subject: Osteoporosis: Managing A Risky Situation [print this page] There are already 44 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, about 68 percent of whom are women. Bones become thin and lose its density whenever this disease strikes. It may strike anyone. However, proper diet and exercise can help prevent it. Avoiding sodas can be a start in preventing osteoporosis. Bone density is said to decrease with the consumption of large amounts of soda.
Osteoporosis affects a wide cross-section of the population. In the US alone, bone-strengthening drugs like Fosamax are a top seller. Since side effects can always happen and we always want to protect our bones, consequences should just be faced bravely.
Through taking a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, osteoporosis can be prevented. Low-fat and soy milk, cheese, cereals and yogurt are foods that have a rich source of calcium. For example, the required 40% daily calcium need can be obtained through ingesting eight ounces of yogurt.
For people who cannot tolerate dairy products, there is always calcium from canned goods (with bones) like sardines and salmon, broccoli and spinach. One-third of ones daily calcium need can already be achieved by eating three ounces of sardines (canned in oil). Instead of getting cramps from drinking milk, you can drink orange juice fortified with calcium.
Vitamin D requirement can easily be achieved by a tablespoon of fish liver oil. An ample amount of vitamin D can also be found in the flesh of a fatty fish and three ounces of cooked salmon. Even exposure to sunlight (without sunscreen) of five to 30 minutes between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week is sufficient.
A higher chance of suffering from osteoporosis is seen among people with a sedentary lifestyle. It is always advisable to be a bit energetic. In keeping the bone healthy, mobility is a necessity. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing ones such as walking or hiking, is important.
People with osteoporosis can always been advised with Fosamax in order for it to be prevented. However, as more and more people are filing a Fosamax lawsuit, Fosamax prescriptions are now slowly decreasing. So, whenever we use any kind of medical drug, we should be aware of its possible side effects.
