Bone Density - The Most Ignored Aspect Of Your Health

Our overall health and longevity depends on our bone health. The world around us is trapped in toxins & contaminants and we become a prey to them. The food and lifestyle that we choose each day actually make us susceptible to various kinds of pitfalls to complete health.  With the ever-present danger of junk food, foods with added preservatives and other kinds of hidden threats, our attention should be focused on the most basic aspect of our body: our bones. 

Bone density is something that is largely ignored by the common man. But do you know that 1 out of every 2 women and 1 out of every 4 men over the age of 50 face the risk of brittle bones, fractures and bone disorders like Osteoporosis due to the gradual decline of bone mass.

Low bone density - what does it cause to you

• Osteoporosis – It is a condition which leads to decreased bone density, strength and results in fragile bones. 
• Arthritis – It is the inflammation of the joints, causing pain and swelling along with stiffness. 
• Fractures – This can be completely debilitating and can lead to extended hospitalization. 
• Brittle bones – Even a minor injury or fall can cause bone fractures and even disability.
• Osteopenia – It is the stage prior to full-blown Osteoporosis.

Importance of bone density

To lead an active and healthy life, maintaining the right bone density plays a major role. It leads to

• Strong joints 
• Powerful bones 
• Active lifestyle 
• Healthy heart

Factors for bone-density loss

• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Overactive parathyroid gland 
• Hormone treatment 
• Some medicines used for seizure and epilepsy 
• Steroid treatment 
• Early menopause 
• Family history 
• Medical conditions like

                    Gastric bypass

                    Cystic fibrosis

                    Other intestinal problems

What to do

1. Balanced Diet

Food plays an important role in maintaining bone health. A balanced diet specially consisting of nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein is important for bone development. Vitamin D in the diet helps in calcium re-absorption in the body.

Carbonated drinks, alcohol, salt, caffeine etc are detrimental to bone health because they are responsible for loss of bone density.

2. Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is known to be responsible for several bone disorders like Osteoporosis. An active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and Yoga keeps the bones strong and healthy. It is seen that the people who exercise regularly have greater bone density than people who lead an inactive life.

Simple weight bearing exercises like running, walking, jumping rope, skiing etc and resistance training exercises significantly help in increasing and maintaining peak bone mass. Exercising would also help the elderly in maintaining balance that would prevent falls and subsequent fractures.

3. Lifestyle changes

Following a proper routine and staying away from habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can go a long away in keeping your bones healthy. Make sure you get adequate amount of vitamin D through regular exposure to sunlight.

Alcohol is known to interfere with the function of pancreas in the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.

The nicotine present in cigarettes upset the balance of hormones like oestrogen and cortisol that help to keep the bones strong.    Smoking increases the rate of bone loss thus spurring the process of bone degeneration.

4. Regular check-up

It is often seen that people realise the importance of bone health only when they face problems like Osteoporosis, brittle bones, fractures, etc. For instance, Osteoporosis is detected through the bone density test only after a bone is broken. Therefore it is advisable to go for regular checkups in order to gauge the condition of your bones, especially in the case of post menopausal women who are at increased risk of bone related disorders.

The doctors and health experts at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution also hold the same opinion about the significance of bone density and regular check up of bone health to maintain overall quality of life.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution
www.zilaxo.org