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Bone Up: Best Sources of Calcium :
Aug 31, 2007
We take our bones for granted, but with just a little care, they can last you a lifetime. Not paying attention to bone health is risky, because symptoms are silent and unknowingly you could be losing bone and increasing your risk for fracture. eDiets Mediterranean Diet can help you make healthy choices without sacrificing flavor and variety. If you’re ready to get serious about your health, click here and set up your personal profile to get a plan personalized to meet your needs.
Unfortunately, osteoporosis cannot be absolutely cured, and there's no guaranteed preventive treatment. But you can DELAY onset and DECREASE severity. According to the PBS series Second Opinion, there are many risk factors for osteoporosis -- some that you can change and some that you can't. You CANNOT Control
Age: increases risk for men and women: calcium absorption lowered with age.Gender: loss of estrogen, either through menopause or surgery associated with osteoporosis, although some research disputes this. Statistically, women are more likely to be at risk.Ethnicity: Increased risk: Caucasian women, followed by Asian Americans.Family history increases risk.Body Type: Increased risk if you have thinner bones.Medical history: including hyperthyroidism increases risk.You CAN control
Your weight: Being underweight is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Under-nutrition means you're eating too few calories and possibly less than adequate calcium and vitamin D for good bone health. Stay within a healthy weight range for your height. eDiets' assessment tool will tell you if your weight is within a healthy range for your height.Your diet: Focus on fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables; enjoy fortified cereals and whole grains, nonfat or low fat dairy, lean protein and fortified soy foods; calcium and vitamin D-fortified orange juice and cottage cheese. An occasional carbonated beverage is OK, but high intakes of phosphorus can prevent good calcium absorption.Your sodium: Lay off the salt. New research reported in the April 2005 edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that girls who eat high-sodium diets lose more calcium, increasing their risk for osteoporosis. Alcohol: Health experts consistently recommend moderate alcohol consumption as beneficial, but excessive alcohol is linked to osteoporosis.
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