Nutrient-rich Foods to Eat to Manage Osteoporosis
Just like how the human body replaces old cells with new ones, bone tissue often gets broken down and is replaced by new tissues. If the body cannot produce new bones fast enough to replace the lost ones, it is a condition known as osteoporosis. Here, the skeleton becomes fragile, and the bones turn weak and brittle, putting people at risk of frequent fractures. Keep reading to learn about healthy foods to manage osteoporosis symptoms.
Food and osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can affect all the bones, but it is most common in the hip, wrist, and spine. Fractures can also affect the upper arm, lower legs, and pelvis. The broken bones can lead to severe pain and disability. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, as symptoms don’t show until a fracture occurs. An individual’s bone mass increases steadily until they reach 12 years of age, accelerating at puberty until mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline steadily. Though it is impossible to prevent bone loss, a healthy nutritional regime can help children achieve peak bone mass and prevent premature bone loss in adults. For people with osteoporosis, the bones become so weak that a cough, a mild fall, or stress can lead to fractures. The slow collapse of bones can lead to severe pain and a change in posture. People with a history of poor nutritional habits, thyroid issues, and overactive adrenal glands are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Some unhealthy lifestyle habits, like lack of regular physical activity, can trigger the early onset of osteoporosis.
8 key nutrients that reduce the risk of osteoporosis
The cells that facilitate bone formation are called osteoblasts, and the cells involved in bone resorption are called osteoclasts. Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can interfere with these cells’ functioning. A healthy meal plan can help achieve peak bone mass in children, maintain good bone health in adults, and prevent and treat osteoporosis in seniors.
