Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle.  Falls become more dangerous and more likely to result in hip fractures and other broken bones.

The word “osteoporosis” means “porous bone.”  Osteoporisis is called “the silent thief” because there are no symptoms of bone loss until a bone fractures.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to delay or prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

Protect Your Bones from Osteoporosis

To protect your bones, it’s better to start young!  Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against osteoporosis in later life.  It’s never too late to start caring for your bones and joints.  Firstly, exercise regularly to keep your bones strong.

Secondly, eat foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients.

Thirdly, minimize consumption of salty foods, caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and red meat.

Fourthly, avoid smoking.   Cigarette smoke damages the cells, organs and hormones we rely on to keep our bones healthy.

Do you take calcium supplements?  Choose calcium citrate, which is best absorbed by the body.  If you aren’t sure if you’re getting  enough calcium from green, leafy vegetables and dairy every day, consider a supplement.

Vitamin D3 helps improve calcium absorption.  In the summer, get 20 minutes of sunshine daily.  In a northern climate like ours, it’s difficult to get enough strong sunlight during the winter to make enough of our own Vitamin D3.  Vitamin D3 supplements are recommended for Canadians, especially in the wintertime.

Proper calcium metabolism requires magnesium.  Many people can’t get enough magnesium from their daily diet.  If you’re not sure whether you’re getting enough magnesium every day, consider a supplement.

Recognize that osteoporosis is not only “a woman’s disease.”  Both men and women begin to lose bone mass in their mid-30s.  While women lose bone mass at a greater rate and suffer almost 3 out of 4 hip fractures per year (in the over 50 population), recognize that 1 in 4 hip fractures in that same population are in men.

Take care of your bones by seeing your chiropractor regularly.  If we haven’t seen you in some time, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 for an appointment.