.jpg)
We rarely appreciate how tirelessly our bones support us when they are strong and healthy. It is only when a bone-related problem arises that we realise how many of our everyday activities suddenly become difficult or come to a halt.
Your lifestyle choices affect the density and health of your bones. Eating meals rich in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, and engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises may be effective in keeping your bones strong and healthy.
The bone density is the measure of the concentration of calcium and other minerals in your bones. Low bone density is a characteristic sign of osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis (weaker bones). Both are metabolic bone disorders characterised by impaired bone formation, bone maintenance, and bone resorption.
As people age, their bone density declines, particularly during certain life stages like menopause. However, you can take some precautionary measures to halt this bone ageing process, keep your bones strong, and lower your risk of fractures and other problems. As you scroll down, you will come across some effective strategies to protect your fragile bones and enhance the lifelong strength and mobility of your bones.
Bones keep remodelling as per body requirements and advancing age. The body resorbs old bone and creates new bone continuously. New bone is formed much faster than old bone is resorbed in the young age. As a result, your bone mass increases. By the age of 30, most people reach their maximal bone mass. Bone remodelling then proceeds towards resorption, causing faster loss of bone mass than gain.
Osteoporosis is a disorder that is characterised by weakening of bones, resulting in increased susceptibility to fractures. The amount of bone mass you have by the age of thirty and the rate at which you lose it after that determine your risk of developing osteoporosis.
There are numerous factors that play a major role in impairing bone strength as well as density:
| Factor | Description |
| The amount of calcium in your diet | A low-calcium diet may result in low bone density, premature bone loss, and fragile bones, increasing your tendency for fractures. |
| Physical activity | Exercise strengthens bones. People who are not physically active are more likely to develop osteoporosis than those who exercise frequently. |
| Tobacco and alcohol use | Tobacco use, particularly smoking and vaping, has been linked to bone weakness and an increased risk of osteoporosis. |
| Sex | Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because they naturally have less bone tissue. Also, conditions like menopause further enhance the bone loss process. |
| Size and age | Those with a BMI of 19 or less, as well as those with a narrow body frame, are at a higher risk due to their lower bone mass. Bone strength declines with aging. |
| Hormone levels | Hormones influence bone health to a great extent. Excess thyroid hormone leads to bone loss. Low oestrogen levels during menopause cause accelerated bone loss. Amenorrhea before menopause in women, as well as low testosterone levels in men, enhance the risk. |
| Long-term use of certain medications | The prolonged administration of some medicines can result in degeneration of the bones. |
| Medical conditions | Anorexia (an eating disorder), thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Cushing syndrome are among the conditions that might erode bones and raise the probability of osteoporosis. |
The following tips can help you protect fragile bone from bone loss:
Consult your doctor if you have a high risk of developing osteoporosis or are concerned about your bone health. If you have a bone fracture after the age of fifty, then you must get your bone health checked. A bone density test can be necessary. Your care team can use the test findings to assess your rate of bone loss and other indicators of bone health. The orthopaedic specialist can determine if taking medication to reduce bone loss is a good option for you based on that information and your risk factors.
Get expert guidance from Dr. Ishwar Bohra, a leading orthopedic specialist in Delhi. Book your consultation now!
Q1: Who should I reach out to in Delhi if I have bone density issues?
A: Dr. Ishwar Bohra is the top orthopedic specialist in Delhi. You must reach out to him if you have any issues with bone weakening or frequent fractures. He will make a treatment plan personalised on the basis of your bone health status, history, and your risk factors.
Q2: What are the bone-strengthening drinks?
A: Drink nutrient-dense alternatives like warm turmeric milk, green smoothies (with kale or spinach), and bone broth, as well as calcium and vitamin D-rich beverages like fortified milk, orange juice, and plant-based milks, for strong bones. Avoid sugary, fizzy, and too caffeinated drinks.
Q3: Which vitamin deficiency results in brittle bones?
A: Children with osteomalacia, often known as rickets, have weak or mushy bones due to insufficient calcium or phosphorus. This all happens due to the deficiency of vitamin D.
Staying abreast with the latest information is the best way to combat diseases in early stages and live a healthy life. Read the latest news & updates here to learn about the recent advancements in joint care and therapeutics.
