Despite the methods for early confirmation of the disease, osteoporosis is most often discovered accidentally in most patients. This disease mostly appears after the age of fifty, as a result of a decrease in bone mass and a disturbance in bone structure, which makes the bones brittle and prone to fractures. Most often, patients find out that their bones are damaged only when they come to the doctor after the fracture.
Dr. Zorica Merdović points out that osteoporosis is most often detected during an X-ray of the lumbar-sacral part or another part of the spine due to pain, a fall or other injuries, during an X-ray of the heart and lungs or during a systematic examination. Bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D are used in therapy. one year, after which osteodensitometry is performed. She also explains how osteoporosis occurs, how it manifests itself, and how it is treated.
"Osteoporosis of the bones gradually deprives the bones of their mineral density and strength, which is why they become porous and lose their firmness and elasticity over time, which increases the risk of multiple fractures. Hips (osteoporosis of the hip) and forearms are mostly affected, and women are most susceptible to the disease after entering menopause due to reduced secretion of sex hormones that have a protective role. With the beginning of this process, bones begin to break down rapidly, which is most pronounced in the first five to six years of the disease, when up to five percent of bone density can disappear annually. Bones become brittle and fractures occur even with the slightest physical effort and contact. Many women confuse osteoporosis and arthritis, so they don't go to the doctor because their joints don't hurt, but you should know that loss of bone mass and weakening of the bones do not cause any symptoms, nor are the first signs of osteoporosis easy to recognize because they are simply absent. Precisely because this disease is extremely unpredictable, we have to take some steps ourselves to prevent a bad scenario. This claim is also supported by the fact that osteoporosis is most often diagnosed after a fracture and that this knowledge is a shock for the patient," explains Dr. Merdović.
Symptoms are absent...
"The statistics regarding osteoporosis are really worrying. They confirm that a large number of people after the age of 60 have problems with 'hollow bones'. The symptoms of osteoporosis are not manifested in any way in 60 percent of the patients and what is worst, this disease is diagnosed only after the first fractures. Most often, the first fractures occur in the arms (ulna bone) or in the area of the thoracic vertebra, while the femur fracture and hip fracture are among the more severe - when the patient loses the ability to function normally due to the inability to move. The remaining 40 percent of patients are in a slightly more favorable position because before the fractures, they can experience varying pains in the back, which are somewhat more intense when the back is in an upright position, and disappear when the patient lies down. Because of all of the above, this disease has been called a 'silent epidemic', because weakening of bones and loss of bone mass goes almost unnoticed", explains our interlocutor.
Prevention exists!
"From early childhood to the age of twenty, good quality bones are built with sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D. In order to prevent accelerated loss of bone density, it is necessary to fight on several 'fronts' - a healthy diet with enough calcium and vitamin D and mandatory physical activity. Cessation of exercise leads to continued accelerated loss of bone mass, and research has shown that light walks have no effect on preserving bone density. All persons who are at risk or those who are suspected of accelerated bone loss should contact a specialist rheumatologist, endocrinologist for diagnostics, primarily with osteodensitometry (DXA)," advises Dr. Merdović.
Today, bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D3 are used in osteoporosis therapy. This therapy is carried out for at least one year, after which the patient is referred for osteodensitometry to see the results of the treatment. Timely supplementation of vitamin D and calcium, doctors say, reduces the incidence of hip fractures in osteoporosis patients by 39 percent. It is recommended that women up to menopause and men under the age of 65 take 1.000 milligrams of calcium per day, and after that 1.300 mg, from food or dietary products. In order to prevent osteoporosis, along with calcium, 800 units of vitamin D per day are needed. Unlike calcium, it is deposited in the body. But, it is enough to eat fish once a week, with exposure to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes a day to provide enough of this vitamin.
"Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet, sun exposure and physical activity are very important, especially in early childhood and later in youth when bones grow much faster and develop rapidly. In that youthful period, the most bone mass is formed, which, during our life, naturally decreases in the later period. Weak bones are also caused by bad habits, smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages and coffee, as well as certain diseases that can accelerate this process.
Research on animals indicates the fact that omega-3 fatty acids, especially those from fatty fish, such as salmon, herring and tuna, stimulate the synthesis of new proteins, an important structural element of bone tissue. All this points to the fact that the diet for osteoporosis should be as diverse as possible. Lentils, green leafy vegetables, bananas, rice and poultry are rich in nutrients that prevent the harmful effects of homocysteine, an amino acid that causes osteoporosis. Scientific research has shown that women who consume sufficient amounts of vitamin K significantly reduce the risk of hip fractures and complications associated with osteoporosis. The richest sources of this nutrient are brussels sprouts, kale, lettuce, broccoli and spinach," recommends Dr. Merdović.
Why does it arise?
Osteoporosis occurs due to a lack of hormones (usually estrogen), and due to a lack of calcium, with accompanying reduced physical activity.
All this disrupts the bone structure and leads to their weakening. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, putting women, especially those with small bones or who are underweight, at increased risk of this disease because their bone density is naturally reduced. An unbalanced and improper diet, genetic predisposition, use of steroids and alcohol, smoking, low testosterone (in men) and thyroid and adrenal gland disorders can also contribute to this disease.
If everything is ignored, when there are no signs and symptoms of osteoporosis at the very beginning, you can put yourself in a situation where bone fractures occur. Elderly people suffering from osteoporosis also have difficulties with healing, and the most serious complication is a hip fracture, when people at a later age are bedridden and only a third of patients recover successfully. The seriousness of this situation is indicated by the latest "harsh" statistics, which state that 15 to 20 percent of elderly patients die within a year of a hip fracture, and 25 percent do not fully recover but require intensive home care.
Food against osteoporosis
Magnesium - helps the transport of calcium in the bones, and it is most abundant in green leafy vegetables, potatoes, stone fruits, seeds and whole grains.
Phosphorus - also helps in building bones, and is abundant in all dairy products, eggs, meat, chives, parsley, onions, potatoes, tomatoes and leeks.
Copper - regulates certain biochemical processes in building bones, so stone fruits and whole grains should be consumed as often as possible.
Cink - helps stimulate protein synthesis in bones, and its absorption is significantly reduced by calcium supplements. It is found in whole grains and nuts.
Iron – improves bone strength. Nettles, spinach, blueberries, dried apricots, blackberries, prunes and quinoa are real foods against osteoporosis.
Silicon - increases the strength of bones and teeth, and it is most abundant in cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage and in the green part of dandelion.
Manganese - helps build connective tissue and cartilage. It is found in flax seeds, pumpkin and sesame seeds, cauliflower, apples, peaches and oranges.
Potassium - contributes to bone health by stabilizing electrolytes in the body. Good sources of potassium are bananas, avocados, raisins, celery, cocoa, dried apricots, potatoes, carrots and tomatoes.
Source: Health Supplement
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