What to Expect Froma Typical Osteoporosis Diet

Osteoporosis is a painful condition that may trigger many complications and other health issues, such as collapsed vertebra, loss of height,and an increased risk of bone fractures. During treatment for this disease, individuals typically go through dietary changes to help promote stronger bones and to minimize the side effects of this disease. The following guidelines dictate many elements of an osteoporosis treatment diet. However, individuals with this disease should not adjust their food intake without talking to a doctor. Doing so is problematic because they may make changes that could worsen their health

One of the dietary changes a doctor might recommend is a high intake of calcium-rich foods. Fortified dairy foods with vitamin Dare particularly
beneficial for those with this condition. Anticipate high volumes of:

• Vitamin D milk
• Multiple types of cheese
• Supplements of calcium

Fish, such as canned sardines, salmon, mackerel,and tuna also help with osteoporosis. Sardines and salmon provide high levels of calcium and
healthy fatty oils, while mackerel and tuna contain vitamin D, which promotes stronger bones. Various types of vegetables also help to improve a person’s bone health, including:

• Turnip greens
• Kale
• Chinese cabbage
• Dandelion greens
• Mustard greens
• Okra
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Potatoes (regular and sweet)

Fruits also provide a high concentration of vitamin D and other types of bone-healthy vitamins and minerals. For example, raisins, oranges,
papayas, bananas, prunes, plantains, red peppers, green peppers, grapefruits, strawberries,and more increase the strength of bones in the body
and help fight off many osteoporosis symptoms.

Bone health specialists strongly suggest staying away from excessive salt in an osteoporosis diet. For example, snacks like potato chips contain extreme levels of table salt that may cause calcium loss in the bones. Unfortunately, many people eat high levels of salt – experts estimate as much as twice the healthy levels – which is very problematic for those with osteoporosis. Therefore, people on an osteoporosis diet typically try to avoid a large number of processed foods, such as:

• Deli turkey and ham
• Hot dogs and various types of sausages
• Baked goods, such as sliced bread and cereals
• Fast foods, such as burgers and tacos
• Frozen meals,even those with reduced calories
• Canned soups and vegetables
• Vegetable juices
• Meals in restaurants

People with osteoporosis also typically need to avoid many types of soft drinks, including soda,as they contain damaging phosphoric acid and minimal calcium. Instead, individuals with this disease should drink orange juice, fruit smoothies, fat-free milk,and other drinks that are rich in calcium.

Individuals must work with their bone health specialist to create a diet that supports their osteoporosis care. By working with these professionals, people can identify which healthy foods on this list they enjoy eating and can create weekly meal plans that maximize their calcium and Vitamin D intake. A doctor can also help osteoporosis patients to identify which unhealthy foods could worsen their symptoms. A good transition diet works to slowly eliminate these foods from a diet in a controlled and healthy manner. The idea is to adjust a menu in a way that a person can easily handle without strain or suffering.

If you have osteoporosis or potential early symptoms of this disease and are worried about your health, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at Sarasota Arthritis Center to get the help you need. Our experts will work with you to fully understand your disease and create a diet that not only minimizes unhealthy foods but maximizes those that support your bone health.