Risk Factors of Osteoporosis – What are they?There are numerous typical risk factors of osteoporosis. However, while we go thought the risks factors, please keep in mind that osteoporosis is a preventable disease. Though you can not change some of the risk factors (such as the ones related to genetics), there is plenty that you can change. Gender. 
Age.Osteoporosis much more likely to develop later in life but can happen at any time. As stated above 1 out of every 2 women will develop osteoporosis over 50. But one out of four (or five) men over 50 will develop osteoporosis too. The older you get from their, the higher the risk becomes. Race/Ethnicity. Thought certain ethnicities are at great risk, a significant risk is reported in all ethnic backgrounds. Women in particular with a Caucasian or Asian background are at the highest risk. They are followed closely by African-American and Hispanic women. Hispanic women in the United States are the fastest growing group of women developing the disease. Being Small and Thin. Your size of your bones does matter. If you are small boned to begin with you do not have as much bon mass to start with thus increasing your risk factor of osteoporosis. 
Family History.If your mother or grandmother has had osteoporosis or broken bones, you are mostly to do so as well. This has not determined to be purely genetic but a possible result of eating a similar diet of food during the critical years of bone mass development most likely lack the proper amount of calcium and other nutrients. Other Diseases and Conditions. There are so many other risk factors for osteoporosis including certain types of medications including steroids, glucocorticoids and some anticonvulsants. Other risk factors including other diseases and conditions including depression, menopause, Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, amenorrhea, hyprgonadims, hyperparathyroidism, anorexia, lupus, fibromyomata and hypercalciuria. 
Diet.People who have a low calcium intake, low vitamin D intake and low levels of vitamin K are much more likely to develop osteoporosis. Great you understand you need calcium, but what is the deal with vitamin D? Vitamin D is what allows calcium to leave the intestines in the body and enter the bloodstream. You need the calcium from your bloodstream for numerous essential body functions including proper muscle and nerve function. If you do not have enough for these processes first, your body robs it from your bones and does not build new bone leading to low bone density and osteoporosis. Vitamin K is what helps to move calcium from the bloodstream into the bone during the building process. Another dietary risk factor includes high caffeine and carbonated beverage intake. It is not so much about the caffeine or the carbonation but the replacement of dairy products and calcium rich foods with these other substances that do little for the body. 
Exercise.An inactive lifestyle promotes bone loss. A moderate amount of stress and activity on the joints will help to build bone and increase bone mass. Exercise can also help with balance and core stability essential for good posture and helps to prevent falls. Over excising can be just as bad as no exercise. It sometimes leads to low levels of body fat from unhealthy dieting and increased levels of estrogen resulting in bone mass loss. Smoking. We all know that smoking is bad for you. It is a primary risk factor it seems like in every preventable disease out there. Several of the latest studies have show that the toxins in cigarettes are poisonous to bone and tissues. Smoking also seems to reduces the bodies ability of absorb calcium and other vital nutrients for bone development. No matter what the cause is, the effect of smoking on osteoporosis is notable including rapid bone loss and much higher rates of hip and vertebrae fractures. Excessive Alcohol. Too much alcohol on a regular basis in women can lead to irregular cycles and estrogen issues. This can then lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. In men, alcohol abuse has been show to be related to low testosterone levels. The low testosterone levels have been shown to correlate with a slowed production of bone rebuilding in body. Some risk factors, there is nothing you can do about but other you can. Make lifestyle changes for the better – earlier is key. Knowing your risk factors of osteoporosis is vital for knowing what to look for and what to do now. Additional Resources for Osteoporosis Prevention
Bone Density Test – Learn Your Risk of OsteoporosisLearn more about what the test is and how it can help you determine your risk of osteoporosis. Flexibility Exercises and Training – What are the Benefits? A review of flexibility exercises and training and why the body needs in it order to achieve a wider range of motion and stability. The Basics of Pilates and Osteoporosis Pilates is a popular fitness program that is known to focus on stretching, strengthening and balancing of the different areas of the body and helpful in Osteoporosis prevention. Return to Osteoporosis from Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
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