In the attempt to get inside that Little Black Dress, women don’t realize how the other LBD ( Low Bone Density ) can gradually affect them. Excessive dieting has often led to this problem. Though it starts of as osteopenia at a younger age it can gradually develop into osteoporosis of a severe gradient with the reduction of estrogen and the onset of menopause. The men are not devoid of risk either, though their journey towards osteoporosis might start slightly later depending on their genetic bone health.
The LBD of fashion has had both women salivating and men asking for more after all who wouldn’t want to have the perfect figure. However drastic or fad diets often play havoc with the body’s hormonal levels as well as nutrient absorption capacity resulting in the body creating its own LBD. The reduction of Calcium and Magnesium leads to deterioration of bone mass. One may not even realize the extent of the damage of an extreme diet, till its way under way. Vitamin D and Vitamin K found in fortified cereals, vegetable oils, eggs etc. help in the maintaining bone heath as well as the absorption of calcium. Till the age of about 30yrs, one can increase the bone density to its maximum thereby reducing the impact of the gradual wear and tear as you approach menopause after which the capacity to rebuild declines drastically. Diets against milk and milk products, cut down the calcium in a vegetarian diet. Also grains, pulses and legumes are often shown the door by weight watchers which create a dip in magnesium and phosphorous levels, both of which work in tandem with calcium to maintain bone health.
Many women following diets rely on supplements to fulfill their daily requirements of calcium, not realizing that the body’s basic absorption capacity from natural sources is way higher than that from the tablets. In the case of tablets, there is also the increased risk of kidney stones, constipation and gas related digestion problems. Very few people are aware that calcium supplements should be best taken with your meal and in smaller doses as the body can absorb only small quantities at a time. Unless it’s a food source of calcium, the supplements are not ingested by the body when one has caffeine or alcohol or nicotine in one’s body. So, while you might be thinking that you are safe having popped a calcium tablet in the morning with your cup of coffee you probably have literally shitted it out.
The LBD is also caused by another misconception that reducing one’s movement as one grows older to protect the wear and tear of your bones and muscles can help sustain bone mass. Infact quite to the contrary, exercise keeps your skeletal system like a well-oiled machine. The lesser the usage, more the chances of repair and maintenance and if it’s not used at all it can become like the rusted car in your garage. The one that you might shine bright from the outside with polish and make up but stands no chance in the race.
So though the fashion LBD is a dream even for the 30 plus, make sure you don’t wish for the body LBD. Eat well, live well.