Osteoporosis is a condition that causes thinning and weakening of the bones, which often leads to increased bone fractures. The cause of osteoporosis is still uncertain, but we know that bone remodeling usually stops when we reach our late 20s. This condition can affect any type of bone in the body, but the most commonly affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. A few symptoms of osteoporosis include deteriorating posture, loss of height over time, and back pain caused by a collapsed or fractured vertebra.

There are few foods doctors recommend to avoid for patients with osteoporosis:

1. Alcohol
The bones of the human body need calcium in order to function and grow properly. Alcohol should be avoided because it stops the pancreas from absorbing calcium and vitamin D. It also stops the liver from activating vitamin D. Since vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, this could be detrimental to someone if they are a heavy drinker. Alcohol can also lower the amount of estrogen the body produces. Lower estrogen contributes to a slower bone remodeling process which eventually leads to bone loss.

2. High sodium foods
Salt in high amounts should be avoided for those with osteoporosis. Too much salt can trigger a certain molecule that will allow more salt to leave through the bladder. That same molecule is responsible for absorbing calcium so when it releases the salt, calcium also gets flushed out. This is bad for both the kidneys and bones. Kidney stones are also a possibility if there is too much calcium in the body.

3. Beans and legumes
In general, beans and legumes are good for the human body. However, if someone has osteoporosis they should avoid it at all costs. Beans and Legumes contain a molecule called phytates. Phytates have a tendency to interfere with the absorption for calcium which is why it is recommended to soak the beans and legumes in water hours before actually cooking them.

4. Excess vitamin A
Vitamin A is good to prevent night blindness, but too much can mess up the bones. Too much vitamin A can increase the risk of bone fractures. The high levels of vitamin A stimulate a bone-weakening process and also lowers the number of new bones created. It is recommended to avoid fish and liver since they contain the most amount of vitamin A.

5. Caffeine
As tasty as coffee may sound, one should avoid caffeine. Caffeine has the ability to leach calcium from the bones and lower its overall strength. It is possible to limit how much caffeine someone can take to 300 milligrams and maintain their bone health if they get enough calcium from other sources. Tea can be a great alternative to coffee because even though it has caffeine, it also contains plant compounds that can protect the bones.