Medical researchers have noted for quite some time that osteoporosis and celiac disease commonly appear together. It’s not uncommon to find that when you have celiac disease you also have osteoporosis, or vice-versa.
So how do you treat osteoporosis? When celiac patients adopt a gluten-free diet, their bone density usually improves. In addition to avoiding gluten and having your bone density measured, it is essential that you get enough calcium and vitamin D through diet and supplements. You can also stimulate vitamin D production from exposure to sunlight. Exercise is important because, just as your muscles get stronger from working out, so do your bones. It also strengthens the muscles that support the bones and improves balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of falling and breaking a bone. Choose exercises that force you to lift weight against gravity, such as walking, stair climbing, and dancing, as well as weight training. Finally, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Just as smoking is harmful for your heart and lungs, it is also bad for your bones, and heavy alcohol consumption is linked to low bone density.
Tina Turbin
Tags: celiac disease, gluten free, osteoporosis, Tina Turbin
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