Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis ?

Osteoporosis is a condition of the bones, often referred to as ‘thinning of the bones’. Bone is not static but a living tissue which is continually being broken down and remade. It has a structure a bit like a honeycomb. In healthy bones this structure is made up of a strong thick matrix of proteins and calcium and magnesium salts. In osteoporosis the matrix is much thinner with larger holes. The condition is associated with aging and is particularly prevalent in post-menopausal women. This is thought to be because of decreasing female hormones which play a part in preserving and rebuilding bones.

What are the symptoms?

Often there are no symptoms with Osteoporosis except some people have a higher tendency to break or fracture their bones if they fall. This is most common amongst the elderly.

What are the causes?

From around 35 years old, more bone is broken down than replaced which causes the bone to become weaker and thinner. A poor diet and lack of weight bearing exercise can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis as you get older.

Other risk factors include:

Hyperthyroidism

Cushings Syndrome

Reduced testosterone and oestrogen

Diabetes

Genetic factors

Corticosteroid treatment

Lack of calcium, vitamin D

Anorexia and being underweight

How can diet help?

The vitamin A, B, C, D and K are important for bone formation and the minerals Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Silicon, Boron, Strontium, Manganese, Vanadium, Zinc and Potassium are needed as well as essential fatty acids. A diet containing whole grains, cold compressed oils, oily fish, lean protein and plenty of green leafy vegetable should provide the body with these nutrients.