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How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

• Eat foods rich in calcium, such as nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt, broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, tofu, sesame seeds, almonds, and leafy green vegetables.
• Eat foods that contain plant estrogens, especially tofu and other soy products. Avoid foods that can interfere with your body's absorption of calcium, such as red meats, soft drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine.
• Do weight-bearing exercises for 30 to 45 minutes at least three times a week.
• Do not smoke. Studies have shown that women who smoke increase their risk of developing osteoporosis and related fractures.
• Avoid antacids containing aluminum, as they can prevent calcium absorption by binding with phosphorus in the intestines. Many over-the-counter antacids do not contain aluminum and are a good source of calcium.
• The recommended amount of calcium you should eat ranges from 1,000-1,500 mg, with 1,500 mg suggested for older men and postmenopausal women. Preferably, this should be obtained through diet, but calcium supplements should be used when needed.
• Although estrogen therapy after menopause — used with progestin for women who have not had a hysterectomy — can help maintain bone, menopausal hormone therapy is no longer recommended because the risks of breast cancer and heart disease are felt to outweigh the bone benefits.
• There are drugs that can maintain or build bone that are often recommended for people, especially women, at high risk of developing osteoporosis.