Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens bones and makes them brittle. It is mainly caused by a deficiency of calcium and hormone changes. Since the condition is not curable, treatment and prevention comes in the form of lifestyle and dietary changes. This includes a high calcium diet and phosphorus rich foods to make your bones stronger.

To help you stand against this condition, here are six foods for osteoporosis you need in your diet:

1. Medications for osteoporosis
Most patients at high risk for fractures related to osteoporosis, are prescribed drugs that slow the breakdown and removal of bone, or antiresorptive drugs, such as Evenity. Drugs to improve bone density, such as Forteo, and bone building supplements for osteoporosis, like calcium, may also be recommended by doctors.

2. Fish
Considered as one of the healthiest proteins to have, fish can also be a great source for nutrients that help with the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. While certain types of fishes are high in calcium, others excel in their phosphorus content. Knowing which fishes to have helps you maintain a balanced diet in addition to other healthy foods. This allows you to enjoy a healthy animal protein in a controlled way. Examples of foods to have: Cod, Trout, Herring (High Calcium); Carp, Sardines, Salmon (High Phosphorus).

3. Green leafy vegetables
While trying to maintain a high calcium diet, you can’t forget the effectiveness of plant-based meals. Green leafy vegetables are not just pleasing to the eyes with their fresh look, but they are also a viable source of calcium. These are especially recommended if you don’t want to consume dairy or meat products. Since you can try out a bunch of recipes for these vegetables, they also make your meals more interesting. Examples of foods to have: Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Brussels Sprouts.

4. Nuts, legumes, and seeds
In case you want some more variety in your diet while ensuring that calcium and phosphorus rich foods are a major part of it, you can turn to nuts, legumes, and seeds. These natural, delicious, and variable foods can enhance your daily meals while also ensuring optimal prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. You can snack on them on their own or use them to prepare complete meals. Examples of foods to have: Peanuts (High Phosphorus), Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds, and Chia Seeds (High Calcium), Almonds (High Calcium and Phosphorus),

5. Eggs
A staple for breakfast and an increasingly popular healthy snack, eggs can be made and eaten multiple ways. No matter how you like your eggs, you are always going to end up feeling full and nourished after munching on them. Since eggs are also highly accessible and affordable, their high phosphorus content makes them a strong addition to this list. Even if you just have them at the start of your day, they can provide optimal nutrients for a single meal. Examples of foods to have: Chicken Eggs, Quail Eggs

6. Dairy products
Dairy products are a high source of calcium. Due to their easy availability, they are considered one of the easiest ways to increase your calcium intake. The fact that they can be used multiple ways in a variety of foods only cements their status as the primary food group to make your bones stronger. A regular usage of dairy products throughout your diet goes a long way into helping you against osteoporosis. Examples of foods to have: Milk, Cheese, Yogurt.

Making these foods a part of your diet is not a difficult thing to do, but it is definitely a beneficial practice to follow. If you don’t have osteoporosis, then a balanced diet can help prevent it. In case you are already going through this condition, these foods can help alleviate the associated symptoms.