Osteoporosis is a hereditary condition, so if your mother had it, chances are you will too. If you know from an early stage that you may have it, you can take preventative measures to build up stronger bones. Upping your intake of calcium and vitamin D is rule number one, but also be sure to get other nutrients into your diet as well such as protein, zinc and vitamin C.
The studies are inconclusive, but there does seem to be a link between salt intake and bone loss, particularly in those with high blood pressure. Cutting back on salt not only improves your bone health, but it also offers you plenty of other health benefits as well, such as lowered risk of heart disease and stroke.
It’s thought that too much soda, whether it’s caffeinated or not, can lead to greater risks of bone diseases. The reasons behind this are still unclear, but it is believed to be because your dairy intake is likely to be lower if you’re drinking soda more often.
Though it may seem more harmful than good, exercise can actually help your joints – particularly if you have osteoporosis. You should aim for gentle weight bearing exercises, such as yoga, dancing or tennis, as these will ensure your joints stay supple and healthy without exerting too much pressure on to them.
Finally, be sure to check other medications you’re on with your GP as these can sometimes cause bone thinning – one of the main culprits of this is certain anti-inflammatory pills. If you’re unsure, speak to your GP who may be able to offer an alternative.