How do you look after your bones if you are dairy free?

We all know our bones need calcium and normally we get this from diary.  But more and more people are going dairy free for a variety of reasons including following specific diets.

The UK’s National Osteoporosis Society surveyed 2,000 adults found that one in five of those aged between 18 – 25 had cut diary from their diets.  As a result they could be putting their bone health at risk and could end up with osteoporosis in older age, the society has warned.

But diary isn’t necessary for achieving bone health, says Viva the animal rights group.  Instead,

  • weight bearing exercise such as walking
  • climbing stairs
  • dancing

is the best way followed by these foods:

  • dark green leafy vegatables
    • broccoli
    • kale
    • spring greens
    • cabbage
    • pak choi
  • dried fruits
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • pulses

It is also important to remember that vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, helps us abosb calcium better.

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