Osteoporosis
Calcium and phosphorus are the principal elements of bones in the body. These are minerals that make bones hard and dense. To maintain bone density the body must not only have an adequate supply of calcium and phosphorus but also other minerals and hormones. In addition, the body must have an adequate supply of Vitamin D because it is necessary for the body to have in order to absorb calcium. The body builds bone density steadily until around age thirty. After that the density normally diminishes slowly. However, the density may be maintained by intake of calcium, phosphorus, hormones, Vitamin D and weight bearing exercises. Without these supplements and exercise, the bones will lose density to such an extent that the bone disease of Osteoporosis can develop. This condition is dangerous for the elderly, particularly in women, because it may cause disabling fractures that heal slowly or do not heal at all.
Preventing loss of bone density is of the utmost importance. Bone density can be supported even before the bone reaches its top level of density, which is when a person is in their twenties; however, even in later years a healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition, exercise and weight control will be extremely beneficial not only for prevention of osteoporosis but also for treatment. Proper nutrition, of course, would include more food with calcium, such as fortified milk or soy milk, beans, and most fruits and vegetables. Eat no refined glucose or carbohydrates, eat plenty of salmon and cold water fish, and also lean protein. A great addition to the diet is flax seed ground in something like a coffee grinder, and taken in water, soy milk or fruit juice. Take a good multivitamin which should give ample Vitamin D and all the important minerals. The exercise program should be thirty minute periods three to six times per week. Walking is especially helpful because it is one of the best exercises for increase of bone density. If necessary, and under a doctor's direction, estrogen can be beneficial.
