Its all About Prevention! Here are Top 10 Signs You may be Headed Towards Bone Loss

Since osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease," and bone density testing is conventionally done at age 65 (which is so often too late!), it is crucial to pay attention to risk factors and early indicators. Regular testing - consisting not only of density testing but also of bone quality testing - is increasingly important for women over 50 or those with risk factors. Genetic understanding of your fracture risk is also a wonderful tool for understanding risk, or prevention - at any age.

• 1. Bone Fractures from Minor Injuries

  Fragility fractures (like from a fall from standing height) are a common early sign, particularly in the wrist, and this is often how women find out they have impaired bone health.

• 2. Loss of Height

  Shrinking or getting shorter over time can indicate compression of spinal discs. This often occurs along with impaired bone health in the vertebrae.

• 3. Stooped Posture (Kyphosis)

  A noticeable rounding of the upper back (often called a “dowager’s hump”) usually occurs from poor posture and weakened muscles, but poor bone health can also add to this issue.

• 4. Back Pain

  Back pain could signal vertebral microfractures as a result of age-related bone loss.

• 5. Decreased Grip Strength

  A weak grip may be an early indicator of declining bone density and can be associated with higher fracture risk.

• 6. Receding Gums

  Osteoporosis can cause bone loss in the jaw, leading to receding gums. Dentists may sometimes identify this sign before other symptoms appear.

• 7. Brittle or Weak Nails

  Nails that break easily can be a subtle indicator of poor bone health, though this alone is not a definitive sign.

• 8. Cavities

  Teeth and bones are intimately related.

• 9. More than a -1.5 on a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan

  showing low bone mineral density is a crucial diagnostic tool for early bone loss, even before any symptoms appear - though keep in mind this test does not report on bone quality.

• 10. Family History of Osteoporosis

  While not a symptom per se, having a family history of osteoporosis may increase your risk of developing the disease and indicates bone health testing sooner rather than later.

Only a small portion of people over 50 are tested, and a majority of older people find out they have bone health issues only after a major fracture. Prevention and management of early bone loss through nutrition and natural medicine can greatly improve your chances of avoiding fracture even into older age.

To learn more about the science behind Laura’s guidelines for nutrition as the road to healthy bones, here are the previous bone health book to explore pair with The Healthy Bone Plant Based Nutrition Plan and Cookbook.

The Healthy Bones Nutrition Plan and Cookbook: How to Prepare and Combine Whole Foods to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis Naturally