6 foods that lower the risk of osteoporosis

6 foods that lower the risk of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects the skeletal system. Usually, bones have small spaces that create a honeycomb-like structure. In the bones of people with osteoporosis, this space becomes bigger, and thus the bones become weaker. Over 53 million individuals in the country have osteoporosis. Nutrition holds the key to health, even in the case of osteoporosis, and some foods could lower the risk. Here is a list of foods that could lower the risk of osteoporosis:

Dairy
When mothers want their children to drink milk, they often talk about how the bones will become stronger. This is no urban legend. Bones are made of calcium, and when they become porous, what better way to fix it than to supply the body with the best source of calcium in meals? Calcium and essential proteins in dairy make milk and milk products vital to bone health. Also, cheeses are available in calcium-fortified variants, which helps reduce osteoporosis risk. For older individuals, yogurt and cottage cheese are a good option since milk often becomes hard to digest as people age. Finally, vitamin D fortified dairy also helps improve strength as this nutrient is essential for bone tissue.

Green leafy vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, turnip greens, and collard greens are a great choice to include in your meal plan because they contain vitamin K, several antioxidants, and are excellent sources of calcium and iron too. Apart from boosting overall health, all these nutrients protect against osteoporosis. Remember, however, that the entire range of the amaranth family has high amounts of oxalate that blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Cooked spinach does not pose this problem, so remember to stay away from dark green salads and instead have them steamed or stir-fried.

Nuts and seeds
Macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds contain calcium, magnesium, zinc, and other essential nutrients that improve bone health. Almonds and brazil nuts are particularly rich in calcium. Cashews contain folate, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which are necessary for the bones. Walnuts are abundant in trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D12, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and folate. Nuts also contain omega-3-fatty acids, which are healthy fats. These enable the storage of other essential nutrients and also help improve overall health. You can have them as snacks without fear of weight gain because they have few adverse effects. But it would be ideal to avoid salted nuts since their sodium interferes with calcium retention.

Salmon
Fish like salmon and sardines are best suited for the bones. Salmon packs a healthy dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb and process calcium, the raw material that makes up bones. It is amongst the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Salmon is full of protein, calcium, and omega-3-fatty acids, all of which keep inflammation away and promote bone health. The best part is salmon is a fish with low mercury levels, so you can consume it without worrying about harming your nervous system.

Eggs
Whether you like them sunny side up or poached, eggs are essential for bone health. Vitamin D is indispensable for calcium absorption and enables its optimal utilization in the body. Eggs are also rich in proteins necessary for rebuilding and repair in the body. When individuals with osteoporosis or at risk of developing the condition consume eggs regularly, their bones become stronger and healthier.

Phosphorus
Phosphorus supports bone building and tissue growth, and its intake can be beneficial to those at risk of osteoporosis. While not a food, this mineral is found in small amounts in various foods. Phosphorus is present in most dairy like milk, cheese and yogurt, meats, cereal, eggs, fish, and nuts. You can also take phosphorus supplements at regular intervals after consulting your physician.

However, while increasing the intake of these foods, it is also important to avoid foods that interfere with calcium absorption. Phytic acid in unleavened bread and raw beans, oxalic acid in raw spinach, and sodium in various foods interfere with calcium absorption and retention.

Foods to avoid
You can usually meet your nutrient needs by having a balanced nutritional regime that includes calcium-rich foods. But your body cannot absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at once. So remember not to take all your calcium in one meal. Consuming too many foods with added sugars can result in the excretion of calcium and magnesium through the urine. Cut down on pizzas, cold-cut meats, crackers, pretzels, and tacos as they contain excess sodium. Also, avoid alcohol because it interferes with vitamin D and calcium absorption. If you require to take a supplement to maintain your daily requirements, speak with your physician about what is most suitable for you.

Evenity
Unfortunately, osteoporosis is more common in women, especially after menopause. Estrogen has a protective effect on bones, and when its levels drop sharply after menopause, bone health suffers as well. However, there are particular options like Evenity that doctors prescribe specifically to women and those at high risk of hip fractures. Evenity is a prescription that’s usually given only when other treatments are unsuccessful. Evenity is administered as an injection under the skin of the stomach, upper thigh, or arms. The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 times per month for up to one year.

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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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6 foods that can help improve prostate health

As per estimates, around 12.5 percent of our country's men have prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer among males. Therefore, it is crucial to follow good habits that promote prostate health. Doctors suggest that a nutritious food plan can keep the prostate gland healthy. It is crucial to eliminate high-fat and sugary foods from the meals and include those abundant in minerals and vitamins. The following are some foods that improve prostate health: Tomatoes Tomatoes are among the few fruits that contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. This antioxidant decreases cell damage and helps stop cancer cell production. Unsurprisingly then, researchers have found evidence that meals rich in lycopene reduces the risk associated with prostate cancer. Since lycopene is tightly bound to the tomato cell walls, the best way to eat the fruit is cooked or pureed. One should include sun-dried tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato sauce in the meals at least every other day for the best benefits. Individuals can stock up on fresh tomatoes in summer and sun-dried or canned ones for the winter. Green tea Green tea is called a superfood because of its many health benefits. As a result, several multivitamin chewable capsules on the market consist of green tea extract. Such oral options are also highly recommended by doctors to patients at risk of prostate diseases. Drinking a cup of tea each day seems to have a positive impact on the prostate gland. While more research is required, some evidence proves it protects against prostate cancer.  Other teas that are also beneficial include matcha, nettle root, and hibiscus. One can consider sipping such teas while using daily chewable. Those who frequently travel for work or other purposes can carry a flask of tea wherever they go. Besides improving prostate health, green tea supports cardiovascular health and cholesterol management and has positive neuroprotective effects. Mushrooms Another key ingredient in many chewables and all-natural treatments for prostate health is mushrooms. While not all people enjoy their texture, most types of mushrooms have a positive effect on prostate health. One study shows that men who included as little as three ounces of mushrooms a week in their meal plan had an eight percent lower chance of prostate cancer than men who did not consider mushrooms. If the intake was three or more times a week, the risk was 17 percent lower. Shiitake, oyster, king oyster, and maitake are mushroom varieties with antioxidants with cancer-fighting capacity. Broccoli When mothers nudge young children to eat their greens, they probably are not thinking of prostate health. But men, both young and old, benefit significantly from the complex compounds present in this nutritious floral vegetable. Most cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts positively affect prostate health and lower prostate cancer risk. These green leafy vegetables contain phytochemicals that can target and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy prostate cells unaffected. Broccoli, in particular, has copious amounts of sulforaphane, a potent phytochemical that significantly reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Berries Surprisingly, even breathing oxygen increases the number of free radicals in the body. These occur in the form of charged or oxidized ions created as byproducts of a healthy metabolism. When these radicals build up in the body, they cause oxidative stress, damaging DNA and potentially leading to cancerous cell mutations. Antioxidants are superfoods that neutralize the effect of these unstable atoms and prevent or delay cell damage. Since berries like strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry, are excellent sources of anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant, they may help lower the risk of prostate and other forms of cancer. One can consider having a berry smoothie every day to improve prostate health. Fish Most fish, particularly cold-water fish like salmon and trout, contain healthy fats that do not trigger inflammation like animal fats and are suitable options. But tuna, shrimp, lobster, and scallops cause more inflammation, so one should avoid them. Besides protecting against inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids in certain fish inhibit tumor growth. However, nutritionists recommend seven ounces of omega-3-rich fish each week for the best benefits. Anchovies, herring, and sardines also have low mercury levels in addition to possessing prostate-protecting properties. One can add these foods to the meal plan for better prostate health. However, those who already suffer from prostate-related disease might also want to consider using the following treatments and supplements: VitalFlow It is a health supplement with a long list of healthy ingredients like Saw palmetto berries, vitamin E, selenium, cat's claw, broccoli leaf extract, and tomato fruit powder. One can use VitalFlow for better prostate health, but the supplement must be used consistently to reap benefits in the long run. Prostafen It contains nettle root extract, zinc, and broccoli extract, besides other healthy ingredients. One can consider Prostafen and other prostate supplements to prevent prostate enlargement and conditions that can arise from it. However, such supplements could cause acid reflux and other side effects if not used correctly. One can speak to a healthcare practitioner if they experience any troubling symptoms. Ibrutinib BTK inhibitors The doctor may recommend ibrutinib BTK inhibitors if a person already has prostate cancer or another cancer. It is a treatment that blocks cancerous cells from multiplying. But BTK inhibitors can have side effects like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, skin infections, and dehydration.

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