| It's interesting that many people assume that | | | | bones may have less calcium than they need to be |
| osteoporosis is a women's disease; it's true that this | | | | strong and healthy. Many times it's simply genetics |
| condition affects some four times as many women | | | | and the way a body is naturally. Some people may |
| as men, but men too can suffer from this dangerous | | | | do certain things that leech calcium from the system, |
| and even deadly condition. | | | | such as drinking large amounts of cola or other highly |
| Osteoporosis is a disease that attacks the integrity | | | | acidic beverages. Acid of course wears away calcium |
| of the bone structure. This can lead to bone | | | | from the body's system. Smoking dehydrates the |
| weakness and eventual fractures. Unfortunately | | | | body and also damages calcium reserves. If taking a |
| many people don't know that they have this | | | | calcium supplement as a prevention for osteoporosis |
| condition until a bone actually breaks. While this may | | | | it's important to keep in mind that you need |
| not sound very dangerous - a broken bone is easily | | | | adequate amounts of vitamin D as this helps the |
| mended, right? In reality the fractures can typically | | | | body to absorb calcium properly. Most calcium |
| happen in the areas of the back and hip. A hip | | | | supplements you purchase at the pharmacy also |
| fracture can be very dangerous and usually requires | | | | have vitamin D added; be sure to get one that does. |
| surgery with a hospital stay, and may interfere with | | | | Believe it or not, exercise and weight lifting actually |
| one's ability to walk without assistance. In severe | | | | increases bone strength as well as muscle strength. |
| cases they can be deadly. Someone with | | | | Increasing your physical fitness levels and adding |
| osteoporosis needs to take this condition very | | | | some weight lifting can also help prevent |
| seriously, and everyone else should be doing | | | | osteoporosis. |
| everything they can to avoid getting the disease in | | | | Other Vitamins and over the counter products you |
| the first place. | | | | may want to consider and why are: |
| Getting Tested | | | | Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D supplied in high |
| Doctors today can do a simple bone density test for | | | | doses have shown to increase bone mass as much |
| those at risk for getting osteoporosis. This includes | | | | as 25 to 30 percent over a six month period. |
| women approaching menopause, women with very | | | | Fluoride has been found to increase the bond density |
| small bone structure, and those taking medications | | | | in older women. |
| that can cause the disease. The bone scan is not | | | | Glucosamine provides cartilage nutrition for healthy |
| painful or invasive; it is something like a full-body | | | | joints. |
| x-ray. | | | | Vitamin A is needed to promote healthy bones and |
| Your doctor can also prescribe medications if you | | | | teeth. |
| already have the disease or are at a greater risk for | | | | Vitamin E promotes the natural body healing |
| contracting it; but before that time, try taking a daily | | | | mechanism. |
| calcium supplement, exercising, and stopping smoking. | | | | Multiple Minerals are needed for healthy bones and |
| It is best to avoid getting osteoporosis in the first | | | | teeth. |
| place. | | | | Boron is known as the calcium helper and assists |
| Natural Treatments | | | | calcium absorption and utilization in the body. |
| The bones are made up mostly of calcium; taking | | | | Always consult your doctor before using this |
| calcium supplements is one of the best forms of | | | | information. |
| natural treatments. There are many reasons why the | | | | |