Corticosteroid-induced Osteoporosis
I don't know why I was rather shocked reading that corticosteroids cause Osteoporosis, because we all know that medications have side effects. I suppose I was just not prepared for the fact that it can even wreak havoc on your bone density.
It does however and those of you who are taking corticosteroids for a long time such as Prednisone for instance, are at risk of what is called Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis.
Taking corticosteroids prohibits the ability of the body to absorb calcium. Over a long period of time, this will result in brittle bones and hence the risk of more fractures. Monitoring and measuring bone density levels on a regular basis is therefore of the utmost importance.
There are some good treatment options available to decrease and even reverse bone loss which you would do well discussing with your doctor. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and here are some of the things you can already do to help the cause.
Consider if you get enough calcium and vitamin D daily. The normal intake should be for pre-menopausal women, postmenopausal women, and those who are taking corticosteroids is 1,500 mgs of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D per day. For men under 65 it should be 1,000 mgs of calcium and for men over age 65, 1,500 mgs daily.
In case your diet doesn't provide enough calcium and vitamin D, you can always supplement. Exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and coffee, and maintaining a good posture, are also very beneficial.
We can not always leave everything in God's capable hands; we have to do our part too. It is well worth it, especially knowing we can relay on God who will do His and will never let us down!
Proverbs 3:8
It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
It does however and those of you who are taking corticosteroids for a long time such as Prednisone for instance, are at risk of what is called Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis.
Taking corticosteroids prohibits the ability of the body to absorb calcium. Over a long period of time, this will result in brittle bones and hence the risk of more fractures. Monitoring and measuring bone density levels on a regular basis is therefore of the utmost importance.
There are some good treatment options available to decrease and even reverse bone loss which you would do well discussing with your doctor. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and here are some of the things you can already do to help the cause.
Consider if you get enough calcium and vitamin D daily. The normal intake should be for pre-menopausal women, postmenopausal women, and those who are taking corticosteroids is 1,500 mgs of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D per day. For men under 65 it should be 1,000 mgs of calcium and for men over age 65, 1,500 mgs daily.
In case your diet doesn't provide enough calcium and vitamin D, you can always supplement. Exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and coffee, and maintaining a good posture, are also very beneficial.
We can not always leave everything in God's capable hands; we have to do our part too. It is well worth it, especially knowing we can relay on God who will do His and will never let us down!
Proverbs 3:8
It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
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