Submitted by Shannon Laesch, APN and Elizabeth Madlem, APN, The Bone Health Clinic at Millennium Pain Center
Osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become brittle and fragile, is often called a “silent disease” because it usually progresses without any symptoms until a fracture occurs or one or more vertebrae collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may first be felt or seen when a person develops severe back pain, loss of height, or spine malformations, such as a stooped or hunched posture. Bones affected by osteoporosis may become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as the result of minor bumps, falls, or normal stresses and strains such as bending, lifting, or even coughing.
Even though osteoporosis is considered a global public health problem and is estimated to affect half of all Americans over age 50, it is not a natural and unavoidable part of aging. In fact, most medical experts now believe that osteoporosis is largely preventable by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and exercise. Let’s first discuss the role of calcium, as it is the most important nutrient for preventing osteoporosis.
Bone is living tissue that contains a lot of calcium. The amount of calcium that makes up your bones is the measure of how strong they are. To keep bones strong, your body constantly breaks down old bone tissue and replaces it with new bone tissue. But calcium is also needed for the heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly and for blood to clot normally. If your body does not get enough calcium from the foods you eat, then it simply “steals” calcium from your bones.
It’s important to understand that calcium and vitamin D go hand in hand. No matter how much calcium you consume, it cannot be absorbed and processed by the body without an adequate supply of vitamin D. Vitamin D is made in the skin after exposure to sunlight. It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from diet alone as only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. Foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and cereals, are a major dietary source. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products; dark green, leafy vegetables; and calcium-fortified foods such as orange juice, cereals, and breads.
Calcium needs change during your lifetime. The body’s demand for calcium is greater during childhood and adolescence, when the skeleton is growing rapidly. As people get older, vitamin D production decreases—especially during the winter and for people who are housebound—and your body becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium and other nutrients. In addition, bones often can’t make new bone fast enough to keep up with the bone that is lost. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic medical problems and to use medications that may impair calcium absorption. For whatever reason, we know that the average calcium intake of individuals is far below the levels recommended for optimal bone health.
Preventing osteoporosis is a lifelong endeavor. Adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D are just one important part of an osteoporosis prevention or treatment program that also includes exercise, refraining from smoking, limiting alcohol, preventing falls, and possibly medication. If you have trouble getting enough calcium in your diet, you may need to take a calcium supplement. Always work with your doctor or healthcare professional to determine if a calcium supplement is needed, as too much calcium can cause other health problems. Individuals who consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D throughout life are more likely to achieve optimal skeletal mass early in life and are less likely to lose bone later in life.
For more information on osteoporosis or to schedule a bone density screening, you may contact The Bone Health Clinic at Millennium Pain Center, 309-662-4321. They are located at 1015 Mercer Ave. in Bloomington. Shannon Laesch and Elizabeth Madlem are certified bone health consultants. The clinic provides screening, diagnosis, and a comprehensive treatment plan for people who have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
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