Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bones, caused by a loss of bone density and resultant porous bones. Older adults are at a higher risk of developing the condition, with older women at a much higher risk when compared to older men. While proper treatment involving prescription medication and physical therapy is the right course of action in osteoporosis treatment, this can be supplemented with adequate diet and lifestyle changes to ensure a better prognosis.
Necessary Nutrition For Bones
The loss of bone density is an inevitable part of the progression of osteoporosis. Porous bones can become brittle, resulting in breakage and fractures. Recovery from a bone fracture is especially difficult in older individuals. Prioritising the maintenance of bone density in osteoporosis treatment can help the patients maintain an active lifestyle. This can be accomplished through medications that can help increase bone density and supplements that can help maintain the bones healthy. Equally important is the role of nutrition obtained through a proper balanced diet, especially rich in specific foods that can add to bone mass and support bone health. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with other necessary nutrients can go a long way in keeping bones healthy.
Appropriate Diet For Osteoporosis Patients
Including food items from all the four major food groups is essential to keep you diet healthy and balanced. These include fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, dairy and proteins. Food such as pasta, rice, bread, potatoes and cereals are good sources of carbohydrates. Milk and other milk products like cheese and butter are great sources of calcium and vitamin D. Sufficient amount of protein can be absorbed from eggs, meat, fish and lentils. Fruits and vegetables including leafy vegetables can supply the nutrients necessary for the absorption of vitamin D and help keep the body healthy in general.
While calcium from food and supplements can keep the bones strong and hard enough to cope with your daily activities, vitamin D helps with the absorption and subsequent use of the calcium derived from food and supplements. The rest of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for bone health can be obtained from fruits and vegetables.
Increase in body weight can lead to lack of balance and serious falls, causing breakage of bones. Hence, all the above-mentioned food groups and supplements are advised to be consumed in moderation to help keep a healthy body weight, which is crucial for osteoporosis patients in preventing undesirable side effects.
