Osteoporosis is a health condition that affects the structure and strength of bones, increasing the risk of fractures. The disease develops slowly but steadily, and people may not notice it until they experience a break or fracture, even after minor accidents like a slit fall. These breakages are common in the wrists, spinal vertebrae, and hip bones.
While osteoporosis can affect men and women of all races, our senior loved ones, especially women over 50, are more vulnerable. Below are lifestyle choices and daily habits that can cause or worsen osteoporosis, and helpful guidance on minimizing the risk.
5 Daily Habits that Can Worsen or Cause Osteoporosis
Awareness of risk factors that causes or worsens osteoporosis can help you lead a positive lifestyle. If you are concerned for your elderly loved ones in Houston, Pearland, Bellaire, and Harris County, TX, and want them to reduce the risk of bone fractures or bone loss, help them avoid the following:
1. Taking Excess Protein
Most people are often worried about protein deficiency in the body, but the fact is that some have more protein than the body requires. While taking plenty of this nutrient is beneficial, too much of it can wreak havoc. When protein is in excess, the body excretes more calcium, a mineral required to build and maintain healthy and strong bones, leading to weak bones.
2. Lack of Exercise
Like muscles, bones require physical exercise to maintain their strength. If a person, especially our seniors, doesn't exercise like daily walking, jogging, weightlifting, or other physical activities, their bones may grow weaker and eventually develop or worsen osteoporosis. Exercise is known to encourage calcium deposit in the bones and encourage cells to begin or accelerate the rate of bone formation.
3. Low Calcium Intake
Calcium is a vital mineral that helps maintain healthy teeth and bones. People who avoid food rich in calcium may have calcium deficiency and may likely have weak bones. Some great sources of calcium are kale, spinach, milk, beans, lentils, cheese, tofu, and yogurt. Other factors contributing to low calcium levels include hormonal changes like menopause and magnesium and vitamin D deficiencies.
4. Taking too Much Coffee
Do you have loved ones in Pearland, Bellaire, and Harris County who drink or eat too much caffeine? They may be threatening the strength and density of their bones. According to observational studies, people who can't go for hours without caffeinated drinks or a cup of coffee increase the risks of bone loss and fractures. It normally inhibits calcium absorption, leading to weak bones. If you are addicted to caffeine, taking about 1,000 mg of calcium per day is recommended to minimize the risk of developing weak bones.
5. Smoking
You may already know that smoking, either actively or passively, has devastating impacts on your life, but do you know it also has ill effects on the health of your bones? According to research, women who smoke usually experience early menopause and produce less estrogen, increasing the risk of developing or worsening osteoporosis, among other diseases.
How Can Senior Helpers Southwest Houston Help?
Our mission at Senior Helpers of Southwest Houston is to help our senior loved ones, and their families, lead a quality life by providing dependable, customized, and affordable home care services. We offer our top-notch services in Houston, Pearland, Bellaire, and Harris County, TX. Contact us today to help us help you!