Osteoporosis is a disease that is often referred to as the “silent bone thief”. It causes progressive loss of bone mass, which is the cause of frequent fractures, mainly of the spine, femoral neck and radius. It can lead to disability and even death.
Statistics show that over 2 million Poles suffer from osteoporosis. Almost half of women in their 50s will experience at least one osteoporotic fracture. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the unfavorable demographic situation in Poland, or more precisely – the aging society. Many myths have arisen around the disease, the debunking of which allows for a better understanding of the disease, and thus, the implementation of early prevention, diagnosis and effective treatment.
Facts and myths about osteoporosis
Myth 1: Osteoporosis is a disease that only affects the elderly.
Fact:
The truth is that the risk of osteoporosis increases with age. The disease often appears in the course of other chronic diseases, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney problems, and can even be a consequence of long-term use of certain medications. The rate of calcium absorption with the daily diet also decreases in the elderly. However, osteoporosis also occurs as an adolescent form.
After the age of 30, there is a gradual loss of bone mass, and the rate of demineralization depends, among others, on from hygiene of life, physical activity and diet. The risk of developing osteoporosis at a young age is increased in women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, vigorous growth in children and adolescents, alcohol and cigarette abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Moreover, the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly depends on whether we take care of the condition of the bones early enough. Osteopenia may develop at an early age, which is, in a way, a harbinger of later problems with osteoporosis. That is why disease prevention is so important, including supplementation (appropriate doses of calcium and vitamin D), proper diet (consumption of dairy products, green vegetables and fish) and exercise, preferably outdoors.
Myth 2: Only women suffer from osteoporosis
Fact:
Both men and women suffer from osteoporosis. It is worth noting, however, that after the age of 50, the disease affects women (30%) more often than men (8%). Such a significant difference is related to the dynamic changes in the hormonal balance, including changes taking place in the menopausal period. This is due to a drop in estrogen levels. As a consequence, it causes a decrease in bone density. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also need up to 20% more calcium in their daily diet. Together with mother’s milk, the baby takes up to 400 mg of this element, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Osteoporosis in pregnant women most often appears in the last trimester or in the first few months after giving birth. Its symptoms are severe spine pains that hinder daily functioning and aggravate thoracic kyphosis. Such a motor disability may also cause the development of serious psychological illnesses, including depression.
Myth 3: Exercising physical activity wears out bones.
Fact:
It is not without reason that sport is good for health. What’s more, regular physical activity should be taken care of from an early age, as it stimulates the growth of bone mass. Daily exercise strengthens the condition of the musculoskeletal system through, inter alia, improving blood circulation, which provides the bones with many valuable building and nutrients.
This increases the mechanical strength of bones, reduces the intensity of pain, reduces posture defects and prevents the formation of blood clots and respiratory failure. However, it is important that the type and intensity of exercises are adjusted to the age and abilities of the trainee. Swimming, walking and cycling are especially recommended.
Myth 4: There is no effective prevention of osteoporosis
Fact:
Hygiene of life has a great influence on the development of many diseases defined as civilization. This concept covers, above all, an appropriate diet (rich in dairy products, including yoghurt and cheese), daily physical activity, regular check-ups and supplementing the deficiencies of elements with effective and safe supplementation. People who, due to health or age, cannot take an adequate amount of calcium, should reach for highly digestible preparations, eg Calperos, which contains calcium ions in the form of calcium carbonate.
Myth 5: Densitometry is a test intended only for the elderly
Fact:
Densitometry is a key test that is used to diagnose osteoporosis. On this basis, doctors assess bone density, which is not possible with blood tests, as the calcium level of people suffering from osteoporosis is usually normal. Unfortunately, still a small part of the society decides to perform densitometry and does not include it in preventive periodic tests, such as lipidogram, blood glucose level or cytology.
What’s more, people aged 60+ decide to test the bone density. As it turns out, the risk group also includes young people who are heavy smokers and alcoholics, who take steroids, men with low testosterone levels or women who have undergone menopause before the age of 45.
The calculation of the fracture risk using the FRAX calculator or the performance of densitometry is necessary to implement appropriate prophylaxis or treatment, because osteoporosis does not have specific symptoms in the initial stage of development.
Myth 6: Only very thin people suffer from osteoporosis
Fact
Scientific research on this subject does not give a clear picture of the situation. Some of the results show that high body weight reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Others, in turn, prove that in the serum of obese people, a decrease in the concentration of bone turnover markers, including primarily osteocalcin, is observed.
It is also known that people on restrictive weight loss diets, aimed at reducing the content of adipose tissue, experience a reduction in the level of estrogen, which is one of the factors of bone calcium loss. Due to such a wide discrepancy in scientific reports, it is best to use common sense in this matter and make sure that your body weight is within the correct BMI index.
According to the data presented by the National Health Fund (NFZ), the number of cases of osteoporosis in Poland will increase in the coming years. As it is easy to conclude, the need to implement appropriate prophylaxis and supplementation of the elderly, menopausal women, women expecting a child and breastfeeding women, becomes more and more crucial in maintaining healthy and strong bones.