Bone health matters every decade, but with aging comes a natural loss of bone density. How you treat your body in your youth impacts the health of your bones in middle age and beyond. It is possible to strengthen bone health and reduce bone thinning and bone loss. Some of my patients have increased complications with bone health because of autoimmune diseases or chronic conditions, but we work to customize plans for improving bone strength and density when you already face other health challenges.
Factors That Impact Bone Health
There are many factors that can affect the strength and overall health and wellness of bones, including:
- Hormones. An overactive thyroid can threaten bone health, but so too can hormone changes that occur in perimenopause and menopause. Waning estrogen levels are linked to bone loss.
- Age. By your 40s, the body’s absorption of minerals slows down and bone structure weakens.
- Genetics. A family history of osteoporosis can increase your chances of experiencing bone loss.
- Activity. Regular exercise helps strengthen bones and, it then follows, a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of bone loss.
- Lifestyle. Smoking and excessive alcohol or substance abuse can negatively impact bone health.
- Nutrition. Lack of calcium and other important vitamins in your diet can lower bone density and increase the chances of bone loss or injury.
- Medication. Certain medications taken over many years can build up and contribute to low bone density. Always discuss your medications with your doctor to choose those with the greatest benefits and fewest negative side effects.
Do the Right Things for Your Bone Health
It should come as no surprise that the recommendations for improving bone health are also good for overall health and wellness. Focusing on your well-being contributes to protecting your entire body, bones included.
- Chow down on green and yellow veggies.
- Eat calcium-rich foods at every meal.
- Consider a vitamin D supplement (but talk to your doctor first).
- Engage in strength-training and weight-bearing exercises.
From Osteopenia to Osteoporosis
There are always medications that can be taken to prevent fractures of the hip and spine especially, but your doctor will want to discuss all other options first to ensure that your lifestyle is designed to support bone health and push it in the right direction.
To start, it’s important to have bone mineral density tested – and this is important for men and women depending on overall health, age, and existing conditions. This picture of your bone health is done with a simple, non-invasive DXA scan. Certain diseases and medications can increase your risk of developing osteopenia (bone thinning) or osteoporosis (late-stage bone loss).
Get Bone Health Support from Dr. Maria Swetech
You only get one skeleton, one set of bones to support you through all ages and stages of your life. Keeping your bones healthy and strong doesn’t have to be difficult, just intentional. Make an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Swetech, to talk about your bone health.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
