Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. This can lead to serious health problems, such as fractures and disability (5). There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are treatments that can help prevent it from getting worse. A healthy diet is an important part of any treatment plan. Many people wonder, “can osteoporosis be reversed with diet? The answer is no, but it can help. The right diet can help keep bones stronger and might reduce the risk of fractures. It might also slow the progression of osteoporosis. However, it cannot completely reverse the condition.
When you have osteoporosis, you need to make sure you’re getting enough of the right nutrients to keep your bones healthy and strong. These include:
This is the most important nutrient for bone health. It’s responsible for bone formation and maintenance (3). The body needs calcium to function properly, and it doesn’t store it well. This means you need a continuous supply from your diet.
Good sources of calcium include:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in older adults. This can lead to osteoporosis and other health problems (19).
Good sources of vitamin D include:
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Vitamin K is important for bone health. It helps the body absorb and use calcium. Vitamin K also plays a role in blood clotting (20).
Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but it can lead to osteoporosis and other health problems (20).
Good sources of vitamin K include:
Protein is essential for muscle and bone health. It helps the body make and maintain muscle mass. Protein also plays a role in blood clotting and wound healing (9).
A lack of protein can lead to muscle weakness, which may increase the risk of falls and fractures (4).
Good sources of protein include:
Vitamin C performs many important functions in the body, including wound healing and collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps keep bones strong (18).
Vitamin C deficiency, while rare, can lead to a condition called scurvy, which can cause problems with bone formation (17).
Good sources of vitamin C include:
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Magnesium is a mineral that’s involved in many processes in the body, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood sugar control. It’s also necessary for bone health (8).
Magnesium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, as well as other health problems (8).
Good sources of magnesium include:
Phosphorus is a mineral that’s essential for bone health. It works with calcium to keep bones strong (6). Phosphorus is found in many foods, especially meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and beans/legumes.
Zinc is a mineral that’s involved in many processes in the body, including cell growth, wound healing, and immune function. It’s also necessary for bone health. Low intakes of zinc have been linked to osteoporosis (22).
Good sources of zinc include:
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In addition to getting enough of the right nutrients, it’s also important to limit or avoid certain foods that can harm bone health. These include:
Excess salt consumption can lead to calcium loss. This can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis (13).
Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. They’re also low in bone-building nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus.
Beans are healthy and contain nutrients important for bone health, but they contain substances called phytates which can bind to minerals such as calcium and zinc (10). This would mean they are less available to the body.
To reduce the effects of phytates, soak beans overnight before cooking them (11). You can also sprout them or cook them with a food that’s high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes.
Wheat bran is the outer layer of wheat grain. It contains most of the minerals in wheat that are good for bone health, but also phytates that can bind to minerals and make them less available to the body (10).
To reduce the effects of phytates, soak wheat bran overnight before eating it. You can also sprout it or cook it with a food that’s high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient, but too much can be harmful. Vitamin A toxicity is thought to be linked to osteoporosis (16).
Foods that are high in preformed vitamin A include liver, cod liver oil, and some fortified foods. If you take a supplement, make sure it doesn’t exceed the recommended daily intake of 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) for adults (15).
Getting most of your vitamin A from precursor sources such as beta carotene and other carotenoids doesn’t lead to toxicity as your body processes these differently.
Caffeine can increase calcium loss and lead to bone loss (2). Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate. If you do consume caffeine, do so in moderation.
Limit caffeine intake to less than 300 mg per day. This is about 2-3 cups (16-24 ounces) of coffee.
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to bone loss. It can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium and other nutrients that are essential for bone health (21).
If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which would then put extra stress on bones and joints and possibly increase the risk of falls if you have osteoporosis (7).
Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks is good for overall health, as well as bone health.
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Following this diet plan for osteoporosis could help improve your bone health and reduce your risk of fractures.
There are a few things you can do to make following an osteoporosis diet easier:
Meal and snack planning would help you make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
Prepping food in advance would also make it easier to stick to your diet when you’re short on time.
If you’re used to eating ultra processed foods, it may take some time to adjust to a diet that’s rich in whole foods.
To make the transition easier, start by making healthy swaps of some of your favorite foods. For example, if you love mac and cheese, try making a healthier version with whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese.
If you’re struggling to get enough calcium and vitamin D, there are plenty of creative ways to add them to your diet.
For example, you can add powdered milk to smoothies or soups, or eat yogurt with breakfast. You can also talk to your doctor or dietitian about taking a supplement if you’re having trouble meeting your needs through diet alone.
Make bone-healthy foods more convenient. Stock your kitchen with easy-to-prepare foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients that are essential for bone health.
Cutting up fruits and vegetables, cooking in bulk, and freezing leftovers can all help make healthy eating more convenient.
If you can’t get enough of certain nutrients from food, you may need to take supplements. This is especially true if you’re at risk for osteoporosis or you have the condition.
You’re at risk of osteoporosis if you (1):
Some people may need to take supplements even if they don’t have any risk factors for osteoporosis. This is often the case for older adults, since they may not absorb nutrients as well from food as they did when they were younger.
If you’re considering taking supplements, talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if you need them and, if so, which ones are best for you.
Yes, exercise can help prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and dancing can help strengthen bones and slow bone loss (14).
Other exercises, such as yoga and Tai Chi, can also help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, which is a common cause of fractures in people with osteoporosis (12).
If you have osteoporosis, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. They may help you create a safe workout plan that won’t put you at risk of further injury.
Consulting a doctor is especially important if you have osteoporosis that’s severe enough to cause fractures. In these cases, exercises that put weight on the bones, like running or jumping, could actually make the condition worse.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to fractures and disability. But there are things you can do to lower your risk.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to protect your bones. A diet for osteoporosis should include plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients that are essential for bone health.
If you’re at risk of osteoporosis or you have the condition, your doctor may also recommend supplements. But it’s important to talk to them first, as not everyone needs them.
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