What you need to know about Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis

What you need to know about Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis

Overview

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  • Source: Microbioz India

  • Date: 03 Aug,2023

Both osteopenia and osteoporosis compromise bone health and strength. The degree of bone injury is the dividing line between the two. The gradual weakening of bones over time is medically diagnosed as either osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements are a good indicator of bone health. Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measurement of the amount of minerals, such calcium, present in your bones, and a lower score indicates a higher risk of fractures or breaks.

Osteopenia is a precursor to the more advanced condition of osteoporosis. It’s just a term for having lower-than-average bone density, which isn’t a major health concern just yet.

After the age of 35, bone density begins to decline, and a diagnosis of osteopenia may be made. In most cases, there are no early warning signs, but if you experience frequent bone fractures, your doctor may order a bone density test.

What foods to avoid with osteoporosis ?

A diet that is high in ultra-processed foods, added sugar, and an excessive amount of salt may be detrimental to bone health and may raise the chance of developing bone illnesses such as osteoporosis.

The Western diet is a dietary pattern that is characterized by high intakes of ultra-processed foods, sweetened beverages, fried foods, processed meats, and refined grains. This style of eating has been linked to a variety of health problems. This manner of eating has been related to decreased bone mineral density, which is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis as well as fractures. This pattern of eating relates to weight gain and obesity, both of which can have adverse effects on bone health by lowering bone production. Calcium absorption can be decreased, which can lead to increased bone loss, in Western diets because of the high sodium and fat intake. In addition, consuming foods typical of the Western diet creates an acidic environment within the body, which can lead to the breakdown of bone tissue.

Because it causes an increase in calcium loss through the urine and disrupts calcium homeostasis, a high intake of added sugar from sweet foods and beverages like ice cream and soda can also contribute to osteoporosis.

What foods to avoid with osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a condition that occurs when a person’s bone mineral density is significantly lower than what is considered normal. Although it is not as serious as osteoporosis, it is still something that should be of worry.

It is frequently thought of as a prelude to osteoporosis, which is a more serious disorder that can cause to fractures. Osteopenia is a condition that affects a significant number of people, particularly women over the age of 50.

Alterations to your lifestyle and the use of medicine are both important components of osteopenia treatment, but your food may also be an important factor. So, which foods should be avoided when dealing with osteopenia? If you have this problem, the following is a list of seven foods that you should steer clear of in order to stop any further bone damage from occurring:

  1. Salt
  2. Caffeine
  3. Foods That Cause Inflammation
  4. Sweet and sugary foods
  5. Alcohol
  6. Nonalcoholic Beverages
  7. Meat that has been processed

Osteopenia symptoms

Osteopenia typically does not result in any indications or symptoms until the condition has advanced to the stage of osteoporosis. People who have osteopenia may, on extremely rare occasions, feel bone discomfort or weakening. A screening for BMD is the most common way for a person to discover they have the illness.

Is osteopenia reversible?

There is currently no treatment available for osteopenia; therefore, it is essential to maintain as much bone density as possible. The treatment consists of using straightforward methods to maintain your bones in the best possible condition and strength and to halt the progression of osteoporosis:

  1. Calcium therapy
  2. Exercise
  3. Maintaining a healthy diet
  4. Taking vitamin D supplements
  5. Getting adequate sun exposure, both of which will assist your body in absorbing vitamin D.

By slowing down the rate at which bone is lost, the condition known as osteopenia can be reversed. A complete workout program like Wellen’s, which is intended particularly to strengthen bone and minimize your risk of fracture, is an excellent method to make certain that you are including bone-building exercises that have been carefully selected for you. You can enhance your T-score, increase the strength of your bones, and return your bone density to the normal range if you treat osteopenia in the correct manner.

Is osteoporosis reversible?

​ In the same way that osteopenia can be treated and even reversed with the help of certain medications, so too can osteoporosis. The rate of bone loss is something that can be slowed down by leading an active and healthy lifestyle. The therapy for osteoporosis is a multifaceted approach that includes taking medicine, engaging in physical activity, maintaining regular contact with medical professionals, and living a generally healthy lifestyle.

Peri Osteoporosis and menopause treatment

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients that should not be neglected by women. Menopausal hormone treatment, often known as MHT, is an excellent method of preventing osteoporosis and fractures, and its use should be encouraged in individuals younger than 50 years old. MHT or tibolone may be an option for treatment in female patients younger than 60 years old, particularly those who experience vasomotor or genitourinary symptoms.

Bisphosphonates :The natural process that occurs within your body to break down bone is slowed down by these medications. It is possible that your bone density will remain the same or maybe slightly improve after using this medication. Bisphosphonates are the primary medication prescribed by doctors to postmenopausal women for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Among these are zoledronic acid (Reclast), alendronic acid (Fosamax), ibandronic acid (Boniva), and risedronic acid (Actonel). The majority of bisphosphonates come in the form of pills that are consumed on a regular basis, typically once a week or once a month. On the other hand, Reclast is administered via injection, typically once a year.

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