Friday, November 18, 2011

Osteoporosis Prevention and Therapies

With an aging population, and an increase in incidence of osteoporosis, prevention id definitely the best medicine.
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With an aging Baby Boomer population, a significant portion of American women have or are facing the possibility of osteoporosis. In fact, approximately 10 million currently have osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk. Many are asking what they can do to avoid developing the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density that can develop over time.
EmpowerHer has come up with some great ways to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
According to the article by Dr. Daemon Jones, “the best defense is to create and maintain dense strong bones. Studies have shown that weight-bearing and resistance exercises help to build muscle mass and bone strength.” So continuing or beginning a fitness regime should be at the top of the list in avoiding osteoporosis.
There are also important supplements that can help, chiefly daily calcium (1,200 mg) and vitamin D (1,000 IU). Also of importance, according to Dr. Jones, is boron, copper, fluoride, phosphorus, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K and zinc. Many of these can be found in everyday foods and do not require supplements. Your diet should consist of plenty of dairy, green leafy vegetables, fish, and calcium-fortified products.
Utilizing fitness, diet, and supplement regimes are considered the best options, although if osteoporosis has already begun, there are drug therapies that can slow the rate of bone loss or even increase bone thickness. Typical among them are biphosphonates, such as Fosamax and Boniva, and Denosumab, also known as Prolia. There are also estrogen-based drugs, parathyroid medications, and calcitonin, which helps to regulate calcium levels.
If you have any high risk factors—family history, low body weight, drug or alcohol use—osteoporosis screening is essential after the age of 50. Screening is also done routinely in women over the age of 65.T