Bone Loss Prevention:

As women age, it becomes extremely important to ensure that they are not suffering from bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. This painful condition is characterized by neck and back pain, brittle bones and in some cases, a dowager's hump.

However, there are specific steps that you can take now, before it is too late, that will allow your body to prevent osteoporosis. This does not have to be an inevitable complication of the aging process. There are certain factors that put women at more risk for developing osteoporosis, and many ways that you can cut your risks, ensuring long lasting bone health.

Getting enough calcium and magnesium when you are young, and continuing this habit throughout your life is a great way to prevent against osteoporosis. The daily recommended amount of calcium is about 500 mg, but some people may need more, or less. It is important to combine calcium and magnesium to ensure that your body can absorb all of the calcium it needs.

The average person has anywhere from 2 to 3 pounds of calcium in their body. The majority of this calcium is found in bones and in teeth. As we age, this amount begins to decline. If you are not supplementing with additional calcium, you could be fighting a losing battle.

There are other supplements that recent studies have shown to be helpful in staving off osteoporosis. Vitamin D has been found to reduce the risk of developing the condition and has been found to be beneficial in slowing the progression of osteoporosis.

Vitamins B-1 and B-12 also play an important role. These two vitamins decrease the amount of harmful amino acids that can collect in your body. Left unchecked, these amino acids can work against your bones, leaving you wide open for bone loss.

Vitamin K has been found to be essential in proper bone formation and regeneration as we age. If you are not taking a multi-vitamin supplement, it is important to find one that does contain at least some Vitamin K.

Soy is also being proven as an effective way to dramatically cut the risks of developing osteoporosis. The protein in soy allows your bones to heal, actually repairing past damage. In addition to healing once damage has been done, it can also prevent osteoporosis from occurring.

The number one risk factors for developing osteoporosis include smoking, not exercising enough and being underweight. While being overweight won't help you, it is important to maintain a healthy normal weight for your body type. Quitting smoking now can greatly improve your chances for avoiding the complications that come with osteoporosis.

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