What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis results when the bones in the body are depleted of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals. As a result, the bones become weak and porous, almost like a sponge, rendering them fragile and more easy to break. Although these effects are the results of having osteoporosis, it is caused by several different contributing factors, detailed below.
Genetics
Those with a family history of osteoporosis are more at risk for the disease than those without one. Also, women are more likely to have osteoporosis due to the different structure in the bones. Ethnicity also plays a part: Caucasian and Asian people are more likely to experience osteoporosis than African Americans, or people of Hispanic origin.
Body-Related Factors
As women age, they are more likely to get osteoporosis, due to a decreasing presence of estrogen in the body. Estrogen protects bone mass, and the lack of it during menopause can result in loss of bone mass. Conversely, in men, testosterone protects bone mass. Low testosterone levels in men can lead to the development of osteoporosis.
Another additional cause of osteoporosis is if the person has previously broken a bone. Due to the lengths the body must go to to repair a broken bone, this can reduce bone mineral density and later contribute to osteoporosis.
Those who weigh less than 127 pounds (such as petite or small-boned women) are more likely to get osteoporosis due to the fact that they have less bone mass than those who are larger-boned (womenshealth.gov).
Lifestyle Factors
Some osteoporosis causes are directly associated with lifestyle factors (what you eat and drink and how much activity you engage in). For example, those who do not get enough calcium, vitamin D or essential minerals such as phosphorus and magnesium from their diet may not be giving the body what it needs to boost bone mass.
A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Performing weight-bearing exercises, such as running, walking or aerobics, in combination with strength-bearing exercises (lifting weights, doing push-ups or squats) can increase bone mass.
There are also some activities and foods that have a negative impact on bone mass. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, for example, can deplete bone mass. Eating excess amounts of protein as well as drinking too much caffeine can also contribute to the onset of osteoporosis.
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