Building strong bones takes a lifetime. During the years the body builds new bone and loses old bone. Some bone loss is normal from about 35 years onwards. So, for young and middle-aged adults, the goal is to maintain bone mass and strength by building as much new bone as you loose through the ageing process. As we grow older bone loss occurs faster than bone growth. To keep bones healthy we need to limit this bone loss. Thus, getting enough calcium, vitamin D and exercise is important at all stages.
This occurs where bone loss is greater than bone growth in our older years. It is a silent disease as people cannot feel their bones getting weaker until they have a fracture . Osteopaenia is a precursor to osteoporosis, but not all people with osteopaenia will develop O.P. In Australia 2.2 million are affected by OA. 11% are men and 27% are women age 60 and over. Women have a higher risk because of the drop in oestrogen in peri and post menopausal years. So what can we do to keep our bone density up?
Diet and lifestyle factors
Calcium
Research suggests that Calcium Citrate is 22-27% better absorbed than calcium carbonate. Recommended daily dose is 1200mg. If you can get at least half of this from the diet so much the better, but if you have high cholesterol dairy may not be the way to go.
Vitamin D
If skin exposure is not possible then 800-1000IU of vitamin D is needed per day, in the form of cholecalciferol.
Fish oils
The essential fatty acids in fish oil of DHA and EPA tend to increase bone formation and reduce bone loss. Inflammation in the body is one of the factors causing bone loss, thus the anti-inflammatory action of fish oils help here.
Drug interactions
Calcium may decrease the absorption of certain drugs such as antibiotics and bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel). Thus take calcium 2 hours away from these drugs. Calcium should be used with caution if you are taking thiazide diuretics. These are used for fluid retention caused by heart disorders.
Vitamin K found in some calcium supplements should not be taken in people taking warfarin.
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This edition will look at three topics : calf and foot cramps with ideas on how to treat this common affliction Colds and flu and ways to strengthen the immune system And a couple of weeks of closure of the clinic from Sat 17 June to reopen ion Tuesday 4 July Also, as of 15 June I will no longer have a business land line - 9436 0306. Instead please use my mobile number to contact me and make appointments. 04247192436
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