Say Goodbye to Back Pain

o Some practitioners advise postmenopausal women to consume more foods

containing plant estrogens, especially tofu, soyabean milk and other soya

products. However there is no definitive evidence as yet to prove that these

foods help prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis.^
o Avoid phosphorus rich foods which can promote bone loss.
High phosphorus foods include red meats, fizzy drinks and those with
phosphate food additives. Excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine are
also thought to reduce the amount of calcium absorbed by the body and
should be avoided.
 Menopausal hormone replacement therapy -- either estrogen alone or a
combination of estrogen and progestin -- was used for prevention and treatment
of osteoporosis. However, in July 2002, a landmark study revealed that hormone
therapy increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke in some
women. Hormone replacement therapy is known to help preserve bone and
prevent fractures, but is not generally recommended at this point for osteoporosis
because the risks are thought to outweigh the benefits. In women who have been
on hormone replacement therapy in the past and then stopped it, the bone begins
to thin again -- at the same pace as during menopause. It is preferable for
menopausal women to take calcium and Vitamin D 3 supplements,
adopt a healthy lifestyle and exercise rather than commence
hormone replacement therapy. 
Support for breasts

Large breasts shift the centre of gravity of the body towards the front thereby adding to
the strain on the back. Women who have this problem need to maintain an erect posture
and wear a good supporting brassiere. Where the breasts are very large, reduction
surgery may need to be considered.

Maintain a good posture

Poor posture (sitting, standing, or lying down) makes the back more vulnerable to
injuries and back pain. Weak or shortened muscles contribute to poor posture. When
the spine is not in proper alignment the muscles, ligaments and spinal joints all are