What to Do Now to Prevent Osteoporosis
According to data from the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in even two women over the age of 50-years old will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that results in the gradual bone loss and thinning of bone. Almost 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, 80% of which are women. The common symptoms of osteoporosis include loss of height (or stooped posture), skeletal pain, receding gums, and frequent or easy bone fractures. This is why it’s imperative for younger women to do what they can to protect their bones in order to prevent osteoporosis in the future. Here are some lifestyle tips to support bone health and help prevent osteoporosis: 1. Eat foods rich in calcium Calcium plays a role in keeping your bones healthy. For women age 50-years-old and below, the recommended daily amount of calcium required is 1,000 mg. This increases to 1200 mg in women over age 50. Believe it or not, you don’t need to consume dairy to get your daily calcium. Foods like milk, dark leafy greens (spinach and kale), soya, and fish with bones intact, as well as milk, cheese, and yogurt all contain rich amounts of calcium. If you’re still not meeting your daily requirements, talk to your doctor before taking calcium supplements.