Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones weaken and degenerate due to the loss of tissues. As a result, they become brittle and are largely vulnerable to pain and fractures, often leading to disability. There are certain food habits that hasten the process of bone degeneration in patients. Give below are five foods to avoid in the meals made for individuals suffering from osteoporosis plus certain medications for the condition.

5 Foods Osteoporosis Patients Need to Stay Away From

Salt
When the concentration of sodium in our blood increases, it leads to excessive loss of calcium through the kidneys, which can worsen the process of bone degeneration during osteoporosis. Thus, it is important to limit the amount of salt we consume or the amount of high-sodium foods we include in our meals.

Carbonated beverages
It has been observed that excessive consumption of carbonated beverages, such as colas and sodas, may have adverse effects on the bone density and bone health in an individual. These contain phosphorus, which has been linked to causing bone degeneration in people with osteoporosis. Moreover, the refined sugars present in such beverages are also considered harmful for bone health since they they cause excessive excretion of calcium through urine.

Red meat
Animal meat, especially red meat, is known to be extremely rich in protein. However, these animal-based proteins also contain a large amount of sulfur in it. To account for the higher sulfur quantity, the body compensates by excreting calcium, thus compromising bone density in people with osteoporosis. So, it is beneficial to have plant-based alternatives such as nuts, legumes, etc.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, can be beneficial for the body only when consumed in moderation. However, excess consumption of spirits can have several adverse effects on the body, including loss of bone mass, decreased bone formation, and a heightened vulnerability to severe fractures.

Caffeine
This advise is for those who tend to consume numerous cups of coffee in a day as opposed to the maximum recommendation of 2 cups a day. Caffeine is responsible for decreased calcium absorption in the body and can also lead to the extraction calcium from the bones in certain cases. Thus, it is important to consume coffee in moderation or even switch to decaf if you can.

Medications for Osteoporosis
Some common medications for osteoporosis are described as follows.

Romosozumab
Sold under the brand name EVENITY®, romosozumab helps in strengthening bones and reducing the risk of spine fractures in people with osteoporosis.

Prolia®
Denosumab, commonly retailed under the brand name Prolia®, helps treat bone loss induced by postmenopausal osteoporosis. This medicine is not prescribed to pregnant women or individuals with low levels of calcium.

Fosamax
Fosamax is the brand name of alendronic sodium, which is a medication used for the treatment of bone loss as seen in diseases like osteoporosis.

FORTEO
FORTEO (teriparatide) is an injection that is used for osteoporosis treatment . People suffering from osteoporosis are at an increased risk of suffering from fractured bones. Administering FORTEO can reduce the risk of having another fracture. It is administered in the thigh or abdomen once daily. The delivery device can be used for up to 28 days as it is set to give a 20 mcg dose each day.