prevented? Is there a way to ensure you don’t develop Osteoporosis in your senior years?

You can help protect your bones against Osteoporosis. Stooped posture, fractures, and body pain are not a normal part of growing older. The two most important means of prevention are nutrition and exercise.

The body does not make calcium; it has to be included in your daily diet. When your body is not taking in enough calcium, the body takes the calcium it needs from your bones. This increases bone loss and influences how rapidly Osteoporosis progresses.

Lactose Intolerance can contribute a person to not take in enough calcium. Dairy products have calcium but also have Lactose. Lactose Intolerant patients may experience stomach problems like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. One way to be sure you are getting enough calcium is by taking supplements. You also can take in calcium in non-dairy products. Foods high in calcium include sardines, salmon, shrimp, cooked or raw broccoli, turnip greens, almonds, tofu, and collards. Also available at any grocery store are products specifically made for Lactose Intolerant individuals. Lactose-free milk can be found in the dairy section. Another good source of calcium is most hard cheeses. Also available are medications in pill form that if taken before consuming dairy products will help your body cope with the lactose it is taking in.

There are liquid vitamins that can be consumed at any time to increase calcium intake and have been proved to completely absorb in the body. Vitamin D also helps with calcium absorption. This important vitamin exists in the skin and is released when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure for 10-15 minutes a day will help your body convert Vitamin D into calcium. This should be done when the sun is high but remember to protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun. You shouldn’t rely on sun exposure as your major source of calcium. If you are protecting your skin, you also are blocking what you need to produce calcium. In the grocery store, you will also find some juices and cereals enriched with Vitamin D.

Baby Boomers need to start a rigement of exercise, healthier diet, and calcium supplements before they become seniors to prevent Osteoporosis. A little prevention now could save you from the pain of fractures in the future!

Steven Godlewski lives in Chicago, IL and is currently working with the staff at PillFreeVitamins.com
If you or a loved one is concerned or suffering from Osteoporosis, try a free bottle of Body Balance today!
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