Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones become weakened by loss of substance (osteopenia), leading to an increased risk of broken bones (fractures) with minimal trauma.
When the bones are significantly thinned (low in bone mass) people who fall are more likely to break their wrist, hip, or other bones. A cough or a sneeze is more likely to cause a fracture of a rib or the partial collapse of one of the bones of the spine (vertebra). Any bone is more at risk with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis can occur in any person, but certain factors add together to increase the risk of a person developing osteoporosis.
If you fall into one or more of these groups you may be at greater risk of osteoporosis:
- Female
- Older age group.
- Menopause before the age of 45.
- Low sex hormone levels.
- This can be associated with excessive weight loss, (as in anorexia nervosa) and excessive exercise.
- Both of these are sometimes linked in, for example, ballerinas.
- Smoking
- High alcohol intake.
- Physical inactivity or bed rest.
- Thin people.
- Family history of osteoporosis.
When considering your diet, there are certain ways that you can protect your bones. The main way is by increasing your dietary intake of calcium.
Did you know that
- 99% of body’s calcium is stored in the skeleton.
- Calcium is essential to the body.
- Calcium is absorbed by our small bowel.
- Calcium reduces bone loss, particularly in post- menopausal women.
How can an Eatatease Dietitian help?
Eatatease can help you to learn how to help protect your bones, learn which foods are high in calcium and how to incorporate them into your diet.
The e-consultation allows a comprehensive dietary review to be undertaken by a UK registered Dietitian and a diet schedule can be devised specifically for you.
Get PERSONALLY tailored diet advice about osteoporosis from one of our registered dietitians!
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