Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced mass and density of bone tissue, and increased bone fragility. The most vulnerable group are the elderly, and osteoporosis is characterized by a disorder of the mineral composition of bones (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium).
Bone tissue mass is assessed by a diagnostic procedure called densitometry, which measures the density of bone minerals.
Treatment for osteoporosis usually involves lifestyle changes, especially in the areas of diet and physical activity, as well as taking medications that slow the rate of bone breakdown (called bone resorption) or increase bone formation, or both.
Read below for information on diet, exercise, and fall prevention that can reduce your risk of complications from osteoporosis.
Treatment of osteoporosis
It is important for patients with osteoporosis to get an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D through a healthy and balanced diet. A doctor, nutritionist, or other healthcare professional can educate patients about the amounts of calcium and vitamin D they should consume daily, as well as simple ways to include these nutrients in their daily diet.
Calcium
Most patients are advised to increase their dietary calcium intake initially. Dietary calcium can be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. If the patient has restrictions on the intake of dairy products, calcium is usually recommended as a dietary supplement. Other dietary sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale) and calcium-fortified foods and juices.
It is not recommended to take more calcium than recommended, either through food or supplements. Excess calcium can increase the risk of other health problems, such as kidney stones, cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Vitamin D
An adequate intake of vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium. Since high levels of vitamin D are not found in many foods, it is advised to take dietary supplements. The recommended amount of additional vitamin D may vary from person to person with osteoporosis, depending on their needs, so it is recommended to consult a doctor.
It is not uncommon for a doctor to advise a vitamin D intake higher than the recommended daily amount of 15 mcg (600 IU) to 20 mcg (800 IU). Taking up to 100 mcg (or 4000 IU) per day is considered a safe upper limit.
Strength training and physical activity
Regular physical activity is important for maintaining bone density and generally strengthening muscles, which can reduce the risk of falling. Weight-bearing exercises and muscle strengthening are especially important for bone health and fall prevention.
Examples of exercises that may be recommended for patients with osteoporosis include:
Walking
Running
Going on a short and easy hike
Climbing the stairs
Tai Chi
Yoga
Pilates
Tennis, if the person is able
Dance, if possible
People with osteoporosis should check with their doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure the exercises are appropriate and safe. If a person already has a fracture, exercise options are usually limited to prevent further injury.
How to reduce the risk of falls?
Since osteoporosis causes thinner and weaker bones, it is important to reduce the risk as much as possible. There are several methods that can help reduce the risk of falling:
Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.
Change the safety of the home, for example by installing handrails in the shower cabin, using a shower chair or moving everyday objects to the ground floor to reduce the use of stairs.
Always wear glasses with the correct prescription to avoid tripping and falling due to poor vision.
What drugs are used to treat osteoporosis?
In people diagnosed with osteoporosis, the goal of the medication is to prevent fractures, maintain and increase bone mass, eliminate symptoms of fractures and bone deformities, and improve and preserve functional ability.
The goal of the drugs that are prescribed is to stop the breakdown of bones, to stimulate their building, and to stimulate the building and stop the breakdown of bones.
In the case of old age, be sure to regularly check the health of your bones, but also implement exercises and dietary guidelines that will keep your bones healthy and reduce the risk of fractures, thus maintaining the quality of life even in old age.
Leave a Reply