Bones are the basic supporting structure of the body, predominantly made of calcium. These basic building blocks of human body are the frameworks that determine the physical conditions of an individual. A person who has strong bones is always fortunate since he or she is saved from the dire situations that arise due to weak bones. Food has a great role to play in imparting strength to the bones.
Some foods are good for bone as they release nutrients in blood that encourage healthy formation and maintenance of the bones. While others react with these nutrients and cause harmful effects. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the food that encourages healthy and strong bones. This article will provide a comprehensive idea of some of the food that should be avoided to encourage bone health.
1. Stay away from soft drinks
Majority of us think that soft drinks are the instant source of refreshment. Many children too, are fascinated by soft drinks. But a bad news is that soft dinks are detrimental to bone health. Most of these drinks contain phosphoric acid which reacts with the calcium in the bones. Thus, the calcium finally gets excreted out of the body through urine. On the other hand it has been found that in most of the cases people do not consume diet which is rich in calcium such as milk and milk products. As a result, the percentage of calcium inside the body gets depleted. Hence, it gives rise to bone diseases in absence of proper balance of calcium in the bloodstream.
2. Reduce salt intake
Salt forms the basic part of every cuisine. Any recipe devoid of salt is just unthinkable. But, what is most alarming to know is that excessive intake of salt is bad for bones. A medical research found out that there is a loss of about 40 milligrams of calcium from body through urine with every 2300 milligrams of salt intake. Food cooked at home along with processed food such as fast food, breakfast cereals, etc. constitute about 75% of total salt consumption every day. So, while substituting salt from cooking is not possible, it is always wise to limit the intake of processed food.
3. Avoid food rich in potassium
Potassium is a nutrient found in some of the common foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, tomato, spinach etc. While these are extremely beneficial for health, excessive intake of such food is bad for bone health. Potassium maintains the balance of sodium in blood by reducing excess of calcium.
4. Caffeine is an enemy of bones
Compensate the loss of calcium from your body due to excessive intake of tea, coffee and other energy drinks that are rich in caffeine. It is better if you can add milk to your coffee, tea and similar such beverages to balance the amount of calcium in your blood.
5. Stay away from alcohol
Alcoholics are vulnerable to various bone related diseases and greater chances of osteoporosis as compared to non alcoholics. Presence of too much of alcohol in blood restricts the pancreas from absorbing calcium and Vitamin D from the food one takes. Alcohol also reduces the production of estrogen in women. This is directly connected to the rebuilding process of the bones. So, alcohol leads to bone loss.
6. Limit consumption of excess of Vitamin A
Although vitamin A is beneficial for healthy vision and immunity, but taking it in more quantity than required makes an individual almost about 7% more vulnerable to diseases of the bones than those who take it in moderation. Therefore, limit your intake of full fat dairy, eggs, etc. if you want to stay fit.
7. Hydrogenated oil causes bone loss
Replace the use of hydrogenated oil with other sources and healthier options as much as possible if you are eager to promote well being of your bones. Once consumed hydrogenated vegetable oil gets converted from liquid to solid state by the process of hydrogenation. Vitamin K in the blood, which is an essential nutrient in promoting bone health, gets destroyed as a result. This gives rise to diseases of the bones.
