Our bones play a crucial role in our mobility. They keep our body upright, provide support to our vital organs and also play a crucial role in muscle movement.
Despite being so important for the body to function normally, bone health is not discussed enough, and naturally, sufficient steps are not taken to promote bone density.
Our bones start losing their minerals and mass after our thirties, therefore, compounding an already grave problem.
Due to lack of care, our bones then become weak and brittle. They become prone to breaking, and diseases like osteoporosis, which then require treatment from the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Karachi.
Needless to say, it is imperative that we know what factors are influencing our bones, and then, addressing the controllable factors for stronger and healthier bones.
Controllable factors affecting bone health
Calcium uptake
Our bones are composed mainly of calcium. Lack of sufficient calcium not only leads to weaker bones, but it also causes them to ache, making them brittle and thus more prone to fractures. It also promotes early loss in bone mass.
Therefore, to have sufficient bone mass and stronger bones, you need to improve your calcium intake. Calcium is found in abundance in dairy products. It is also present in green leafy vegetables and fortified flour. You can also take calcium supplements if your dietary intake falls low.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders come with a hoard of problems for the body, weak bones being one such issue. People suffering from anorexia and bulimia are at risk for suffering from loss in bone mass.
Thus, it is imperative that those having eating disorders get the much-needed psychological help.
Hormones
While our hormones carry out essential processes in our body, their fluctuation from the normal levels also then has a grave impact on the body.
When the levels of thyroid increase in the body, it starts to experience bone loss. Similarly, women who are undergoing menopause also have a loss in bone mass due to decreased levels of estrogen in the body.
In such conditions, you should enlist the help of a credible endocrinologist.
Low vitamin D levels
Since our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium, lack of it also results in weak bones. Thus, make sure that you get sufficient vitamin D. One excellent source is sunlight. Eggs, certain fish, fortified milk are some food sources of vitamin D.
Physical activity
There are numerous benefits of exercise for physical and mental health. Lack of physical activity naturally then has implications for the body, loss in bone mass being one.
People, and especially children, who are inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Hence, it is imperative that you take up exercising. While all forms are beneficial to the body, resistance training is especially good for having stronger bones, as it helps in building muscles mass and by extension, bone mass as well.
Medication
Some medications can also contribute to a decrease in bone mass. Some examples include corticosteroids, methotrexate, and some anti-seizure medication.
You should never stop your medication on your own accord, just because you think they are contributing towards weaker bones. Instead, discuss the problem with your doctor instead, who can suggest an alternative or some regimen counter weaker bones then.
Smoking
There are very many reasons why you should not be smoking; from cardiovascular diseases to lung cancer, to jeopardized longevity. However, that’s not all. Tobacco also makes the bones weak as well.
Therefore, for the sake of your health, quit smoking. There are many alternatives like a nicotine patch, vape, etc. that can facilitate your endeavor of giving up smoking.
Certain conditions
People suffering from conditions that impact their GI tract, like celiac disease have difficulty absorbing calcium, which then leads to weaker bones. Patients in such cases should talk to their doctor, whom they can consult over oladoc.com, for a viable solution.