Why is there a significant loss of calcium

The significant loss of calcium may be related to factors such as aging, imbalanced diet, lack of exercise, changes in hormone levels, and chronic diseases.

1. As age increases, the body's ability to absorb calcium gradually decreases, and the rate of bone calcium loss accelerates. The balance of bone metabolism in middle-aged and elderly people is disrupted, leading to increased osteoclast activity and weakened osteoblast function, resulting in decreased bone mass. This situation is more pronounced in postmenopausal women, where a decrease in estrogen levels accelerates bone loss.

2. Unbalanced diet

Long term insufficient calcium intake or vitamin D deficiency can affect the absorption and utilization of calcium. A high salt diet can increase urinary calcium excretion, and excessive caffeine and alcohol can also interfere with calcium metabolism. Vegetables rich in oxalic acid, such as spinach, if not blanched, will combine with calcium to form insoluble precipitates, reducing the bioavailability of calcium.

3. Lack of exercise

Mechanical load stimulation is crucial for maintaining bone density. Long term lack of weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running, etc. can cause the bones to lose stress stimulation and reduce bone formation. People who are bedridden or sedentary have significantly increased urinary calcium excretion and are prone to osteoporosis.

4. Hormone level changes

Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone can promote osteoclast activity, leading to the release of bone calcium into the bloodstream. When hyperthyroidism occurs, an increase in metabolic rate can also accelerate bone turnover. After menopause, female estrogen levels sharply decrease, losing their inhibitory effect on osteoclasts, and bone loss can reach several percent per year.

5. Chronic diseases

Chronic kidney disease can affect the synthesis of active vitamin D, leading to impaired intestinal calcium absorption. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also interfere with bone metabolism. Long term use of glucocorticoids can inhibit osteoblast activity, increase the number of osteoclasts, and cause secondary osteoporosis. Preventing calcium loss requires comprehensive intervention. Ensure daily calcium intake and choose calcium rich foods such as milk, tofu, sesame, etc. Moderate sun exposure promotes the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, and calcium supplements and vitamin D may be necessary under the guidance of a doctor. Persist in weight-bearing exercise and resistance training, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and control caffeine intake. Regularly monitor bone density and consider drug intervention for high-risk populations. Establishing a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to bone health from a young age can effectively delay the process of calcium loss.