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Osteoporosis: treatment, exercise and diet (rich in calcium)

21. 04. 2020
2 mins
21. 04. 2020
2 mins
Table of Contents

Osteoporosis: Treatment, Exercises, and Calcium-Rich Nutrition

Achieving optimal bone density requires a normal physiological hormonal status, sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, favorable genetic predisposition, and regular physical activity.

 

What is Osteoporosis and Bone Structure

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mass decreases and bone density is reduced. It is a systemic disease characterized by lower bone mass and changes in bone tissue composition.

Bone is composed of:

  • Organic matrix

  • Mineral component (highly rich in calcium)

  • Bone cells

Bone is a complex structure made of highly mineralized tissue, with calcium being a major component.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Symptoms that may indicate osteoporosis include:

  • Subtle back pain and fatigue

  • Fractures of the spine, wrist, femoral neck, upper arm, or shin

  • Decreased height (clothes pants seem too long)

  • A hump on the back (from collapsed vertebra)

Other associated conditions:

  • Weight loss

  • Decreased estrogen in women and testosterone in men

How to Diagnose Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed using densitometry, often combined with biochemical tests.

  • Densitometry is a radiological method that measures bone mineral density (BMD).

  • Recommended screening:

    • Women at age 65

    • Men at age 70

  • Frequency: Every 2 years, or every 6–12 months for patients on glucocorticoids

T-score interpretation:

  • Normal: T-score ≥ -1

  • Osteopenia (low bone mass): T-score -1 to -2.5

  • Osteoporosis: T-score ≤ -2.5

Commonly Affected Areas

  • Women: spine and thumb

  • Men and women: spine and femoral neck

Osteoporosis Treatment and Injections

Osteoporosis treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and preventing new fractures.

Medications include:

  • Hormone replacement therapy: e.g., raloxifene

  • Antiresorptive drugs: alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronate

  • Osteoanabolic agents: teriparatide, strontium ranelate, denosumab

Administration:

  • Ibandronate can be given intravenously once every 3 months if oral intake isn’t possible

  • Teriparatide and denosumab are administered via injection at specific intervals

Natural Treatment Approaches

Non-pharmacological measures are essential in both prevention and treatment, and include:

  • Regular physical activity

  • Adequate nutrition (sufficient calcium and vitamin D)

  • Fall prevention strategies

Nutrition for Osteoporosis and Calcium-Rich Foods

Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is critical. Food is the best source of calcium, and supplements like Osteopan Plus tablets may be used if needed.

Foods to limit (cause mineral loss):

  • Fast food

  • Soft drinks

  • Caffeine

  • Sugary foods

  • Phosphates

  • Coffee and black tea

Essential nutrients for optimal bone mass:

  • Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, fluoride, silicon, boron, molybdenum, manganese

  • Protein

Calcium-rich foods:

  • Milk, yogurt, dairy ice cream

  • Cheeses: sheep cheese, Trappist, mozzarella, low-fat fresh cheese

  • Sardines in oil

  • Vegetables: cabbage, spinach, chard, broccoli

  • Egg yolks, hazelnuts, calcium-fortified orange juice

Daily calcium requirement:

  • Adults: 800–1000 mg

  • Postmenopausal women: 1500 mg

Prevention and Exercises

Regular physical activity is the cornerstone of osteoporosis prevention.

  • Exercises should be performed daily for 30 minutes

  • Move slowly and correctly

  • Initially, repeat each exercise 2–3 times, then gradually increase repetitions

  • Exercise routines should be coordinated with a physician

Other Bone Diseases

Metabolic bone diseases include:

  • Osteoporosis: proportional decrease in bone volume with normal mineral ratio

  • Osteomalacia: accumulation of osteoid, disproportionately high non-mineralized bone

  • Paget’s disease: accelerated bone remodeling

  • Renal osteodystrophy: several subtypes with varied mineral imbalances

  • Hyperparathyroidism: accelerated bone turnover with fibro-osseous changes

  • Osteosklerosis: increased bone volume with disrupted architecture

  • Osteogenesis imperfecta: thinning of bone beams, abnormal architecture

  • Oxalosis: radial formation of oxalates with altered bone architecture

Other conditions accelerating bone loss:

  • Endocrine diseases (excess parathyroid hormone)

  • Kidney disease (calcium loss and reduced vitamin D activation)

  • Colitis (poor mineral absorption)

  • Diabetes (especially insulin-treated patients)

  • Hyperthyroidism (thyroid hormones stimulate bone resorption)

Key to Healthy Bones

To achieve optimal bone density, men and women need:

  • Normal hormonal status

  • Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake

  • Favorable genetic predisposition

  • Sufficient physical activity