Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects the bones of mostly adult patients. While there is currently no known medical cure for osteoporosis, there are diet and lifestyle choices that you can make to help prevent the condition.

As one of the most common types of arthritis, osteoporosis occurs when there is too much calcium lost from the bones. When the bones lose excessive calcium, the degree of bone density is also affected. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become fragile and brittle, substantially increasing the risk of bone fractures. Women are significantly more likely to suffer from the degree of calcium loss that is required to decrease bone density and result in osteoporosis.

Like many of the medical conditions that commonly affect us, prevention is the key to keeping osteoporosis at bay. If you know that you are at risk for osteoporosis, as many of us are, you should consider consuming a diet high in calcium. Most health and dietary professionals will recommend that you include 1500 mg of calcium each day. There are certain high-calcium foods including milk, dairy-based foods, salmon, sardines, and other fish that are great choices for providing a natural calcium boost.

Ask your doctor how you can supplement your diet with added calcium. Many dieticians and doctors also suggest taking an additional vitamin D supplement, as it will aid in the absorption of this extra calcium. Natural sunlight is a fantastic source, and you can absorb Vitamin D by simply spending more time in the sun.

If you choose to take an over-the-counter supplement, it may be possible to achieve the required levels of both Vitamin D and calcium in one multivitamin. You doctor can tell you if your supplement is giving you enough of the nutrients you need to prevent osteoporosis. By assessing your condition, he or she will suggest the appropriate level of required supplements.

Doctors suggest that women who have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis may find estrogen treatment to be a viable option. This form of therapy can help to increase bone mass and density in the spine and hips, and may actually cut a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis. Estrogen replacement therapy has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure and heart attacks. There are certain side effects, though, that must be acknowledged, including a possible link to breast cancer that has been suggested by certain studies.

Doctors advise adults who drink or smoke to limit these activities as much as possible. Research has shown that smoking will lower the levels of estrogen, leaving the bones at greater risk for losing mass. Moderate to heavy alcohol use has also been directly linked to an increased loss of bone density.

Getting enough regular exercise is another important preventive step. Improved muscular strength through weight-bearing exercise can help to build essential bone mass. Walking is a great choice for helping to prevent osteoporosis and boosting your overall good health.

Individuals who suffer with osteoporosis have other treatment options to consider. Prescription drug medications are available to help restore bone density and slow the progress of the condition. New drug therapies are also in development. Of course, it’s important to have a professional health assessment and understand all of your treatment options before you choose a method of therapy.

If you believe that you have osteoporosis, or think you may be at risk of developing the condition, speak with your doctor. Find out more about the steps that you can take to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, and learn about the treatment options available to help you live more comfortably with the disease.

Columnist Varian Sperks loves writing for numerous popular Internet sites, on health fitness and health diet fitness themes.

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