Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones” bones that were once strong have now become fragile. This insidious disease is often referred to as the “silent thief” as it quietly takes away bone strength. Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease in which the continuous interplay of bone formation and bone resorption is disturbed. Resorption predominates, causing bones to become progressively weaker. Osteoporosis is especially common among women after menopause (after the age of 50). Among men it occurs much less frequently.
In addition, an unhealthy lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, lack of exercise), vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, oestrogen deficiency and various drugs (especially thyroid hormones and cortisone) can contribute to the development of the disease. Acidosis – an excess of acid in the body – is another factor that impairs bone stability. Strong, solid bones need calcium, vitamin D, various hormones and sufficient exercise in order to regulate themselves properly. Calcium is supplied to the body via food. Vitamin D is synthesized mainly in the upper layers of the skin through the action of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Patients with osteoporosis should promote this regulation process in their bones by taking in the right kinds of food.
For prevention, one should focus on two main factors: a good, healthy diet and sufficient exercise. The latter is a powerful stimulus that induces bones to incorporate calcium for greater stability. Proper nutrition and a well-balanced metabolism can be achieved easily and effectively by means of the metabolic balance® programme.
Osteoporosis goes unnoticed at the start and is often not discovered until a late stage, when bone fractures occur. These fractures are very painful and severely restrict a patient’s mobility. This in turn leads to muscle weakness and circulatory problems. As a result, patients with osteoporosis suffer from progressive deterioration of their general health and well-being. One important means of diagnosis is measurement of bone density.
Regular exercise helps to support the preservation of bone structure, and directly positively influence bone strength. Moreover, exercise strengthens the surrounding muscles to protect the vital bone. The aim of active physiotherapy prevention is therefore the mobilization and stabilization of the entire body, e.g. back exercises or device-based physiotherapy are matched to the capacity of individuals.
In a healthy person in order to save the bone calcium, a mineral for each muscle movement is required. Over a lifetime, this can change frequently, through not enough calcium through food stock, the body draws on its calcium deposit back into the bone. The result: bones lose mass and stability. After years of chronic pain, they often break without any external cause. Therefore a conscious diet which supplies the body with enough calcium and vitamin D (high deficiency in India) keeps bones healthy. Also a lot of exercise in the fresh air and the sun in moderation refuels stores which helps to prevent osteoporosis. In a variety of people affected, the bone disease could have been prevented by timely action.
BDST: 1640 HRS, Oct-18, 2014
