How to prevent and treat osteoporosis

More than half of American women over 50 have osteoporosis, which is a type of decreased bone density that can lead to fractures. Thankfully there are some things that you can do to prevent osteoporosis such as:

•  Get osteoporosis testing done. This is a bone mineral density check so that you can see if you are at risk for developing osteoporosis.

•  Estrogen replacement therapy can prevent you from getting osteoporosis.

•  Make sure that you are on an osteoporosis diet. This is one that is high in calcium and vitamin D and does not consist of a lot of meat.

•  Take calcium and vitamin D supplements. You can even take calcium carbonate antacids, which contain a lot of elemental calcium that you need.

•  Do weight-bearing exercises daily such as running, walking and lifting weights.

•  Limit your intake of caffeine, soft drinks and excessive amounts of protein or wheat bran because they prevent proper absorption of calcium.

On the other hand, if you already have osteoporosis symptoms, you will want to seek osteoporosis treatment. Usually this treatment will consist of:

•  Make changes in your lifestyle so that you can start doing strengthening exercises, which will build up your bone density while limiting the possibility of you falling.

•  Your diet will need to be high in bone-friendly vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D.

•  If you get a fracture, make sure you seek medical assistance immediately.

•  Talk to your doctor about whether or not you should attend a water aerobics program in your area. This may help to relieve some of your symptoms. If your doctor does not know of any, try your local gym or YMCA but be sure that the instructor is a certified water aerobics instructor.

There are also some things that you can do to keep osteoporosis from worsening, including:

•  Go for a walk each day.

•  Lift weights to maintain your bone density. Make sure that these weights only provide a mild level of resistance.

•  Avoid smoking and being in areas where secondhand smoke is present.

•  Do not drink water that has been treated with fluoride.

•  Either eliminate or eat a lot less red meat.

•  Avoid caffeine.

•  Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.

•  Reduce your salt intake.

•  Take calcium, magnesium and potassium supplements.

•  Remove any obstacles in your home, such as low furniture or rugs, that can cause you to trip.

•  Keep your home well-lit so that you do not trip or bump into things.

•  Be cautious whenever you are walking outside the home and use handrails whenever you are going up or down steps.

•  Stop smoking.

•  Give Tai Chi a try. This martial art encourages you to reach a deep relaxation while enhancing your sense of balance and equilibrium.

•  Do not eat a lot of Vitamin A.

•  Give yoga a try so that you will have more energy.