3 ways to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Around 10 million people in our country aged 50 and above have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that occurs when the body cannot create enough new bone to replace old bone in time. As a result, bone density and bone mass decrease, and the bones become brittle. People with the disease are more prone to fractures. Here are some treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes for managing osteoporosis and improving bone health:

Treatment options
Most treatments for osteoporosis aim to prevent further loss of bone density. Two popular options are Prolia® and EVENITY®.

Prolia® is a treatment that helps increase bone mass, reducing the risk of fractures. It is mainly prescribed to women after menopause. However, one must not use Prolia® if they have low blood calcium or are expecting. Common side effects include infections, bone and joint pain, and allergic reactions. Women may also experience back pain and the common cold.

EVENITY® is another popular option for women with osteoporosis after menopause. It helps build new bone and reduce spine fracture risk within 12 months. EVENITY® can lead to serious side effects like an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The common side effects include allergic reactions, sore throats, burning eyes, infections, joint pain, and muscle spasms.

Foods that help
While treatments can go a long way in tackling osteoporosis, proper nutrition is also necessary. Dairy products like milk and cheese are high in calcium, an essential element that helps build strong bones. Fish like salmon are also great because they are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. These help keep inflammation at bay. Besides eating healthy foods, patients must avoid salt, caffeine, and red meat.

Lifestyle changes
Osteoporosis patients must follow an active lifestyle. Exercise keeps the bones healthy and lowers the risk of bone diseases like osteoporosis. In fact, studies have shown that regular strength and weight training can help make the bones stronger by increasing bone density. Exercising also helps improve balance and provides a range of other health benefits.

Osteoporosis patients must maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the bones. It is also essential to use proper footwear while exercising to prevent the risk of falls that can easily lead to a fracture. Further, patients must go for regular checkups to monitor bone density.