How to prevent osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a crippling disease affecting the bones and causes bone loss. This mainly affects women and makes the sufferer more prone to fractures as well as causing disfiguration of the spine. Measures taken at an early age will help prevent getting the disease at a later stage in life.

The most important factor to fight osteoporosis is to have strong, healthy bones. Get a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test done to determine your bone health.

Increase calcium intake. It is recommended that women over the age of fifty should have 1200mg and those under fifty 1000mg along with 400IU of vitamin D. Low fat milk products, green leafy vegetables, sardines and tofu are good sources of calcium.

Regular exercise will decrease the chance of getting osteoporosis. A daily walk will strengthen your bones which will be able to fight off osteoporosis.

Avoid smoking and alcohol as well as reducing the consumption of coffee and soda.

Before you take any medication check if there are any side effects which cause bone loss. If you are at a risk of developing osteoporosis, ask for an alternative medicine.

Remember there is no cure for osteoporosis, so take care to avoid getting it.