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Study Mediterranean diet helps to maintain bone density after menopause
In the course of the so-called menopause, the bone density in women can be reduced. Affected women often suffer injuries to the bones and fractures. Researchers have now found that a Mediterranean diet can help preserve bone density in older women.
Researchers at Ohio State University found in their study that a Mediterranean diet can help prevent menopausal women from having so much reduced bone density. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research".
A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is always beneficial. Physicians have now found that a so-called Mediterranean diet in menopausal women can reduce the risk of bone fractures. (Image: gudrun / fotolia.com) What is the menopause?
Menopause is the time of the last menstruation in a woman's life. With that moment, the fertility of the woman ends. Natural menopause usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55 years. Malnutrition and smoking can cause menopause to occur about 1.5 years earlier. In contrast, regular consumption of alcohol delays the onset of menopause.
Proper nutrition affects bone mass reduction
From the menopause, bone density is reduced in some women. A recent US study now analyzed data from 160,191 women between the ages of 50 and 79 years. The researchers found that women can influence their bone density through a healthy Mediterranean diet. This slows down or arrests possible osteoporosis.
Health benefits of a Mediterranean diet
Numerous studies have already identified some health benefits from a Mediterranean diet. Such a diet is rich in fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods, say the authors. A Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The medical researchers participating in the current study believe that a Mediterranean diet could also promote bone health.
From the age of 50 many women suffer from osteoporosis
While reaching menopause, many women around the age of 50 experience osteoporosis. In this disease, the bones are getting weaker. This increases the risk of occurring fractures.
Study evaluates inflammatory risk
The 160,191 women taking part in the study had no history of bone fractures between 1993 and 1998, say the scientists. The physicians wanted to use this study to assess the risks of hip, forearm and other fractures of the body. The nutrition of the participants was evaluated three months before the investigations on their risk for inflammation. The greatest risk of fractures was found in younger white women who preferred so-called highly inflammatory diets. This group of women had a twice as high risk for hip fractures as women with the lowest inflammatory ratings, the researchers explain.
More physically active women may be at increased risk for fractures
However, no direct correlation was found between high-inflammatory types of diet and fractures in general. The researchers observed a slightly lower risk of lower arm fracture in women with the highest diet-related rates of inflammation. Women with lower levels of inflammation were probably more physically active, which in turn increases the risk of falls, experts say.
Increased physical activity before puberty can strengthen bones
A recent Swedish study found that increased physical activity (at least 3.5 hours per week) before puberty and during growth seems to promote the development of bone mass.
Bone density maintenance is important for aging women
Women with the least inflammatory diets had lower bone densities at baseline. However, these women lost less bone density compared to women with highly inflammatory diets. Bone density maintenance is important for aging women, especially after menopause, when bone density drops dramatically, the physicians add.
These foods are good for the bones:
In conclusion, any factor that promotes inflammation can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, the researchers say. A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grain cereals and omega-3 can be beneficial to bone density maintenance, the authors explain. In addition, vitamin D is essential for the development and regeneration of bones, especially in regular sports people. (As)