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How to Stop Osteoporosis

The word osteoporosis means "porous bones." If you have osteoporosis, you are at greater risk for breaks and fractures from even small stresses like coughing, stumbling or doing household chores.

Often thought of as a woman's disease, osteoporosis can affect men, too. And people of any age can suffer from bone loss. If you have osteoporosis, or its predecessor, osteopenia, there are ways to stop the progress of these conditions and possibly reverse some of the damage already done.

Things You'll Need

  • Bone mineral density test
  • Prescribed medications
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Magnesium
  • Exercise program
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Instructions

  1. How to Stop Osteoporosis

    • 1

      The Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that you ask your physician for a bone mineral density (BMD) test, especially if you are over 65 or are at high risk. High risk factors include a history of previous fractures, heredity, smoking or heavy alcohol use, a tendency to be slim or underweight, a sedentary lifestyle, and other health problems.

      Bone mineral density tests are quick and painless, using X-rays or sound waves to measure the strength of your bones.

    • 2

      Based on the result of your bone mineral density test and other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help stop osteoporosis and rebuild some bone mass. It is important to take your medications as recommended.

    • 3

      Supplement your diet with calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. Calcium is the major component in bones. If you don't get enough in your diet, your body will steal it from your bones to be used for other functions. This makes your bones weak, and this is why you need to eat calcium-rich foods and possibly take a calcium supplement.

      Vitamin D is essential to the body for promoting your body's absorption of calcium. You can get vitamin D from supplements and also from exposure to natural sunlight.

      Magnesium works together with calcium to promote bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

    • 4

      The Mayo Clinic recommends that you establish a regular exercise program that includes both weight-bearing and strength-training exercises. Getting regular exercise is one of the cornerstones of building strong bones and keeping them strong. Consult with your doctor about what types of exercise are safe for you to do.

      Weight-bearing exercises can include walking, jogging, stair climbing, and skiing. Strength training involves lifting or moving weights. Remember that lifting even light weights can be beneficial.

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