When you think of osteoporosis, do you have an image of a fragile body that can break a bone at the slightest touch? This "silent killer" has become increasingly rampant in recent years, not only plaguing the elderly, but even beginning to creep into the young group. Have you ever wondered why bones become so quietly fragile? Now, let'sHong Kong Times MedicalJoin us in lifting the veil on this silent war.

Osteoporosis: Not just for old age

Osteoporosis, which seems to be closely related to aging, is not an exclusive label for the elderly. Although the incidence is higher in people over 50, in recent years, more and more young people have joined this "vulnerable army." What is the secret behind this?

Before we can answer this question, we first need to understand a key concept - "bone mass". Bone mass, the amount of bone tissue per unit volume, includes bone minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) and bone matrix (e.g., collagen, protein). The strength of bones is closely related to the amount of bone mass, and calcium content becomes an indirect index to evaluate bone mass.

Imagine that our bones are like a "bone bank", and the more "bone mass" we store when we are young, the more capital we can consume after middle age, and the longer our bones can be maintained. However, from 25 grams of total body calcium at birth, to peak bone mass around the age of 35, and then to annual loss after the age of 50, this race with time, are we really ready?

The man behind osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not sudden, it is behind a series of complex factors at work.

Lifestyle: The invisible killer of bone health

Bad habits: Smoking, excessive drinking, coffee and carbonated drinks, these seemingly daily habits, but secretly eat away at your bones.

Lack of exercise: sedentary, lack of exercise, bones do not get the stimulation they should, and gradually become weak.

Diet imbalance: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency, insufficient protein intake, high sodium diet, weight loss, etc., are invisible threats to bone health.

In addition, endocrine diseases, rheumatic immune diseases, digestive system diseases, nervous system diseases, blood system diseases... These seemingly unrelated to bone diseases, in fact, may become a catalyst for osteoporosis.

Get out of the way: Address the stumbling blocks to healthy bones

On the road to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, we are often easy to fall into misunderstandings, and these misunderstandings are the stumbling blocks that hinder us to healthy bones.

Myth 1: The bone soup myth

The traditional concept of "what is missing makes up what" has made bone soup a "holy product" for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, this is not the case. The calcium content of a bowl of milk is much higher than that of a bowl of bone soup, and the large amount of fat in bone soup may also cause other health problems. A balanced diet is the key.

Misconception 2: The trap of simple calcium supplements

Osteoporosis is not just a lack of calcium, it is the result of abnormal bone metabolism. Simple calcium supplementation, if not effectively absorbed, is tantamount to futility. Promoting calcium absorption, inhibiting bone destruction, and promoting bone formation is the way of treatment.

Myth 3: Age bias

Osteoporosis is not just a disease of the elderly. It can also affect the young. Neglect of exercise, picky diet, unbalanced diet structure... These bad habits may give osteoporosis an opportunity. Prevention starts young.

Myth 4: The paradox of movement

"Less activity, less fracture", this seemingly reasonable logic, in fact, is very wrong. Lack of exercise will only accelerate bone loss and aggravate osteoporosis. Physical exercise is an active means to prevent and cure osteoporosis.

Myth # 5: The patience test of therapy

The treatment of osteoporosis is not an overnight success. Imaging changes take a long time. As long as the disease doesn't get worse, the treatment is effective. Persistence is the only way to health.

Take Action: Tips for preventing osteoporosis

Knowing the truth and misunderstanding of osteoporosis, how should we act to protect our bone health?

Eat a balanced diet: Increase your intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, soy products, green leafy vegetables, etc. At the same time, pay attention to the balanced intake of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Moderate exercise: Choose the right way to exercise, such as walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, etc., to enhance bone strength and muscle strength.

Healthy lifestyle: Stop smoking, limit alcohol, and avoid excessive caffeine and carbonated beverages. Get enough sleep and be happy.

Regular check-ups: Get regular bone density tests to know your bone health. If there is any abnormality, seek medical treatment immediately.

Osteoporosis, the silent killer, is quietly threatening our health. But as long as we understand the truth of it, get out of the misunderstanding, and take action, we can protect our bone health. Let's start today, care for bones, enjoy a healthy life!

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