Bones are actual living tissue consistently remodeling its structure to build a flexible and strong frame. The three main components of bones are:
Collagen, a protein that gives bones a flexible framework
Calcium-phosphate mineral complexes that make bones hard and strong
Living bone cells that remove and replace weakened sections of bone
As children our bones are continuously growing and strengthening. Our bones stop developing between the ages of 18 and 25. Maintenance mode takes over and our bones continue to restructure themselves by fortifying areas that it detects are weak. However, age never fails to play a cruel trick on us, especially if we have neglected our bone health. Approximately 80% of women have Osteoporosis. One in three women and one in 12 men over the age of 50 worldwide are estimated to have osteoporosis. Why is this? After the age of 18 and 25 you may start to lose more bone than you form. In midlife the speed of bone loss tends to speed up in both men and women. And wallah! …Osteoporosis happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone, or both.
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease. It is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density and it can lead to an increase risk of fractures. The most common fractures are hip, vertebrate, wrist and rib fractures. Why are these fractures so dangerous? These types of fractures are very painful and can be debilitating which can lead to the development of more disabilities like multiple vertebral fractures, a stooped posture, loss of height, impaired eyesight, chronic pain and many other disorders that could lead to death.
There is a way to minimize the risk of fractures caused by Osteoporosis. To minimize such fractures also means decelerating the disease. So, how do we minimize Osteoporosis fractures? We can minimize fractures through proper nutrition, exercise and supplementation.
Learn more about Bone & Joint Health.