Osteoporosis has a literal translation, meaning bones with holes. This condition begins to set in when the body is deficient in minerals like calcium and cannot keep up with the demand for replacing cells to maintain strong and healthy bones. This condition is degenerative and will worsen over time unless preventative measures are taken! As it progresses, bones become less dense, weaker, and more prone to fractures and breaks.
The team of experts at Centerville Medical Center in Garland, TX, led by Dr. Chuck Osuagwu, has years of experience in diagnosing and providing treatment for patients suffering from Osteoporosis. There are different treatment methods depending on the stage and severity of your condition that can be outlined in a consultation! Your risk of developing Osteoporosis is based on your age, gender, race, and family history, with elderly White and Asian women being the most prone to the condition!
At CMC, we believe that prevention is always the best method, which is why we encourage patients to take steps towards ensuring their health endures as they age! This is especially true if you are considered ‘at-risk’ for osteoporosis! The following is a list of actions you can take on a daily basis to ensure your bones are strong and healthy:
If you have a very consistent diet, you could be getting plenty of certain nutrients, but end up being deficient in others. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a healthy and varied diet, eating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and other calcium-rich foods
Vitamin D plays a critical role in how your body absorbs vitamin C. With modern society being averse to excess sunlight exposure due to harmful UV, the majority of the population suffering from Vitamin D deficiency. Without enough Vitamin D, more and more Vitamin C is wasted as it passed through your system without being absorbed, incidentally leading to a Vitamin C deficiency as well. This deficiency also affects the function and stability of your muscular structure, further compromising the integrity of your bones.
According to the National Institute of Health, consumption of substances like tobacco, alcohol, and even caffeine has shown to adversely affect the health of your bones! Impairing your circulatory system, inhibiting your vitamin C absorption, and increasing the oxidative stress on the tissues in your bones all contribute to weaker, less dense bone structure. The good news is, that stopping or limiting your intake of these substances actually allows for a reversal effect to take place, showing signs of improvement after removing them from regular consumption!
Engaging in active movements and weight lifting can actually improve your bone density! Routine exercise encourages your bones to strengthen themselves, making them naturally denser. Being active also helps encourage a healthier diet and is likely to increase your vitamin C and D levels.
The main goal of treatment will be to prevent fractures and breaks. In addition to recommending a proper diet rich in calcium, Dr. Osuagwu may prescribe medication. The following is not a list of all medication options, but simply the most commonly used:
Bisphosphonates: This type of medication slows cell activity that is responsible for bone loss. Bisphosphonates are intended to maintain or even increase bone density.
Parathyroid Hormone: This option is for postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fracture.
Estrogen Agonists/Antagonists: Typically used to treat postmenopausal women, these medications are not estrogen, but they have estrogen-like effects on the body.
Calcitonin: Meant for women who are at least five years into menopause, calcitonin helps to regulate calcium and bone metabolism.
If you think you may be at risk of developing osteoporosis or would like to take preventative measures to keep your bones strong and healthy, reach out to Dr. Chuck Osuagwu at the Centerville Medical Center in Garland, Texas for more information! Call or book an appointment online today to take the first step towards a healthier, happier life!
