Osteoporosis is one of the most common aging problems, with a prevalence of over 50% in people over 50 years old. Experts have summarized the “10 warning signs of osteoporosis”.
Naturally thin or small-boned
People with a small skeleton will develop osteoporosis at an earlier age. Bone density peaks when people are 20 to 25 years old and begins to decline from the age of 30 to 40. Experts suggest that the most attention should be paid to enhancing bone health in the 30s, with specific measures including: eating more calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, and doing more impact sports such as running and jumping. in the 40s, continue to maintain a nutritious diet, increase calcium and magnesium and vitamin D, and do more strength training. Strength training helps prevent bone loss.
Smoking
Several studies have shown that smoking decreases bone mineral density. People who smoke regularly in adulthood have a higher incidence of osteoporosis. Studies have found that quitting smoking at any age will benefit bones. But the sooner you quit smoking, the better.
Drinking more than 250 ml of alcohol per day
Studies have found that alcohol tends to cause brittle bones because it causes the loss of minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the bones. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk. Drinking alcohol has a greater impact on women’s bones than men’s. Experts suggest that it is important to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink or stop drinking in order to protect your bones. Replace it with tea or warm milk with honey.
Not drinking milk for reasons such as lactose intolerance
Milk is the best bone building food and it is crucial to supplement calcium, and vitamin D fortified milk is even more crucial. Experts suggest that regular consumption of milk and mineral-fortified soy milk such as vitamin D and calcium-magnesium can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Development of eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa is a warning red light for osteoporosis. Excessive weight loss tends to lower hormone levels, leading to menstrual disorders, and lower estrogen levels can directly affect women’s bone health. Experts recommend that patients with anorexia or bulimia should be treated promptly and return to normal eating habits. You should also make sure to drink milk regularly and take calcium and magnesium vitamin D supplements to ensure healthy bones and teeth.
Women with menstrual disorders or early amenorrhea
Low estrogen levels may lead to menstrual disorders or early amenorrhea in women. And low estrogen can directly lead to bone loss. Eating disorders, excessive exercise, and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) can all contribute to low estrogen in women. Experts suggest that irregular menstruation should be seen promptly.
Having a first- or second-degree relative who developed osteoporosis before age 50 or before menopause
Family history is also a major sign of osteoporosis. If there is a family history of bone disease, poor posture and shortened height, then you are at relatively greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Experts recommend finding out if anyone in your family has had osteoporosis and telling your doctor your family history truthfully to properly predict your risk of osteoporosis.
Caucasians or Asians, women and people over 50 years old
The risk of bone loss increases with one of the three risk factors, and if all three are present, the risk of fracture increases dramatically, especially in people over 60, because the risk of bone loss increases with age. Experts say that the incidence of fracture is as high as 90% in women over 75 years old, and people over 50 should have their bone density measured to detect problems and treat them promptly.
Long-term use of certain drugs
Long-term use of adrenocorticotropic drugs can disrupt hormone levels, leading to the loss of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients from the bones. Patients with Crohn’s disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Female patients in particular need to be given high priority. Thyroxine and antidepressants also tend to cause bone loss. When taking these medications, it is important to pay close attention to changes in bone density and take bisphosphonate-based bone density-enhancing drugs under medical supervision if necessary.
More than one fracture in the last two years, or an unusually severe fracture
Many patients find out they have a bone loss problem when they have a fracture in the small arm, ankle, etc. Experts recommend that patients who find or suspect a bone loss problem should go to the hospital to have their bone density measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The results of this measurement help doctors determine the risk of fracture.