While looking good is a plus for people who are aging, even more important is the structure that holds your body up. The architectural master piece that lies within muscle and tissue is important to your health and well being. Osteoporosis is a huge factor as people age, especially women. 28 million Americans have this degenerative disease (80% of whom are women). People from different descents are at greater risk then others so it’s important to know the warning signs.
1. Your Thinner Then Normal. Although this can be viewed as a positive, lower body weight actually makes bones more prone to fractures. With less padding (both muscle and fat) your body produces less bone building estrogen after menopause.
2. Your Aching Back! Some back pain from activity is normal. However, if you have a dull aching sensation across your upper middle back and below your shoulder blades then this could be cause by small spinal fractures.
3. Your Shorter Then You Used To Be. Fractures in your spine can cause you to lose height over time. These small fractures begin to collapse your spine casing a decrease in height.
4. You Break A Bone. Not all breaks mean you have this chronic disease but it may be a sign that your bones are weak.
5. Your Taking A “Bone Robber” In Pill Form. Steroids in medications can cause a rapid increase in bone loss. While inhalers for breathing issues also have steroids they aren’t in the same concentration as pills.
6. You Have An Overactive Thyroid. The main overproduced hormone in this condition is known as thyroxine. Having an increase of this hormone in your system speeds up your metabolism. Your body then uses the calcium in your bones faster then it can make it.
7. You Take Medication For Endometriosis. It’s not the condition that decreases bone loss but rather the prescription drug. This drug decreases estrogen levels which aid in bone density.
8. You Smoke. Smoking sometimes means that your thinner. Leaving you wide open for increased risk of fractures. Smoking also sends people into early menopause. Menopause means less estrogen producing bone protecting hormones. Lastly, smoking decreases absorption of calcium which weakens the bones.
9. You Have or Have Had Kidney Stones. Since kidney stones are related to excess calcium in the system. People with a history of kidney stones are advised to avoid calcium. This then weakens the bones and makes them more vulnerable.
10. Your Lactose Intolerant. If you can’t intake milk products , then chances are you are low in calcium. This important mineral supplies the bones with it’s building structure to make it strong. If you can’t eat calcium, then find a supplement that works for you!
Taking care of your bones is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Keep in mind that weight training is an excellent way to increase bone density. By adding muscle to your frame it allows for increased support to the bone which decrease fractures and keeps your body strong.
Adria Ali
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