Osteoporosis is a bone condition that affects both men and women. It causes the bones to become thin and weak, and this makes them more easy to break. Women are more affected by this disorder because the lack of estrogen can cause bone loss, especially in younger and menopausal women. Bones in women can also be lighter and smaller than those of men, which also makes them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Older adults with this disorder should try to prevent falls, which could result in fractures. Having foods that prevent osteoporosis in the diet is also vital for people over the age of 50:

1. Dairy products
Calcium rich foods are essential for providing the mineral that the body needs, and they can help maintain the strength of the bones. These foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, and calcium fortified cottage cheese. The lack of calcium will cause the body to use the supply that the bones already have to perform other functions of the body.

2. Leafy green vegetables
Green vegetables like broccoli, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, and dried figs also provide the body and bones with much needed calcium for strengthening bones. Two to three servings of vegetables can be eaten daily, and are great as snacks as well as for lunch or dinner.

3. Fish
Canned fish with the bones still in like salmon and sardines provide essential nutrients for the bones that can potentially help prevent osteoporosis in both women and men. These fish are also good sources of the omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for the function of many parts of the body including the bones. Up to five servings of fish can be eaten each week.

4. Nuts
Almonds and Brazil nuts are calcium rich, and eating a handful each day will provide the body with bone strengthening nutrients that can help prevent or properly manage the effects of osteoporosis. Nuts are great for snacks.

5. Calcium enriched foods
These foods for preventing osteoporosis include cereals, beverages such as orange juice and other intelligently smart drinks, and breads that have some calcium added to it. The body will only absorb 500 mg of calcium at a time, so you should not try to get all of the calcium that the body needs during one meal.

6. Vitamin D supplements
In preventing osteoporosis, it is also necessary to provide the body with essential amounts of vitamin D which is a fat soluble vitamin. This comes from foods rich sources as well as from the UV rays of the sun. These rays trigger the vitamin D production in the skin. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and this makes it as important as calcium in the body. Foods rich in vitamin D include fortified milk, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and egg yolk. Eating plenty of all these foods in the diet can greatly impact the onset and treatment of osteoporosis. If calcium or vitamin D supplements are needed, check with your physician about your diet and possibly add a suitable supplement. Several doctor-prescribed medications can also help reduce osteoporosis symptoms (i.e., Evenity). Talk to your doctor about offsetting prescription drug costs with an Evenity for osteoporosis coupon if available.