Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thin and their strength is reduced. This makes them more likely to break. It affects both men and women but is most common in women who have gone through the menopause. Osteoporosis is diagnosed by checking your bone mineral density on a DEXA scan.

Osteoporosis is common in the UK, and the risk increases with age. Anyone can get osteoporosis but women are about four times more likely than men to develop it. 

There are two main reasons for this:

• The process of bone loss speeds up for several years after the menopause, when the ovaries stop producing the female sex hormone oestrogen.
• Men generally reach a higher level of bone density before the process of bone loss begins. The bone loss still occurs in men but it has to be more severe before osteoporosis occurs.

• Genetics 
• Menopause
• Poor intake of calcium 
• Lack of Vitamin D
• Inactivity 
• Smoking 
• Excessive alcohol intake
• High consumption of animal protein
• A high acid-ash diet 
• Medications 

• Loss of height as a result of weakened spines. 
• Cramps in the legs at night 
• Bone pain and tenderness 
• Neck pain 
• Persistent pain in the spine or muscles of the lower back 
• Abdominal pain 
• Tooth loss 
• Rib pain 
• Broken bones 
• Spinal deformities 
• Fatigue 
• Periodontal disease 
• Brittle fingernails

If you are at risk of or diagnosed with osteoporosis, and want to learn how to modify your diet and increase your calcium intake, as a trained nutrition professional I will work with you and your doctor to develop a tailored osteoporosis diet plan.

This will help to improve overall health while working to keep bones healthy and strong. I will also be able to offer lifestyle and exercise tips to support your new way of eating.