Osteoporosis is a health condition that leads to loss of bone mass, making the bones weak and brittle. As a result, patients experience fractures more frequently, especially in their hips, wrists, or spine. While the disease is not entirely curable, medications and lifestyle adjustments can help strengthen the bones and prevent bone loss. This article lists the early warning signs of osteoporosis and certain foods and medicines that can help manage the condition.

Early signs
The following are two early signs of osteoporosis to look out for:

Frequent fractures
If a person fractures their bones or suffers from serious bone injury even during minor falls, it is a sign of osteoporosis. These fractures mainly develop in the spine, but other bones may also be affected.

Changes in posture
Osteoporosis causes compression ruptures in the vertebrae, leading to a change in one’s posture. In addition, a prominent hump, known as widow’s hump, may be observed in the spine.

Foods to eat
The following foods can help ease osteoporosis symptoms:

Fatty fish
Omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen our bones and muscles. Fish like sardines, salmon, and tuna are the best sources of these fatty acids and are also high in calcium.

Dairy products
Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are rich in calcium and fats. These nutrients are necessary for maintaining bone health and are a must-have for osteoporosis patients.

Nuts
Nuts are rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. These help improve the health of our bones and ease the symptoms associated with osteoporosis.

Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli have minerals like vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium. Adding these to the daily meals helps improve bone health.

Fruits
Like veggies, fruits, such as bananas, oranges, and apples, contain essential minerals and antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress in the body and help combat bone disorders.

Legumes
Legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in fiber and magnesium, which not only help boost bone strength but also help keep several diseases at bay.

Dried fruits
Certain dried fruits like dried plums and raisins have antioxidants that help maintain bone density. They also have boron, which can help prevent osteoporosis among high-risk individuals.

Medications
Besides recommending the above foods, doctors prescribe the following medications for osteoporosis:

Prolia®
Denosumab, retailed under the brand name Prolia®, is an injectable medication prescribed for treating osteoporosis. It works by increasing the patient’s bone mass and reducing the risk of fractures.

EVENITY®
EVENITY®, which contains romosozumab-aqqg, is another prescription medication that helps treat the symptoms of osteoporosis. It can be used individually or in combination with other medicines.