Osteoporosis in Indian Women
On the one hand, where India continues to struggle with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, on the other, yet another health condition has surfaced – decreased bone density. Osteoporosis, as it is popularly known, is a disease characterized by bone-thinning and the weakening of bones. It affects the bones to the extent that a slight impact can cause them to break, thereby worsening the individual’s situation.
One of the critical concerns about osteoporosis is that the individual does not show any apparent symptoms until the condition aggravates to an advanced stage, causing a fracture. Around 1.5 million Indian males suffer from it. However, the number is much more significant in Indian women, especially middle-aged ones. It affects about 80% of them. This blog focuses on the reasons for osteoporosis in women and its preventive measures.
What is Osteoporosis?
Bone formation constitutes an ongoing process. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are the two special cells in the normal bone-remodeling cycle. They work towards maintaining bone health. Osteoclasts break down old bones, and osteoblasts help with new bone formation. Aging leads to more bone-breaking than forming. When osteoblasts fail with the bone formation process, bones turn brittle, weak, and vulnerable to severe damage.
Reasons for Osteoporosis in Indian Women
Over the years, osteoporosis has become a common condition among Indian women. Some of the factors responsible for it include increasing longevity and a range of critical risk factors. It consists of a lack of calcium in the regular diet, deficiency of vitamin D, early menopause, and sex inequality.
Other elements leading to osteoporosis in women include insufficient or no awareness about bone health, genetic predisposition, lack of diagnostic facilities, and the financial inability to treat it on time. Fractures relating to osteoporosis primarily occur in the hip, spine, or wrist area.
Preventive Measures for Osteoporosis in Indian Females
Osteoporosis is preventable. Some of the standard preventive measures for osteoporosis include the following.
- Enhanced Nutrient Intake: Maintaining excellent bone health requires an adequate intake of vitamin D, calcium, and proteins. While Vitamin D enables optimal calcium absorption, calcium strengthens bones, and protein-rich food helps maintain high Bone Mineral Density (BMD). In this view, milk, grains, nuts, leafy green vegetables, chicken, egg yolk, etc. prove helpful. However, a doctor’s consultation is needed.
- Perform a Regular BMD Check: A BMD test proves useful in detecting osteoporosis risks painlessly and quickly. The sooner you detect it, the more helpful it is in preventing it.
- Perform Regular Exercises: Practice brisk walking, skipping, climbing, house cleaning, gardening, etc. to keep your bones active. Performing regular exercises initially for half an hour every day can help.
- Stay Mindful about Bone Weakening Symptoms and Increase Awareness: One of the most effective and simple ways of preventing the onset of osteoporosis is to stay careful and mindful about the slightest of bone weakening and thinning signs. Besides, consulting your doctor and increasing awareness about bone-related insights also contribute to your endeavors in preventing osteoporosis.
Ranka Hospitals is a leading center for osteoporosis consultation and treatment. The team at Ranka comprises some of the best osteoporosis experts to help Indian women and men better combat the disease. Connect with Ranka Hospitals for an osteoporosis consultation appointment.
Reference Links
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4621228/#:~:text=In%20Indian%20women%2C%20increasing%20longevity,prevalence%20of%20osteoporosis%20and%20fractures.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/health/lack-of-calcium-and-a-woman-s-disease-6-myths-about-osteoporosis/story-Sxni4gcqE9MJ1qKJewyLiL.html
https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/here-s-how-you-can-prevent-osteoporosis-in-5-steps/story-8aiyQzUlvuhjgTdgQazNMI.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968#:~:text=Osteoporosis%20causes%20bones%20to%20become,being%20broken%20down%20and%20replaced
