![Cade_4](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/cade-4.jpg?id=32675797&width=1200&height=1470)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures, which can lead to other health problems. Whether or not chronic HIV infection leads to loss of bone tissue, osteoporosis is still a must-have discussion. Researchers have suggested that osteoporosis is more common in HIV infection, but there can be other risk factors at play. Your doctor can order a bone density test to determine where you are now compared to where you should be with healthy bones. Luckily, you can do something about many of the risk factors right now. Here are some risk factors that you can address: (1) having poor eating habits, including not getting adequate calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients that support bones; (2) losing too much weight or having low weight for your height; (3) not engaging in weight-bearing physical activity; (4) smoking; and (5) drinking excessively or alcoholism. To begin, check with your dietitian about your eating habits and whether you are getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients to maintain bone tissue. To get the most out of your diet for the nutrients you need, emphasize fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. If your weight is low or you recently lost weight pretty rapidly, you will want to get back to a good weight and stay there--rock steady if it is possible. To make sure that bone tissue is stimulated to maintain its density, you will also need exercise, particularly of the weight-bearing type. However, before you make big plans for this, it will be helpful to know if your bone density is good enough to handle it. Keep in mind that if you smoke, it is a very big risk factor for osteoporosis and a lot of other ailments. Quitting smoking may be the most important thing you do for your bones and your overall well-being. Finally, if you drink excessively, it is not just your liver that pays. Your bones suffer too. Add this to your list of top priorities to work on sooner rather than later. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disorder. Most people don't know it is a problem until they experience a bone fracture. To estimate your risk for osteoporosis, you can take the osteoporosis risk-factor quiz at https://arthritis.about.com/library/quiz/blquizosteoporosisriskfactors.htm. Fields-Gardner is the director of services for the HIV nutrition company Cutting Edge and is a member of the International AIDS Society and the American Dietetic Association's Dietetic Practice Group on HIV and AIDS. She is the author of Living Well With HIV and AIDS: A Guide to Nutrition and a coauthor of HIV Medications: Food Interactions and A Clinician's Guide to Nutrition in HIV and AIDS.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM