[Fan Letters].Aunt Li is a strong and independent person, and although she has often experienced chest tightness and shortness of breath in recent years, she always thinks that it is just ordinary physical discomfort that can be tolerated, so she does not pay much attention to it.
Aunt Li's family also noticed her discomfort, but since she kept insisting that she was "fine", the family did not interfere too much. One day, however, things took a turn for the worse. Aunt Li suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest, and the pain was almost unbearable. Seeing this, her relatives immediately called first aid** and rushed her to the hospital.
At the hospital, after a series of examinations, the doctor told Aunt Li and her family that Aunt Li had fractured her thoracic vertebrae.
[The doctor answers].Aging is an inevitable life process, but as we age, many people face a common problem, which is that bones become fragile and prone to fractures. Medically known as osteoporosis, this condition is a disease in which bone density decreases, and osteopenia makes bones weak and prone to injury. Why do bones become brittle as we age?Is there any way to slow the progression of osteoporosis?This article will delve into this question and introduce some foods that grab calcium from bones, as well as how to improve bone health through diet.
1. Why does osteoporosis occur?
Osteoporosis is the result of bone aging, and it is mainly caused by the following factors:
Decreased bone density: As we age, the body's ability to absorb and store calcium from bones decreases, resulting in a decrease in bone density. This makes the bones more fragile and susceptible to injury.
Bone loss: Age-related bone loss is one of the leading causes of osteoporosis. It refers to the slow loss of calcium and other minerals from the bones, which makes the bones weaker. Women are more susceptible to bone loss after menopause.
Poor lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyles such as lack of exercise, a diet high in salt and sugar, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Genetic factors: If there are patients with osteoporosis in the family, then the individual may be more susceptible.
Second, foods that grab calcium with bones
Bone health is not only about getting enough calcium, but also about avoiding foods that can "rob" the bones of calcium and accelerate bone loss. Here are some foods that grab calcium from bones:
1.High-salt foods:
A high-salt diet may lead to a loss of calcium in the body as calcium is excreted from the body to neutralize excess sodium. Long-term consumption of high-salt foods increases urinary calcium excretion, which increases the loss of calcium from bones.
2.Coffee and caffeine:
This increases urinary calcium excretion, which leads to the loss of calcium from the bones. While studies have mixed results, excessive caffeine intake may adversely affect bone health.
3.High-sugar foods:
A diet high in sugar may reduce calcium absorption in the body because high blood sugar prompts the excretion of calcium in the body. In addition, a diet high in sugar may affect the metabolism of vitamin D, which is necessary for bone health.
4.High-protein diet:
Excessive protein intake may lead to a loss of calcium from the bones. This is because acidic metabolites produced by protein metabolism may prompt the excretion of calcium in the body to neutralize acidity.
5.Soft drinks:
High-sugar soft drinks are often rich in phosphates, which can bind to calcium, reducing calcium absorption and thus affecting bone health.
3. How to improve bone health
To improve bone health, we can take the following steps:
Increase calcium intake: Adequate calcium intake is key to maintaining bone health. Good calcium** in foods includes dairy products, fish, tofu, nuts, and leafy greens. Calcium supplements are also a good way to do this.
Vitamin D supplementation: Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health. In cases of insufficient sun exposure, vitamin D supplements may be considered.
Controlling salt intake: Reducing your intake of high-salt foods can help reduce calcium loss in your body.
Caffeine in moderation: Limit your coffee and caffeine intake to prevent excessive urinary calcium excretion.
Healthy lifestyle: Exercising, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake in daily life can all help maintain bone health.
Regular check-ups: Have regular bone density checks to understand your bone condition and take appropriate measures based on your doctor's recommendations.
Loose quality is a common problem in the aging process, but with proper diet and lifestyle changes, we can slow its progression. Avoiding foods that rob bones of calcium, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all key to maintaining bone health. If you're concerned about your bone health, talk to your doctor for advice on creating a bone health plan that's right for you. Regardless of age, steps can be taken to maintain strong bones to maintain health and quality of life.
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