Osteoporosis
Bone disease has long been identified with aging as most people, especially women, over 50 years of age are susceptible to osteoporosis. There is an increasing awareness about osteoporosis in the world today because of the high incidence of fractures resulting from this bone disease. While many people feel that having weak bones comes with age and is inevitable, there are things that you can do at an early age to delay the onset of and prevent osteoporosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Osteoporosis affects your bones gradually and silently, without showing any symptoms or signs until it reaches an advanced stage when a bone fracture may occur. Others may experience pain in the joints but may dismiss it as arthritis. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that women in their thirties should see a naturopath for early screening of osteoporosis particularly for those who have a family history of osteoporosis, have had at least 4 childbirths, and a history of hormonal imbalance.
Causes
Osteoporosis or weak bone disease may be caused by several factors including:
- Calcium loss. When your body has inadequate levels of calcium in the blood, bone breakers are released into the bloodstream and leach calcium from your bones to maintain regular levels of blood calcium.
- Low estrogen levels.
- Malabsorption of calcium. Substances like caffeine prevent the proper absorption of calcium regardless of the amount of calcium that you take.
- Vices like alcoholism and smoking
- Poor digestive system
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Poor liver function
