What is Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones” is a bone disorder whereby the bone becomes very brittle or fragile. This is due to the loses of calcium from the bones.
The human body stores about 1200g of calcium, 99% of which is found in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is distributed in the cellular and inter-cellular fluids. When needed, the bones release calcium.
Other Causes of Osteoporosis
Factors that Osteoporosis to or hasten the onset of Osteoporosis – individually or in combination are :
Genetic – people with family history of Osteoporosis are more prone to suffer the same disorder
Ethenic – whites and Asian women are at greater rick than African-American and Hispanic women are at lower, thogh significant risk
Distary – low calcium and Vitamin D intake
Hormonal – the onset of Osteoporosis hastens during menopause due to reduced secretion of the hormone estrogen during this period
Lifestyle – people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, drinkers and smokers are at greater risk
Why Women Are At Higher Risk
While men are not spared, women run a higher risk of developing Osteoporosis than men. The disorder is six to eight times more common in women than men.
This is generally due to the following reason :
- women generally have a lower intake of dietary calcium
- a drastic drop in hormone secretion among menopausal and postmenopausal women leading to increased bone thinning
- pregnant and post-natal mothers require high level of calcium
- women generally exercise less
Other Harmful Effects of Osteoporosis
Besides causing briffle bones, Osteoporosis has other serious effects on its victims such as :
- kyphosis (hunched –back, especially in the elderly)
- Osteomalacia
- Stunted growth in children
- Rough skin
- Pigmented spots on the skin
- Poor formation of teeth
- Frequent muscle spasms
How to Stop Osteoporosis
Time is the essence, it is never too early to take preventive measures.
1. the winning formula : calcium + vitamin D + sunlight + exercise
2. the following preventive measures have been recommended :
- ensuring adequate calcium intake from childhood
- exposure to sunlight. The body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium
- taking regular exercise promotes muscular strength and better balance especially in older people and this reduces the risk of fracture due to falls.
- Taking a good calcium enriched food supplement on a regular basis
It is not always possible to obtain adequate calcium intake just our daily meals. Though there is calcium in dairy products, many Asians have low lactose tolerance and therefore do not benefit from this category of food. Moreover, youngsters nowadays are prone to taking soft drinks instead of milk.
Therefore, we have to turn to calcium fortified food and food supplements. Another important facts to note is that calcium alone is not easily absorbed by our body. It need to be taken in combination with other essential minerals and vitamins.
Hi Spirulina is a food supplement that blends nutrient-rich Spirulina (120mg) and extract from the Molokhiya plant (60mg) together with yeast (10mg) and wheat germ power (10mg). The combination provided a high calcium content which is easily absorbable. It contains other essential minerals and vitamins making it an ideal food supplement for strong bones and teeth.
- Strengthen bones and teeth
- Improves cell metabolism
- Enhances the immune system
- Neutralizes disease-causing free radicals
- Alleviates skin problems
- Helps bowel movement
- Enhances the absorption of nutrients
Almost everybdody, but especially :
1. those who do not eat balanced diets
2. those predisposed to Osteoporosisbr
3. those suffering from certain chronic diseases
4. those living an unhealthy lifestyle
5. those on long-term medications