Just as it's important to consume foods that help keep your bones strong like foods rich with bone-building calcium and its osteoporosis-fighting partner Vitamin D, it's also essential to know the foods that weaken our bones and cause osteoporosis or bone damage.
From overly-salty snacks to high-in-sugar sodas, certain foods can inhibit your body from absorbing calcium, reduce bone mineral density etc. Beware of these foods that are bad for your bones.
Here are 7 Foods That Weakens The Bones
1. High-Sodium Foods
Over salty foods is a no go area for you if you want to maintain good bones because the more salt you consume, the more calcium you lose.
It has also been observed that people who consume salty foods were more prone to osteoporosis and bone thinning. People with high blood pressure need to reduce their salt intake to less than the normal salt required daily.
2. Sugary Snacks
Sugar is also another bone-weakening food when taken in excess. You should avoid sugary snacks and foods as much as possible to maintain strong bones
3. Soda
It is noteworthy to know that drinking a lot of soda could affect your bone health negatively. "Drinking seven or more colas per week is associated with a reduction in bone mineral density and an increase in the risk of fracture," an Expert says
We should avoid sodas whether it's regular or diet, cola or non-cola, caffeinated or caffeine-free
4. Caffeine
According to health line, experts say that caffeine leaches calcium from the bones and apps strength
So to prevent osteoporosis, you should drink coffees and teas from which caffeine has been removed, while also limiting the consumption of sugary foods especially those which contains caffeine like chocolate.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol is another food that causes a decrease in bone formation, decreased fracture healing and bone fracture. This can begin to occur at a young age from 19 years to 30 years.
You have to limit your alcohol consumption for optimal bone health
6. Legumes
Legumes like beans, peas are also on this list because they contain phytates which may interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium
However, beans are rich in magnesium, fibre and other nutrients which are essential for osteoporosis prevention and overall health, so they should not be avoided totally
To reduce phytate level, soak beans for a few hours before cooking them in freshwater
7. Red Meat
Eating red meat excessively might leach off calcium from your bones. People with osteoporosis or osteopenia are ad iced to reduce red meat consumption to two times a week in very few portions.
So what's the best diet for the prevention of osteoporosis? Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, fish and poultry, nuts.
