Milk. Calcium is the bone-building darling in a glass of milk, but the beverage also naturally contains other nutrients that benefit bone health, including vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Beverage options that are better choices include calcium and vitamin D-fortified juices, plain or chocolate milk, or flavored waters. While caffeine is widely believed to have some health benefits, it is also proven to deplete calcium from bones.
Certain food and drinks can help prevent bone loss, and according to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, and a member of our medical expert board, cow's milk is the number one drink for preventing bone loss.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, drinking more than three cups of caffeinated coffee or tea a day may decrease calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss. Herbal teas typically do not contain caffeine, so feel free to indulge.
Osteoporosis is more likely to occur in people who have: Low calcium intake. A lifelong lack of calcium plays a role in the development of osteoporosis. Low calcium intake contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
Beginning in childhood and into old age, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Excessive dieting or poor protein intake may increase your risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones. It contributes to increased bone density and helps prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
So, on that note, which is the best fruit for bones? Oranges, bananas, plantains, prunes, grapefruits, strawberries, papaya, pineapples, and guavas are examples of fruits high in vitamin C. In addition, fruits rich in vitamin K, like figs, blueberries, raspberries, plums, and grapes are healthy for bones.
Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, tomatoes and orange juice could help fight osteoporosis in post-menopausal women by helping to reduce the level of calcium losses, report researchers from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).
Avocados are rich in phosphorous, magnesium and manganese to help maintain bone health and reduce your risk for developing osteoporosis.
The largest study to date published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 found that elderly women who ate chocolate more than one time each day had thinner bones (less bone density) than women who ate chocolate less than once per week.
In order to reap these benefits, drink black, green, or oolong tea, as these are the types of teas most of the studies on tea and bone health looked at, according to Yu. "Black, green, and oolong teas are also recommend because they are the most commonly consumed in the world," she adds.
Regular consumption of green tea may protect against osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, according to findings from a Korean cross-sectional study published in Nutrients.
Plain Yogurt
Regular yogurt delivers almost twice the bone-strengthening mineral calcium. One serving of plain yogurt (3/4 cup) contains 263-275mg of calcium and Greek yogurt contains 180-212mg.
Your body needs plenty of protein to build new collagen for bone healing. Eat lots of protein-rich foods like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals. Leafy green vegetables like collard greens, spinach, broccoli, and kale are high in calcium, another important part of bone repair.
Can you take vitamin D and magnesium together? Yes. In fact, it's probably best to take both together. Because so many people have low magnesium levels, vitamin D supplements on their own aren't very helpful for a large portion of the population.
The dose of vitamin D in the management of osteoporosis should be no less than 700-800 IU per day. An optimal dose of vitamin D should raise serum concentrations of 25(OH)D to the desirable range of at least 75 nmol/l. Higher intermittent oral doses of vitamin D may overcome low adherence.
Calcium and magnesium are both vital to our bone health. These two elements can be safely taken together as they work together to support our bone strength and density, among other positive effects.
It's not clear why people with osteoporosis may experience fatigue, but it could be because your body is lacking in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to both poor bone health and make you feel tired. Another connection may be between certain medications taken for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is not reversible, but medication, a nutrient-dense diet, and weight bearing exercise can help prevent further bone loss and rebuild bones. Osteoporosis weaken bones so that they are more likely to break. Bones consist of living tissue .