Asthma Osteoporosis , Osteopenia

Asthma Osteoporosis, Osteopenia connections are real. There are several reasons why asthma often causes bone loss.

First, dairy products are a major source of bone building calcium.  Many persons with asthma find that dairy products trigger attacks so they avoid dairy. But dairy products are one of the most commonly used dietary sources of calcium. There are other sources but few people are taught about them.  As a result many asthmatics who avoid dairy are not getting enough dietary calcium. As a result they suffer the from a thinning of their bone.

This cause of bone loss can be resolved by adding other sources of calcium to the diet. Here is a list of food that is good for building bone. 

Second,  powerful anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone and cortisone  are often prescribed for asthma. These drugs in themselves greatly increase the risk of developing bone loss. So the very thing used to control you asthma may also be the cause of Osteopenia or Osteoporosis.

Third, there is another Asthma Osteopenia Osteoporosis connection in the avoidance of weight bearing exercises by many with asthmatic conditions. Like many persons with asthma you may find that exercise triggers an asthmatic attack so you may start to avoid exercise. Not just some exercise by ALL exercise.                                   But your bones need weight bearing exercise in order to build and maintain  bone density.  Why?  Bone building cells are triggered by the stress on your bones that weight bearing exercise provides. If you do not have sufficient bone stress, there will be no stimuli on your bone building osteoblast cells to build new bone. You osteoclast cells will continue to remove 'old bone' but you osteoblasts will not be building enough new bone to replace it. Result? Osteopenia or Osteoporosis.

Fourth, The Canadian Institute for Asthma Prevention notes that many asthmatics are deficient in magnesium. But magnesium is essential for the bone building process.

What to do for Asthma osteoporosis, osteopenia

Anyone with asthma should discuss ways that they can reduce the potential for developing excessive bone loss with their health care provider. This is important. Raise the question during your next medical visit.

There are solutions for asthmatics to build strong bones. A nutritionist can suggest food that will help promote stronger bones (See: Nutrition for your bones ). Also, there are some calcium supplements that include all the necessary vitamins and mineral that bone building requires. See: Advacal Ultra for Asthma Osteopenia Osteoporosis prevention, treatment and Algaecal for stronger bones.

Finally, your physician can make a referral for short term physical therapy sessions that will teach you useful weight bearing (bone building) exercises that will stimulate bone density without triggering an asthmatic attack.

If you or someone you care about has asthma do talk with the health care provider about ways to prevent or delay the onset of asthma Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. Protecting your bones, ensuring that you continue to build new bone should be part of the health care regime for anyone with asthma - even while they are young. Please, do not wait. 

Go to Natural treatments for Osteopenia, Osteoporosis  

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