Your bones grow in length from the stage of infancy to early adulthood. After that, they continue to increase in thickness and density throughout your lifetime. But when a person has osteoporosis, their bones turn brittle and porous, which increases their fragility and makes them susceptible to sudden fractures.
The person might become aware that they are having osteoporosis only after they experience sudden fractures or develop pain in the lower back. It results due to the loss of bone density, which happens gradually over some years. The fracture can happen even during bending or coughing. Early screening for the weakening of the bones will prevent extreme damage. The factors that lead to osteoporosis include:
Lack of calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral that is responsible for building stronger bones. Individuals with calcium deficiency are highly likely to develop osteoporosis. Low calcium intake in the diet causes calcium deficiency. It contributes to the weakening of the bones due to loss of bone density, which potentiates the risk of easy fractures.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some foods can fulfill your calcium requirements. They include dark leafy green vegetables, low-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, etc., calcium-fortified bread, and soya drinks infused with calcium. When your diet does not provide you with adequate calcium, you can use calcium supplements as per your doctor’s prescription.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is necessary for maintaining the strength and health of your bones. It prevents the loss of bone density and reduces the risk of pore formation in the bones. It lowers the risk of fractures. Even if you have adequate levels of calcium in your body, it will be of no use if there is a lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption in the body, which helps in building healthy bones. Calcium and vitamin D work together to eliminate osteoporosis.
Foods that offer vitamin D include fish such as salmon, swordfish, tuna, and sardines, dairy products fortified with vitamin D, orange juice fortified with vitamin dairy, cod liver oil, and beef liver. However, your body can naturally produce this vitamin through exposure to sunlight, so, do not forget to get some sunlight.
Low testosterone in males
Males need testosterone and estrogen for bone health. It is an essential hormone, which is necessary for the optimal health of your bones and muscles. As per the information given on the Healthline website, males who are completely deficient in testosterone hormone are more likely to develop osteoporosis. It makes them prone to fractures. Especially, men who are 65 or above are highly susceptible to hip fractures and spine fractures.
Low estrogen in females
In females, the levels of estrogen hormones drop during menopause. Estrogen deficiency is the primary cause of osteoporosis among females. As they keep getting older, the levels of estrogen decrease, which potentiates their risk of bone density loss. They may lose more bone than they replace.
Incessant smoking
In comparison to non-smokers, the probability of chronic smokers suffering from osteoporosis and fractures is quite high. This happens because the hazardous chemicals or toxins present in cigarette smoke affect the functioning of hormones and various minerals in the body and hinder bone growth and remodeling. Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and minerals like vitamin D, and calcium may not be completely utilized due to the effects of toxins on the bone cells. This leads to the weakening of bones and sudden fractures. So, giving up your smoking habit is essential for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Medicinal side effects
Certain medications can contribute to the loss of bone density, which increases the risk of fractures. According to the WebMD website, drugs used to treat health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, colitis, and many others can contribute to the weakening of bones. Therefore, in case you are using any medication for treating some health condition, talk to your healthcare provider to become aware of the side effects of those drugs.
Health conditions
As per the Mayo Clinic, people with medical conditions such as chronic celiac disease, cancer, kidney or liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, and inflammatory bowel disease are much more likely to develop osteoporosis.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of exercise and physical movement increases the risk of osteoporosis. People that are leading a sedentary lifestyle. Which involves a lot of sitting in one position must understand the dangers of it. It is necessary to exercise regularly and perform some weight-bearing activities that are beneficial in improving posture and strengthening your bones.
Alcohol intoxication
Alcohol consumption can lead to loss of calcium, which is an essential mineral that is utilized for bone formation. To prevent the risk of bone fractures due to osteoporosis, you need to limit your alcohol consumption and include calcium-rich foods in your diet.