Osteoporosis presents a serious problem, in that many millions of men and women are headed towards contracting the disease. Exercise is the pre-eminent prevention method for the disease. Though the prescription drug Fosomax seems to head off the occurrence of osteoporosis, exercise and strength training help the bones to become stronger. Not exercising and consumer excessive amounts of alcohol increase the risks of contracting the disease.

Diet plays an important part in preventing and helping reduce the symptoms of the disease. Eating foods high in calcium is mandatory if one wishes to lessen the chances of getting osteoporosis or preventing it from getting worse. These foods include yogurt, cheese, clams, ice cream, milk, oysters, shrim, and spinach. Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese and low-fat milk are particularly high in calcium. Fat-free and low-fat versions of various foods are the best alternatives. Dark green leafy vegetables, canned fish, cooked dried beans peas, dried fish and broccoli also contain high amounts of calcium. When eating foods high in calcium, one should not consume beverages that contain caffeine, sugar, excess fat, salt and certain drugs.

Consuming correct amounts of vitamins D and C will assist in the utilization of calcium absorption Spending ten minutes a day in the sun will greatly improve the amount of Vitamin D that is absorbed by the body. Other sources of Vitamin D include milk, cereals, cod liver oil, egg yolk, fish and liver.

For more information, visit the following site: http://www.nof.org/prevention/calcium.htm

By Ellie Kuykendall