Are you at risk of "bone with holes"?

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "
Caption: "Holey Bones" literally refers to osteoporosis. This bone disease occurs when bones lose minerals such as calcium faster than their body can replace them. As a result, the bones become less dense, lose strength and break more easily. In fact, according to the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Changi General Hospital (CGH), most people are unaware that they have this condition until a fracture occurs. occurs. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of this "silent disease". (iStock photo)
"data-reactid =" 22 ">
Caption: "Holey Bones" literally refers to osteoporosis. This bone disease occurs when bones lose minerals such as calcium faster than their body can replace them. As a result, the bones become less dense, lose strength and break more easily. In fact, according to the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Changi General Hospital (CGH), most people are unaware that they have this condition until a fracture occurs. occurs. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of this "silent disease". (iStock photo)

<p class = "canvas-atom web-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Osteoporosis particularly affects the women of their second and old age, although some men are also affected. Women are four times more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. Half of women over 50 will suffer a broken hip, wrist, spine or other bone due to osteoporosis. These facts were shared by the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Changi General Hospital (CGH), member of the SingHealth group. "data-reactid =" 23 "> Osteoporosis particularly affects women in their middle and later years, although some men are also affected. Women are four times more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. Half of women over 50 will suffer a broken hip, wrist, spine or other bone due to osteoporosis. These facts were shared by the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Changi General Hospital (CGH), member of the SingHealth group.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

Factors that may predispose an individual to osteoporosis include:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• Inadequate amounts of dietary calcium
• Low levels of vitamin D
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption of more than two standard drinks per day
• Early menopause (before 45 years)
• Long-term use of drugs such as corticosteroids and antiepileptics
• Medical history, such as thyroid disease or hyperactivity of the thyroid

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Related article: Foods to avoid because they can harm your bones"data-reactid =" 35 ">Related article: Foods to avoid because they can harm your bones

FAQ on osteoporosis

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about osteoporosis.

1. How do I know if I am suffering from osteoporosis?

Since osteoporosis is a silent disease, it causes no pain or specific symptoms. Some signs that you can look for are:

• Gums receding
• Decrease in strength in your catches
• Nails weak and brittle
• Cramps and muscle aches
• Loss of height

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Related article: Medical exams to be preferred – sorted by age group"data-reactid =" 46 ">Related article: Medical exams to be preferred – sorted by age group

2. In addition to calcium, what are the other essential nutrients for bone health?

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "In bone health and prevention of the disease" Osteoporosis, calcium alone is not enough: your body needs many essential nutrients to strengthen bones, the most important being magnesium, vitamin D, phosphorus and vitamin K. "data-reactid =" 48 "> When it comes to bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis, calcium alone is not enough.Your body needs several essential nutrients to strengthen bones. are: magnesium, vitamin D, phosphorus and vitamin K.

Magnesium is found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, seafood, legumes, tofu and many vegetables. Our skin, when it is exposed to the sun, also produces vitamin D, which contributes to the absorption of calcium and phosphate. You can also get vitamin D from oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, as well as red meat and eggs.

Vitamin C and vitamin B12 are other nutrients that can play an important role in bone development.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Related article: Prevent osteoporosis with 10 tips recommended by the doctor"data-reactid =" 51 ">Related article: Prevent osteoporosis with 10 tips recommended by the doctor

–

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Articles on HealthXchange.sg are intended for informational purposes only and may not be used as a substitute for surgical, medical or health professional advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment"data-reactid =" 53 ">Articles on HealthXchange.sg are intended for informational purposes only and may not be used as a substitute for surgical, medical or health professional advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment.