Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is a decrease in bone mass, causing the bones to become more porous, increasing the cavities within them, and therefore making them more fragile, less resistant to impacts, and more prone to fractures.
Throughout life, the body, and specifically the bones, undergo metabolic changes, alternating between phases of bone destruction and formation, which are influenced by various hormones, dietary habits, physical activity, and general care. It should be noted that from the age of 35, humans begin to experience natural bone loss.
Excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, endocrine disorders, liver diseases, and kidney failure can also be causes of osteoporosis.
Although you may have already heard about this disease, today we want to share 5 interesting facts that you may not know about osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis can affect both men and women. However, white women, especially those who have gone through menopause, are at a higher risk. 25% of women who reach menopause suffer from this disease due to the decrease in estrogen, which is a hormone that promotes bone growth and strength.
A bone fracture in a person with osteoporosis is different from one who does not have it. With this condition, the bone will regenerate more slowly and less completely due to mineral deficiency in the body.
Osteoporosis does not present symptoms in the early stage, but once the bones have weakened, back pain, loss of height, a hunched posture, and an increased likelihood of fractures may occur.
Among the risk factors that a person cannot control are gender (with women being more susceptible), age, as aging is a risk factor, and family history, as having a close relative who has had this condition may increase the likelihood of risk.
Osteoporosis is not an irreversible process. Preventive measures can be taken from a young age to maintain good bone mass, and there is a wide range of treatments to increase it if a diagnosis has already been made.
It is very important to have an adequate intake of dairy products and vitamin D from childhood to promote bone growth and increase the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, engaging in physical activity, especially exercises like weightlifting, walking, hiking, or any other sport that helps strengthen muscles and bones, is crucial.
Likewise, although it is not an irreversible condition, individuals with osteoporosis should follow a treatment plan to prevent fractures. If a fracture has already occurred, medication becomes indispensable as the risk of experiencing a new fracture is much higher. If you start experiencing discomfort in your bones, it is important to seek the advice of a specialist to prevent, to the extent possible, further damage.
