Are You Aware of What Causes Osteoporosis? - By: Ronald K. Redman

Affecting over 10 million Americans – and 34 million more at high risk – osteoporosis is a major health problem. Falsely identified by many as a women’s disease, osteoporosis in men is also common though not to the same extent as with women. The progress of this disease is largely caused by several factors.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease where the bones weaken due to the loss of bone mineral density. A silent disease, osteoporosis is often not detected until a fracture has incurred. Factors that may lead to the progress of the disease include hormones, nutrition and lifestyle.

Hormones. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone which plays an important role in regulating the bone density by reducing bone resorption and, at the same time, enhancing bone formation. That is why, women who are at their menopausal stage are at high risk of developing the disease. In the case of men, those who are dealing with hypogonadism – a situation where one produces less or no sex hormones are more likely to develop this disease.

Vitamins and Minerals. Vitamins and minerals are the keys to having healthy bones – specifically vintamin D and calcium. Calcium stored in the bones keep them strong and enhances their density. In another way, vitamin D works by aiding in the absorption and regulation of calcium with the body.

Lifestyle. Excessive intake of alcohol has been observed to significantly decrease the bone density. Furthermore, cigarette smoking is also believed to cause rapid bone loss. Caffeine on the other hand, interferes with the absorption of vitamin D while it causes more calcium to be excreted in the body.

Furthermore, mobility is essential to the movement of the calcium in the bones. A sedentary lifestyle could dispose oneself to osteoporosis; hence, regular exercise is encouraged especially if you are at high risk of developing the disease.

Aforementioned contributing factors are modifiable ones which means they can be changed in order to elope the disease. By and large, prevention of the disease is better than treating it with bisphosphonates like Fosamax. Such drugs have been in a bad light and there are even patients who are contending for a Fosamax lawsuit after being allegedly harmed by the drug.

About the Author

not common type of femur fracture has not been acknowledged by Merck as one of the Fosamax side effects. However this has been the complaint of Elain Turner and many other long term users of the drug. Now, they seek help from a Fosamax femur lawyer in filing a Fosamax lawsuit. Read more updates about "Fosamax Femur Fractures" here.

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