Osteoporosis prevention through calcium supplements

Osteoporosis affects around 44 million Americans. It's a disease of the bones where they gradually become more fragile over time.

Osteoporosis lurks painlessly and hidden until a bone breaks.

Fractures of the hip, spine and wrist are the most likely places for breaks to occur. When a fracture  occurs of the hip or spine, hospitalization is required. This can lead to permanent disability and death. When a part of the spine fractures, deformity, pain and reduced height can occur. Osteoporosis is called "the silent disease." That's because bones can often break without any warning from such simple events such as falling, straining or bumping into something. Vertebrae can collapse over time which causes back pain, stooped posture and loss of height.

Four times more women than men have the disease. Although we think of this disease as belonging to the old only, younger people can have it too.

Some people are more susceptible to osteoporosis than others. Here are some risk factors: having experienced fractures after the age of 50, smoking cigarettes, low lifetime calcium intake, family history of the disease. being female, being too thin, advanced age, excessive alcohol consumption.

After menopause women can lose 20 % of bone mass within five to seven years. This makes them more susceptible to osteoporosis. Bone density tests can measure bone density.

To protect against osteoporosis, these steps can help:

• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Engage in weight-bearing exercises.
• avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Women should be tested for bone density after menopause.
• Medication is available if needed.

Calcium needs vary by age, sex and stage of life in women. Many women don't get enough calcium in their diets. Women need to take enough calcium all through their lives. The easiest way to get calcium is to take calcium supplements. Getting enough calcium helps prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium along with vitamin D is an important preventative for osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. The skin produces vitamin D from sunlight exposure, so if you seldom go outdoors you especially need vitamin D supplements.