Osteoporosis

In the world of nutrition, it is important to have a good understanding of several types of diseases and how nutrition can affect them. Nutrition can play a critical role in preventing or healing a person’s disease to ultimately help them live a better life.

For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released an article about Osteoporosis and how a healthy diet can prevent one from developing this disease. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when a person’s bones become less dense due to a lack of minerals. When bones lose their density and become weaker, they are more likely to fracture, which is a major indication of osteoporosis.

Because human bones are always under construction, they need certain minerals and nutrients to continue the building of bone tissue. The major nutrient needed to form new bone cells, Calcium, is abundant in many foods. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, and other foods such as soybeans, dark leafy greens, and most vegetables. In addition, several foods are fortified with Calcium to increase the amount of minerals in them. Some examples of these foods are Calcium-fortified soy milk and tofu.

Because osteoporosis is a “silent disease,” meaning that there are few noticeable symptoms, it is important to be aware of how much Calcium you are integrating in your diet to ensure strong and healthy bones. At various stages of life, recommended amounts of Calcium intake vary. For example, since white and Asian women over 50 years old and men over 71 years old are at the highest risk of osteoporosis, it is recommended that at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium should be consumed by those in that age group.

When it comes to supplements, it is important to keep in mind that they cannot replace what foods naturally offer. Ultimately, the best way to keep one’s bones strong and prevent osteoporosis is to eat a well-balanced diet incorporating Calcium. As always, registered dietitians are great resources to determine the best diet for one’s overall health.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/health-conditions/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/understanding-osteoporosis