Jan 19th

Are You Losing Bone Mass?

[<a href="http://www.snowbrand.co.jp/mbp/english/about/images/mbp_about_reborn09.gif">image source</a>]
Peak bone mass is typically reached by age 35.  However, that doesn't mean that you can't lose bone before 35.  Many younger than 35 have reported bone density below normal genetic and/or lifestyle factors. 

The genetic factors for elevated risk of bone loss include the following:

  • Women are more likely to lose bone earlier in life than men
  • Caucasians and Asians are at greater risk of bone loss
  • If one of your parents or siblings have/had osteoporosis

Factors that can be reversed include:

  • The onset of menopause comes with a decrease in estrogen which increases bone loss.
  • Parathyroid hormone imbalances can disrupt calcium absorption
  • Vegetarian and vegan diets increase risk when calcium is deficient
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption increasing the rate of bone loss
  • Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid which causes the release of calcium from the bones to buffer the acidity
  • Being too thin can lead to weaker bones since bones get stronger when they carry more weight
  • Lack of weight bearing exercise neglects osteoblast (bone-building cells) activity
  • Cortisone (pain medication) aids bone loss
If any of these risk factors apply to you, read test how your bone health is doing.
  • [<a href="http://osteoporosistreatment.name/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/symptoms-2dosteoporosis-small.jpg">image source</a>]

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