Osteoporosis - the new trends

Known to be caused primarily by hormonal changes or medication, osteoporosis is now also being labeled a lifestyle disease in India. Often the problem is hard to discover, coming to the fore only when a bone is fractured due to a fall so minor that it should have caused no harm. Statistics from the Arthritis Foundation of India (AFI) show that one in every two women and one in every five men above the age of 50 in the country suffer from this problem. It is estimated that 300 million people suffer from osteoporosis in India. Some people are genetically predisposed to osteoporosis. Some may be on medication such as steroids or anti-seizure pills, which may cause weakening of the bone mass. And now as India rapidly modernizes, emerging trends show that lifestyle habits like excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can also cause osteoporosis. The work culture that is currently in vogue encourages people to remain indoors in offices which in turn deprives the body of sunlight, creating a vitamin D deficiency. Weakening of the bones is a common problem among women post-menopause. In fact, it is very rare for a woman to get osteoporosis before menopause. Popular understanding of this ailment is that the direct result of calcium deficiency is osteoporosis. While it is true that osteoporosis is caused by calcium deficiency, but lack of calcium in the body does not always lead to it, especially in the case of men. Indian women tend to have weaker bones. During and after pregnancy they are not given enough calcium. Considering that the baby’s bones are formed from the mother’s blood, gradually with the lack of adequate calcium, minerals and proteins, the mother’s bones weaken. It is thus advised that women take at least 1000mg of calcium daily, during pregnancy and post -menopause. The way to prevent osteoporosis is to avoid smoking and alcohol. It is important to have a calcium and vitamin D rich diet to strengthen the bones. Since osteoporosis primarily affects the hip bone and the vertebrae, experts advice weight-bearing exercises that strengthen these two areas of the body. For those who are on medication that reduce bone density, make sure your doctor gives you bisphosphonates— this will counter the effect.

Olive Oil - Cld prevent cancer

We all know that cancer can be incurable if discovered in its later stages. What many don't know is that cancer is a lifestyle disease that can actually be prevented from spreading in your body.From occupying the ninth position as the most common cause of death in the last decade, cancer has moved up to occupy the sixth position. If you lead a fast-paced life that thrives on junk food, tobacco and alcohol, keeps you inactive all day and includes a few hundred grams of groundnuts, you could be at the risk of getting cancer. However, studies now show that certain foods and oils can cut the risk of cancer. In fact, according to a recent study by Danish researchers, about 25 ml of olive oil every day reduces the level of a substance that causes cell damage, thus causing cancer. Olive oil contains a number of compounds called phenols and monounsaturated fats, which are believed to act as powerful antioxidants. Since olive oil is processed only marginally and is not cooked too much, it retains its antioxidants.Foods with high levels of Vitamins A, C or E are also good for preventing cancer. In fact, studies have shown that only natural products are really beneficial for the body.

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, garlic, ginger, fish oil and herbal products like amla, as well as those that belong to the phyllanthus group of plants and citrus fruits, are also considered preventive foods when it comes to cancer. The best thing would be to include these foodstuffs in ones diet. Vegetarianism is a good option since red meat is a known cause of cancer and also causes obesity." Abstinence from alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, other major cancer causing agents, is also recommended by experts. Oral hygiene is very important. One must also avoid junk food and a sedentary lifestyle. With increased life expectancy, more cancer cases are coming to the fore. It is thus essential that people adopt healthy lifestyles.So, it might be a good idea to toss your vegetables in olive oil instead of over-cooking them and to bake instead of frying.