What to eat for osteoporosis

Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
Updated on September 11, 2024
00:00
00:00

Osteoporosis is commonly seen in elderly people and mainly refers to a reduction in bone tissue per unit volume, which affects the structure and function of bones. To prevent and treat osteoporosis, it is important to supplement various nutritional elements in daily life, such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, fats, and vitamin D. So, what is good to eat for osteoporosis? Foods rich in calcium are recommended, including milk, milk powder, oysters, eggs, soybeans and soy products, pork bone soup, fish, shrimp, and dried scallops, and should be consumed more frequently. Additionally, foods like carrots, Chinese cabbage, celery, rapeseed, garlic sprouts, leeks, jujube, persimmons, and olives also contain a good amount of calcium and should be included in the diet. Supplementing vitamin D: Vitamin D, after being exposed to ultraviolet sunlight, is an essential substance that promotes the calcification of bones. Taking vitamin D can increase the intestinal absorption of calcium and help in its deposition in the bones, making them stronger. Therefore, patients with osteoporosis should regularly take vitamin D and frequently sunbathe.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
54sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and destruction of bone microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. It can be divided into primary and secondary types based on the cause. Secondary osteoporosis has a clear primary cause, often due to endocrine metabolic diseases such as gonadal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or systemic diseases. Primary osteoporosis is commonly seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis and senile osteoporosis. Therefore, it is recommended to consult an endocrinology or orthopedics department for osteoporosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
57sec home-news-image

How to maintain bone health with osteoporosis

Patients with osteoporosis should first pay attention to the following in their daily lives: First, persist in supplementing calcium and second, supplement Vitamin D as medication. In other aspects of life, it is important to engage in appropriate activities and develop a habit of regular activity. Vigorous activities, such as sprinting or playing ball games, are not recommended. Generally, it is advised that patients regularly take walks outdoors and ensure exposure to sunlight. This is why outdoor activities and enhancing sunlight exposure are related, which is the third point. The fourth important point is that if osteoporosis is diagnosed, elderly individuals must implement anti-slip measures at home to prevent falls. (Medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 23sec home-news-image

Is osteoporosis easy to treat?

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and destruction of bone tissue microstructure, resulting in increased bone fragility, decreased bone strength, and susceptibility to fractures. It is a systemic metabolic disease. Its treatment includes the following aspects: supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D, and the use of medications that inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. Firstly, calcium supplementation is essential, along with Vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium. Based on the severity of osteoporosis, stronger medications might be necessary, such as bisphosphonates or calcitonin. The choice of treatment plan depends on the severity of the patient's condition. Both bisphosphonates and calcitonin are used to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. The specific duration of treatment for osteoporosis depends on the patient's condition; additionally, patients need to regularly check their bone density. If the bone density is up to standard, they may stop the medication as per the doctor’s advice and undergo regular check-ups. If a relapse occurs, prompt medical treatment is necessary. Thus, the duration of treatment for osteoporosis is relatively long, generally from six months to a year, or even longer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
52sec home-news-image

How to treat osteoporosis?

To address osteoporosis, it's crucial to determine whether it's primary or secondary in origin. For primary osteoporosis, it is advisable to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D to facilitate bone formation and engage in suitable exercise to strengthen the bones. If the osteoporosis is severe, adding medications that promote bone formation and inhibit bone loss can aid in treatment. If a fracture occurs due to osteoporosis, it is first necessary to reposition and stabilize the fracture, while also using medications to prevent further osteoporosis. Osteoporosis caused by long-term immobilization after a fracture can be managed by increasing physical activity, which helps restore blood flow around the fractured area and prevent such osteoporosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 15sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? Previously there were three categories, but the latest 2017 treatment guidelines have changed it to four categories: First, pain. This mainly manifests as pain in the lower back or pain throughout the bones of the body. Second, spinal deformation. Severe osteoporosis can cause a person to stoop and hunchback, and it can even lead to a decrease in a person's height and cause limited spinal mobility. Third, fractures. Fractures due to osteoporosis belong to the category of fragile fractures. These are fractures that can occur with very low energy or minor trauma. Common sites include the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, hip fractures, the distal radius and ulna, as well as the humerus and tibia, so sometimes, just a simple fall or being bumped by a door can result in a fracture. Fourth, impacts on psychological states and quality of life. Sometimes after developing osteoporosis, a person may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and loss of self-confidence, which directly leads to reduced contact with the outside world and a decline in the quality of independent living.