The Osteoporosis Drugs That Can Double Your Risk of Oesophageal Cancer - Part three

Hi there, this is the final part of my discussion of osteoporosis and it's prevention....

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be found in eggs, milk and oily fish. However, most vitamin D is made in the skin in response to sunlight. A short exposure to sunlight, without sunscreen (10 minutes twice a day) throughout the summer should provide you with enough vitamin D for the whole year.

Certain groups of people may be at risk of not getting enough vitamin D. These include people who may be

- housebound or
- particularly frail,
-people with a poor diet,
- people who keep covered up in the sunshine because they wear total sun block or
- adhere to a certain dress code, and
- women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are at risk of not getting enough vitamin D through your diet or lifestyle, you can take a vitamin D supplement. For adults, 10 micrograms a day of vitamin D is recommended. The recommended amount for children is 7 micrograms for babies under six months, and 8.5 micrograms for children aged six months to three years. Talk to your GP or health professional for more information.

Other useful healthstyle choices:

- quitting smoking: cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.

- limiting your alcohol intake: the recommended daily limit is three to four units of alcohol for men and two to three units for women.

But the best prevention tip of all - start early to implement these strategies - from childhood. So start with your children - if you have them - from the beginning.Please spread the word!

To your abundant health,

Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach

References:
The Mayo Clinic
NHS Choices