Why Bone Health Matters

Maintaining bone health is crucial for various bodily functions, including providing structural support, safeguarding organs, facilitating muscle attachment, and storing calcium. Although prioritizing bone strength is vital during childhood and adolescence, there are measures adults can take to support bone health.



Why Bone Health Matters Bone composition undergoes constant change throughout life, with new bone formation and old bone breakdown occurring simultaneously. During youth, the rate of bone formation surpasses that of bone breakdown, leading to increased bone mass. Typically, individuals reach peak bone mass around age 30. Subsequently, while bone remodeling persists, there's a gradual net loss of bone mass with age.

The likelihood of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle and weak bones, hinges on peak bone mass attainment by age 30 and subsequent bone loss rates. Higher peak bone mass correlates with reduced osteoporosis risk as one age, emphasizing the significance of bone health maintenance throughout life.

Factors Influencing Bone Health Several factors impact bone health, including:

  1. Dietary Calcium Intake: Inadequate calcium consumption contributes to reduced bone density, early bone loss, and heightened fracture risk.


  2. Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles elevate osteoporosis risk compared to active ones, highlighting the importance of weight-bearing exercises.


  3. Tobacco and Alcohol Usage: Research links tobacco use to weakened bones, while excessive alcohol consumption, especially in women (more than one drink daily) and men (more than two drinks daily), may increase osteoporosis risk.


  4. Gender: Women face a higher osteoporosis risk due to lower bone tissue density than men.

  5. Body Size: Individuals with extremely low body mass indices (BMI 19 or less) or small frames may possess less bone mass, predisposing them to bone health issues.




  6. Aging: Bone thinning and weakening are natural consequences of aging.

  7. Ethnicity and Family History: Whites and individuals of Asian descent face elevated osteoporosis risks. Additionally, having osteoporosis or fracture history in the family heightens individual susceptibility.


  8. Hormonal Levels: Excessive thyroid hormone or decreased estrogen levels post-menopause in women, as well as low testosterone levels in men, contribute to bone loss.


  9. Eating Disorders and Medical Conditions: Conditions like celiac disease or prolonged amenorrhea, along with restrictive eating habits or underweight status, weaken bones. Certain medications, including corticosteroids and anti-seizure drugs, may also compromise bone health.

Promoting Bone Health To maintain or slow bone loss, consider the following steps:

  1. Ensure Adequate Calcium Intake: Consume calcium-rich foods like dairy, almonds, leafy greens, and fortified products. Supplements may be necessary if dietary intake is insufficient.


  2. Monitor Vitamin D Levels: Vitamin D aids calcium absorption. Incorporate oily fish, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified foods into your diet. Sun exposure also boosts vitamin D production.


  3. Engage in Physical Activity: Incorporate weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or stair climbing to enhance bone strength.


  4. Avoid Substance Abuse: Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two for men to mitigate bone health risks.

By adopting these strategies, you can support optimal bone health throughout adulthood, reducing the likelihood of osteoporosis and associated complications. 

Warm regards,

Dr. Dharmaraj Yadav

Thank you,

Dr. Dharmaraj S Yadav.

For more information

Contact: ‎+91 70455 47551

Websitehttps://drdharmarajsyadav.co/

Location Raj Hospital, Isha Shopping Complex, Sector 15, Nerul, Navi Mumbai - 400706b.


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