Vitamin D
supplementation should be started early to prevent osteoporosis
This is silent disease as it does not have any
symptoms
New Delhi, 26 September 2017: From a research conducted recently, scientists have
been able to identify what leads to bone loss in older adults. According to
this, a protein called Cbf-beta plays a critical role in maintaining the
bone-producing cells. When the mechanism producing this protein malfunctions,
the progenitor cells stop creating bone-producing cells and instead create fat
cells. It is, therefore, important to maintain this Cbf-beta to prevent human
age-associated osteoporosis, which is caused due to excessive creation of fat
cells.
Osteoporosis is condition in which the bones become
weak, and even a simple fall or bump can cause a bone to break. The most common
bones to break or fracture are those of the spine, hip and the wrist. This is
often known as a “silent disease’’ because one cannot feel or see the bones
becoming weaker. Women are more affected by this condition than men.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical
Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN
Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “The normal bone-remodeling cycle is a balance of two
special cells that work together to keep the bones strong. While osteoclast
cells break down old bones causing pits; osteoblasts work to fill in these pits
with new bone. When a person grows older, the bone-remodeling cycle changes and
more bone is broken down than that formed. Osteoclasts start breaking down the
bone faster. The osteoblasts cannot keep up with this to fill in the pits that
are being formed. The bones thus become thin and fragile, leading to an
increased risk of fractures. Apart from this, a low BMI is a risk factor for
osteoporosis and high BMI is a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Therefore, a
balance must be maintained.”
Apart from age and gender certain other factors such as
an inactive lifestyle, excessive alcohol and tobacco intake, and smoking can
also lead to osteoporosis. It is important to get a bone density test done in
those above the age of 50 to assess the risk of acquiring this disorder.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “If a female is
postmenopausal, she needs an osteoporosis evaluation. In premenopausal
women, in presence of risk factors, osteoporosis evaluation should be done;
more the risk factors, more the chances of developing osteoporosis in future.
To overcome osteoporosis, one must remember the following mnemonic, ABCDE: A
means adequate sunlight, B means avoiding bone toxins, C means adequate
calcium, D means fortification or supplementation of Vitamin D and E means
exercise.”
The upcoming Perfect Health Mela being organized by
HCFI, to be held from 4th to 8th October 2017 at the
Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi will provide a platform to discuss many of these
health issues. IMA is the knowledge partner for the event. It is a must visit
for those interested in learning more about preventive health and well-being. The
Mela will also have free health camps for checking various health parameters.
The following tips can help prevent the risk of
osteoporosis at an early age.
- Avoid bone toxins,
namely, alcohol and smoking. Smoking is dangerous as it accelerates bone
destruction. Excess of 80 ml of alcohol or 80 gm of alcohol can accelerate
bone destruction.
- Start Vitamin D
supplementation right from when boys and girls are in the school going
age. Remember, osteoporosis begins in the school going age but manifests
later in life.
- Three yoga exercises
namely, Surya Namaskar, Tadasana and Vrakshasana, which involve standing
on your toes or weight bearing on your toes, are good to avoid
osteoporosis.
- An adequate intake of
protein in diet, combined with an adequate intake of calcium helps
increase bone density. One should aim for about 12% of calories to come
from proteins such as legumes, poultry, seafood, meat, dairy products,
nuts and seeds.
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