Are you Thin & Light Skinned?

You could be at risk for osteoporosis. 
Think you are too young? I'm 31 and have already experienced bone loss. Which is why I created this page. I don't want the same thing to happen to others. 

Risk Factors:
Thin
Light Skinned
Family history of osteoporosis
Low calcium intake
Sedentary lifestyle
High caffeine intake
Tobacco use
Alcohol consumption
Estrogen deficiency
Corticosteroids (also ask about any other steroids if you take them regularly)


If you have hypothyroid, especially an auto-immune form of it called Hoshimotos disease, your body can not properly absorb calcium or iron. If you take calcium, it effects the absorption of the thyroid replacement meds. Thus, take both as far apart as possible, (one in AM one in PM).

Prevention:
Calcium 1000-1500 mg per day (ie 600 mg 2 times a day)
Vitamin D 400 to 800 IU per day (calcium will not be absorbed without vitamin D)
Quit Smoking
Limit Alcohol & Caffeine 
Resistance (weights) and impact exercise (running, walking, aerobics)
Vitamin A more than 5000 international units per day (the current RDA) can lead to bone loss and hip fracture. In particular, researchers have red-flagged retinol (the form that's often used to fortify foods) because it appears to stimulate bone-destroying cells. If you take a multi, look for one that derives at least some of its A from beta-carotene, which is not associated with bone loss. Even better, get your daily needs from beta-carotene-rich foods such as carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Steroids These drugs interfere with calcium retention and block new bone growth. Monitor any effects by having bone-density tests regularly and asking your doctor about limiting your dose.

 

Comments, please email me.

Additional Resources
Young people get Osteoporosis Too

 

Plastic Surgery: Osteoporosis