Osteoporosis

Are you losing bone mass? (This can happen even to young people, especially if they drink a lot of sodas.)

That's why I wrote this article to help you prevent osteoporosis...

Why Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and to ward off osteoporosis. This article provides information about vitamin D and good sources of this vitamin.

Menopause can be a time of bone loss and increased risk for osteoporosis. (But so can young adulthood if you're drinking sodas.)

Either way, Vitamin D is essential for you to absorb and use calcium, so you can see what importance it has to healthy bones and teeth, ward off osteoporosis and bone loss.

What is vitamin D?

As you enter or leave menopause, be aware that your need for vitamin D has increased. Vitamin D is called the "sunshine vitamin" because you can manufacture it yourself with the aid of sunlight upon your skin.

Why is vitamin D even more important in perimenopause and postmenopause?

During menopause (and afterwards) your need for vitamin D is increased because as estrogen production decreases, calcium is not as easily absorbed and used. If you don't obtain adequate vitamin D, you're at risk for osteoporosis.

How to obtain protection from osteoporosis from the sun

Getting adequate daily sunshine is important to obtainin vitamin D to ward off osteoporosis. Remember to only stay in the sunlight prior to l0 a.m. and after 2 p.m. Even 15 minutes will do. Sunshine can also enhance your mood, so if you're down or depressed, a little sunshine can help, just protect your skin! Wear a wide brimmed hat so you get the sunlight on her arms or hands if skin cancer is a worry. Also, late afternoon sun is good, too and so is very early morning sunlight when the rays are not so strong.

How to obtain vitamin D from food to protect you against osteoporosis

Sunshine aside, there are many food sources of valuable vitamin D if sunshine is not available or you don't feel comfortable spending time in it. Egg yolks, liver and fish (especially salmon and enriched milk are great sources of vitamin D and can protect you from osteoporosis.

Cod liver oil is another wonderful source of vitamin D. You can buy it in a bottle and take 1-3 teaspoons a day. It also has some vitamin A in it, so that's a bonus. Vitamin A helps fight infection, maintains cell wall strength prevents viruses from penetrating and reproducing, and blocks production of cancerous tumors.

Don't forget to get your daily quotient of vitamin D and you'll be healthier and happier!

And don't forget to stop drinking sodas. The phosophorous in them takes away important minerals needed for bone growth.