Osteoporosis - an epidemic

Many of you perhaps have heard of the disease Osteoporosis, other may have not. We should all become better educated on the subject considering it is presently reaching epidemic levels in the U.S. Unfortunately, most of us are totally unaware of the symptoms and the repercussions of this illness, and more importantly what can be done to prevent or at least deter its onset. Basically, osteoporosis is the thinning of, or loss of integrity in the bone structure. The bones become brittle and easily breakable due to significant calcium loss. In fact, stress fractures (bone breaks from structural fatigue) are very common in older people. To quote a recent article in, "in 2005 over 5 million people had spontaneous stress fractures". This is certainly a number to be concerned about. The people most susceptible to osteoporosis are women over 40 (menopause increases calcium loss and increases its demand) and men over 50. A prolonged insufficient calcium intake through the years gradually weakens the bones. Surprisingly, this calcium insufficiency may date as far back as the teenage years. The important fact worth noting is that the assumption of drinking milk to boost one's calcium intake, is not necessarily the solution to the problem.
Calcium is what gives the bone its strength and density. However, for the bone to be able to effectively absorb and utilize the calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous must be present at the same time of ingestion. The presence of vitamin D enables the absorption to take place properly and the ratio of three parts calcium - 2 parts phosphorous is necessary in preventing calcium blockage.
Ther are telltale signs including posture, slow healing, change in skin structure and specific body measurement ratios. The afore mentioned vitamins and minerals can readily diminish the onset and magnitude of osteoporosis. Don't wait until it's well under way. Be concerned now!