Although seldom discussed and maybe even sometimes taken for granted, bones play an enormous role in the human body. Along with providing shape and support for the body, bones protect many vital organs and serve as a storage site for minerals, namely calcium and phosphorus. To appreciate the importance of these two minerals, it helps to look at them individually. As one of the body’s electrolytes, calcium supports strong bones and teeth, enables blood clotting, and regulates normal heart rhythms and nerve functions. It also aids in muscle contraction, which plays a role in movement, joint stability, posture, and heat production.
Like calcium, phosphorus also supports strong bones and teeth. You can also use braces Singapore to keep your teeth intact for a long time. But it does not end there. This bone mineral helps the body make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule necessary to store energy. Phosphorus also helps the body to use carbohydrates for immediate energy by converting them into glucose. It also helps regulate and support kidney function, muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and the body’s heartbeat. In addition to calcium and phosphorus, bones contain manganese, zinc, boron, potassium, vitamin D, and magnesium. While our bones are strong, many things can weaken them, including low bone density.
What Is Low Bone Density?
To better understand low bone density, it helps to know what bone density is. According to MedlinePlus, bone density refers to the amount of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals in bones. The more minerals we have in our bones, the higher our bone density is. Of course, the opposite is also true. The fewer minerals we have in our bones, the lower our bone density is. Sadly, many American adults struggle with low bone density. That’s according to several studies, including one recently published by the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.
It revealed that an estimated 44 million people in the U.S. have low bone density. The foundation also notes that roughly 10 million people have osteoporosis, a disease caused by low bone density that makes individuals more susceptible to bone fractures. Osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic until the disease is in its advanced stage. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center in Cleveland, Ohio, symptoms typical of advanced osteoporosis can include the following:
- Brittle nails and hair
- Fatigue
- Loss of height
- Severe back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Spine malformations, such as a stooped or hunched posture
Risk Factors for Low Bone Density and Osteoporosis
Aging and nutritional deficiencies are two primary contributors to low bone density and osteoporosis. Studies show that after age 35, the body breaks down bone faster than it can replace it, which leads to a gradual loss of bone mass. Many of the same studies show a correlation between vitamin D and calcium deficiencies and an increased risk of struggling with low bone density and osteoporosis. The following can also put people at risk of developing low bone density and osteoporosis:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Being age 50 or over
- Blood disorders
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Hormone therapy to treat cancer
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Phosphorus deficiency
- Smoking
- Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, anti-seizure medications
Hormonal Imbalances and Low Bone Density: How the Two Are Connected
Along with aging, taking certain medications, genetics, and poor lifestyle habits, hormonal imbalances can also cause low bone density and osteoporosis, especially among individuals aged 40 and over. One hormonal imbalance known to impact bone health in this way is a human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency. Human growth hormones, secreted by the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, play a critical role in bone growth, maintenance, and remodeling, so having too little HGH in one’s blood can impair these processes that support bone health. Fortunately, many of the same things that can help boost low HGH levels can also improve bone density and lower the risk of osteoporosis.
How To Boost Low HGH Levels and Increase or Maintain Bone Density in Your 40s
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way towards helping to boost low growth hormone levels. That includes not smoking, keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum, and consuming nutrient-dense foods. Studies show that foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish, can strengthen bones and stimulate HGH production. The same applies to getting plenty of sleep each night. A National Institutes of Health study found that sleep deprivation is associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD), a higher risk of osteoporosis, and a higher risk of bone fractures.
While we are on the topic, the pituitary and hypothalamus glands secrete the most HGH while we are asleep, so getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night is an excellent way to combat an HGH deficiency. Staying hydrated also helps support and maintain good bone and hormonal health. Unfortunately, for some people, adopting healthy lifestyle habits doesn’t do enough to improve bone density or raise low growth hormone levels. Medical intervention is needed.
Medications That Combat low Bone Density and low HGH
To help individuals with extremely low bone density, many physicians prescribe antiresorptive medications that slow down bone loss. Examples of these include Fosamax, Actonel, and Reclast. They may also prescribe anabolic medications, which can stimulate new bone formation. Some of the popular ones include Evenity, Tymlos, and Forteo.
For individuals with low growth hormone levels in their blood or a full-on human growth hormone deficiency, most physicians will prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This treatment approach involves taking FDA-approved prescription drugs that stimulate the pituitary and hypothalamus glands to release more growth hormone into the bloodstream. As far as how to get HGH online or at a brick-and-mortar pharmacy, individuals must be formally diagnosed with a human growth hormone deficiency and receive a prescription from their physician. Commonly prescribed HRT medications to help boost low human growth hormone levels include Humatrope, Saizen, Genotropin, and Sogroya.
In summary, many things can cause low bone density, including hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, FDA-approved medications and all-natural remedies can help individuals with either of these health problems.