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3 ways to manage osteoporosis and boost bone health

3 ways to manage osteoporosis and boost bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle with age. Daily activities like bending or coughing can cause minor fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine. The symptoms appear as soon as bones become weak, followed by a noticeable stooped posture, back pain, or even loss of height over time. Here are some healthy meal tips, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help manage this condition.

Treatment options

Prolia
This treatment option is for postmenopausal women who experience physical problems due to weak bones, are at high risk of fracture, and cannot use other osteoporosis treatment methods. Prolia uses targeted therapy that blocks the bone-removing cells from causing any damage to the bone. However, be mindful of taking this treatment if you have low blood calcium, are pregnant, or planning to conceive in the near future. There are certain side effects of this treatment, so consult a health professional and get a detailed report on related steps.

Evenity
Evenity, a sclerostin inhibitor, helps prevent bone damage by targeting a protein that enables its repair. This treatment option is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at a high risk of bone fracture. Like Prolia, this treatment option is not viable if one has low calcium levels in the blood. Also, if the patient has had a heart episode like a stroke or an attack in the last 12 months, Evenity cannot be used. Speak to the health professional about any side effects that may be high risk.

Hormone therapy
This works differently for men and women. Estrogen hormone is known to help with bone density and maintain its level; however, this therapy increases the risk of breast cancer and blood clots. If needed, estrogen therapy is used for younger women or for those whose menopausal symptoms also require treatment.

If estrogen is not an option for some women, another product that mimics the benefits of estrogen in bone density is used for treatment in postmenopausal women. This may, however, lead to some side effects like hot flashes and an increased risk of blood clots, but it may also reduce the risk of breast cancer as opposed to taking estrogen therapy.

For men, it is understood that osteoporosis is linked to a decrease in the level of testosterone in men with age. Testosterone replacement therapy can be used. However, according to research, treatments, and products specific to osteoporosis are more effective than just replacement therapy. Both can be used under the advice of a health professional.

Clinical trials
This may not be an ideal option for everyone, but this can be helpful for those with a severe case of osteoporosis and failed treatments. This may be another way to manage the condition and its symptoms under supervision. Also, note that these trials may not always have a high success rate.

Foods to eat and avoid
Calcium and vitamin D are especially important as the former helps in bone building and the latter helps in the calcium absorption process. Dairy products such as low-fat cheese, yogurt, and milk are excellent sources of these nutrients. Canned sardines and salmon with bones are also advised, along with mackerel and tuna that have substantial amounts of Vitamin D. In fruits and vegetables, collard greens, kale, okra, mustard greens, broccoli, turnip greens, dandelion greens are known to be loaded with calcium. If you want to try fortified foods, make sure you check if they have added these minerals and vitamins to the product. These can be found in breakfast cereals, soy or rice milk, some snacks, and even some brands of juices.

Magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and K are also essential for bone health, and they can be found in vegetables like spinach, beet greens, tomatoes, plantains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and okra. Fruits like bananas, papaya, raisins, oranges, and prunes are also good sources that can be included in the meal plan.

Avoid processed meats and foods as they may have high sodium content. Carbonated drinks with phosphorous content promote calcium loss in the body, affecting bone health. Hence, it is best avoided.

Lifestyle changes and remedies
There aren’t many home remedies except the inclusion of proper nutrition and exercise in daily routine.

Follow a daily exercise routine
Weight training or high/low-intensity activities can help increase bone density over time. This may help in the prevention of the early onset of osteoporosis. Activities like running, walking, aerobics, dancing, climbing stairs, tennis, and weight-lifting are good options too. Following these activities thrice a week for about thirty to forty-five mins will decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Many people enjoy bicycle rides and elliptical machines for exercising, however, these activities only work on maintaining heart health. Find a good balance in your exercise regime with the help of a professional. If you still have issues with bone health, ensure you switch to low-intensity workouts. Make sure you do not stop exercising as it may have adverse effects, causing further complications.

Quit unhealthy lifestyle choices
Quitting unhealthy lifestyle choices will also come a long way in ensuring your health is not compromised as you get older. Make sure that you eat the right food and lead an active life to boost bone health. If you are unsure about any of the listed tips, consult a nutritionist and a healthcare expert for a holistic approach to treating osteoarthritis.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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5 foods that can lower cancer risk

Can what we eat help prevent serious illnesses like cancer? The link between disease and foods has been extensively studied. For instance, the research findings of the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research have indicated that food choices greatly affect one’s health and well-being. The results also suggest that certain plant-based foods can help lower one’s cancer risk. So, here are some of the best foods to have: Garlic This pungent food item’s benefits outweigh the inconvenience (i.e., bad breath). Its odor is brought on by its sulfur compounds, which are also responsible for stopping the development of cancer-causing substances in the body. Additionally, garlic can help speed up DNA repair and kill cancer cells. Garlic also battles bacteria, especially the kind of bacteria associated with stomach cancer (H. Pylori bacteria). Studies have also indicated that garlic can reduce the risk of pancreatic, colon, esophageal, and breast cancer. To get the most out of garlic, peel and chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for 20–30 minutes before cooking them. This enables the activation of enzymes and the release of sulfur compounds. Adults should have one clove of garlic per day for better health. Broccoli Studies have suggested a link between cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage) and cancer prevention. A few lab studies showed that sulforaphane obtained from broccoli could help thwart the development and progression of the disease in several ways. Broccoli can be a great addition to meals to reduce the risk of prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer. However, to get the most out of the vegetable, it should be steamed and consumed without being coated in greasy sauces or cheese. Berries Recent studies have pointed out that berry extracts can slow down the growth of cancerous cells, and among them, strawberry and raspberry extracts had the strongest effects on colon cancer cells. Both strawberry and raspberry are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and the phytochemical called ellagic acid, which is considered to lower the disease risk. Ellagic acid exhibits anti-cancer properties in laboratory tests. It can help increase the enzymes that destroy the cancer-causing substances and slow tumor growth. This phytochemical can also help prevent bladder, lung, skin, esophagus, and breast cancers. In addition, the berries also contain flavonoids, which suppress the production of an enzyme that damages DNA and has been linked to lung cancer. Other berries like blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries are also great additions to your nutritional regimen as they also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Spinach Spinach is rich in carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein that can get rid of free radicals from the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the body. Carotenoids are found in dark leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. An NIH-AARP study conducted with a sample size of nearly half a million people indicated that those who ate more spinach were less susceptible to cancer of the esophagus. Some research also says that this vegetable can help prevent ovarian, endometrial, mouth, lung, and colorectal cancers. Additionally, spinach is also high in folate and fiber, which can lower the risk of certain diseases. This superfood can also help produce new cells and repair DNA. It is best to lightly cook spinach leaves and add them to salads or soups; preparing it this way (or having it raw) can help one get the most lutein. Carrots Carrots are usually linked to eye health, but a lesser-known fact is that this vegetable is packed with nutrients that can help one fight diseases. Carrots contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from toxin-induced damage and slows down the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, the vegetable also contains phytochemicals, which can lower the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and breast. However, cooked carrots can show better results than having them raw. Let the carrots rest after steaming or boiling them for about 15-20 minutes. Dice them when done so that the nutrients are not lost. Those affected by the disease should follow a balanced meal plan that includes one or more of these five food items. Further, better food choice becomes crucial in restoring strength and improving immunity when one is undergoing rigorous treatment for cancer. Treatment Doctors can recommend radiotherapy for certain kinds of cancer. A popular option recommended by doctors is Xofigo radium 223 cancer treatment—an injection used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. Xofigo contains radioactive material radium 223, which targets cancer cells. The cells absorb this material, leading to the release of radiation that travels a short distance to kill malignant cells. So, due to its limited range, surrounding healthy cells receive little or no radiation. The option is prescribed in these conditions: When hormone treatment stops working for patients When the illness does not respond to surgical treatment that lowers testosterone In male patients, radium-223 can help treat cancer that has spread to the bone but not to other parts of the body. While Xofigo radium 223 cancer treatment is suitable for female patients, it is usually not prescribed for women who are pregnant.

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