Get your calcium for strong bones

Smart nutrition is key to preventing osteoporosis. Women's health expert Vonda Wright, MD, shares tips to get your calcium and explains why vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium are important for bone health, too.

Transcript

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An 8-ounce glass of milk contains 314 milligrams of calcium, almost a third of what's recommended for women

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under the age of 50, and a quarter of what's needed by women over the age of 50. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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I'm Dr. Wright. Most of us don't give much thought to our bones until we break one.

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But according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, half of all women over the age of 50 will break a bone.

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And the risk is even higher for women who are diagnosed with osteoporosis. But you can win the battle of the bones

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if you pack your diet with plenty of calcium. Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are among the best sources.

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An 8-ounce glass of milk contains 314 milligrams of calcium, almost a third of what's

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recommended for women under the age of 50, and a quarter of what's needed by women over the age of 50.

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Bear in mind that your body can absorb only 500 to 600 milligrams of calcium at a time. So try to get it from your food throughout the day.

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Also, load up on fruits and veggies. They're rich in vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium,

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nutrients that play important roles in bone health. [AUDIO LOGO]