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Good bone health is particularly important to prevent osteopenia
(low bone density), osteomalacia (poor bone formation) and
osteoporosis (porous bone).
IBD, especially Crohn’s of the small
bowel, increases the risk of developing bone problems. Why? The
inflammatory process affects the absorption of minerals, causing
slower bone growth. In addition, if you’re on steroids, they can
decrease calcium absorption while increasing calcium excretion into urine. Your bones remake themselves all the time, and
inflammation and steroids interfere with that process.
Because of the long-term nature of IBD, prevention is key to healthy
bones. There are easy methods to help
build up your bones, tests to evaluate bone density and even medical
treatment to stop bone loss. Here are some bone-building tips:
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Calcium, the building block of bones, and vitamin D, essential
to calcium absorption, are nutrients everyone needs and few
Americans actually get enough of. Make sure you help yourself by
getting sufficient calcium and vitamin D each day. The following values are IBD-specific.
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Your diet provides enough calcium if you eat three to four
servings a day of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products,
broccoli, canned fish with bones (like sardines), shrimp, almonds
and
calcium-fortified cereal and juices.
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You can find vitamin D in fortified milk, fatty fish, liver and egg
yolk. If
you get any sunlight, your body will make it on its own. Generally,
you won’t make enough in the winter in northern climates or if you
use sun block.
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Chances are you don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
Try a supplement with both calcium and vitamin D, according to the
daily dosage that applies to you.
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www.tums.com has a
detailed calcium calculator if you’re curious about how much calcium
you actually consume.
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Most calcium supplements (plus vitamin D) essentially are the same
regardless of price. For a cheaper option, try a chewable antacid.
Avoid Viactiv® if you’re lactose-intolerant.
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Exercise -- especially weight-bearing
and
strength-training activities -- also helps improve bones.
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Smoking increases bone loss.
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Avoiding alcohol helps. More than two alcoholic drinks a day can
decrease bone formation and interfere with calcium absorption,
increasing what IBD does already.
The most common bone density test is a type of X-ray called DEXA.
Some doctors recommend it for all IBDers, some on a case-by-case
basis. Ask your doctor if and when you should screen for
bone problems.
Medications generally are for more advanced cases of
osteoarthritis, osteopenia or osteomalacia, as determined by your
doctor.
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