Question

<Nutrition and Health>

Choose one of the diseases (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Food Allergies, Oral Disease, Colon Health, Osteoporosis) and include the following: cause, symptom, treatment, how can diet and nutrition help with the disease. (250-300 words max)

Answer 1

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones characterized by quickened loss of bone. Consequently, it leaves the bone so weakened that bones break with as little force as in coughing and sneezing.

Causes: Bone is a dynamic tissue, loss of bones, and formation of bones takes place hand in hand. Osteoporosis occurs when the loss of bone is quicker than its formation. Dietary insufficiency of key elements required for bone growth plays a vital role. Deficiency of Calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D can over time reduce the peak bone mass enabling ill-effects of bone loss to surface. Other than diet, the most profound cause of this disease are low estrogen levels in women especially after menopause, low testosterone levels in men, hyperthyroidism, and certain medications such as glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, among others.

Symptoms: In its developing stages Osteoporosis has no symptoms. However, when it is progressed far enough following symptoms may be observed :

1. A stooped back.
2. Fractured bone without heavy injury.
3. Loss of height.

Treatment: Prevention of bone loss can be achieved pharmaceutically by administering bisphosphonates which prevent loss of bones. Other medications include hormonal analog of estrogen, testosterone. Diet and nutrition can play a vital role in the treatment as described in the next section.

Role of Diet and Nutrition in treatment and prevention: A diet consisting of sufficient quantities of Calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium is paramount. Foods such as dairy products, fishes, and leafy vegetables should be part of this diet. Affected individuals should supplement the diet with Vitamin D tablets. Also, the overall body mass must be maintained with foods with sufficient calorific values.

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