Foods that increase the risk of osteoperosis

Everybody knows that calcium is an essential component for the growth and strengthening of your bones, but did you know that eating certain foods can actually deprive you of much calcium and increase your risk of osteoporosis? A weakening of the bones and a higher risk of osteoporosis means you'll have a greater chance of fractures as you age. Read on to learn more.

Our bodies are continuously removing old bone cells and replacing them with new bone cells as we grow. An average person's skeleton is replaced every 7 to 10 years. After the age of 33 - 35, the process of new bone creation slows down, but the removal of old bone continues as normal.

This creates an imbalance and bone density is reduced, which is why it's essential to not only ensure we get the proper amount of calcium each day, but also that we avoid foods that can make this problem worse. Avoid the following foods or eat them only in moderation.

Although proteins are required for building bones, excess proteins can have an adverse effect. This is because the body reacts to excess proteins by producing sulfates, which are chemicals that deplete calcium. This is observed more with animal protein, especially red meat, than with proteins from vegetables.

Processed foods, fast food, and soy-based foods are high in sodium content, which speeds up the loss of calcium through urine and perspiration.

You probably thought eating your vegetables was a good idea, right? Well, guess what? Even vegetables can be bad for you if you suffer from osteoporosis. Foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, and rhubarb contain oxalates, which prevent the absorption of calcium. Wheat bran also has a similar effect.

Alcohol prevents the absorption of calcium, and excess consumption can lead to lower bone density. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks, like soda, are another category of foods that decrease bone density.

Research has shown that women who drink four cups of coffee each day are at greater risk of bone fracture. One cup of coffee prevents 6mg of calcium from being absorbed by the body. In addition to the caffeine, many sodas also contain phosphorous, which also causes bone density reduction.

Finally, avoid very acidic food. When excessively acidic food is consumed, the body attempts to regain the pH balance by using calcium in the bones and teeth to provide the counterbalancing alkaline effect.