Did you know that what you eat can significantly impact your bone health? If you’re not careful, you may over-consume foods that can damage your bones and that may even contribute to the development of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Many doctors recommend osteo meds like Prolia (Denosumab) to alleviate brittle bone issues. However, the foods we eat can also reduce or promote joint and bone health. Read on for the five worst foods for bone health:

1. Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes contain phytic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption. These foods are often also acid-forming, which can lead to a condition called metabolic acidosis that, in turn, can lead to bone loss. To limit the adverse effects of beans and legumes on your bone health, it is essential to soak them overnight before cooking them properly to help reduce the phytic acid content.

2. Foods high in vitamin A 
Studies have revealed that consuming foods that are rich in vitamin A can aggravate bone loss conditions by interfering with bone formation. Though vitamin A is essential for many bodily functions, it is vital to limit your consumption of it if you want to keep your bones healthy. Vitamin A is found in many animal products, such as liver, eggs, and dairy. You can get your vitamin A fix from plant-based sources, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. Taking a vitamin A supplement can also lead to bone loss; therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your regular diet.

3. Caffeine
For years, we have been told that caffeine is bad for our health. Despite these warnings, consuming moderate amounts does not seem harmful (though too much of it can lead to health problems). However, recent studies have linked consumption of caffeinated drinks to bone loss. Caffeine is known to interfere with calcium absorption. This is especially true if you consume caffeinated coffee or soda. On the other hand, tea, even when it is caffeinated, has been linked to increased bone mineral density and a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

4. High-salt foods
When you eat foods that are high in salt, you are increasing your risk of developing bone loss conditions. This is because salt can leach calcium from your bones, leading to bone loss and fractures. If you consume salty foods, it is vital to do so in moderation. If you already have a bone loss condition, consuming high-salt foods can worsen your condition by causing further calcium loss.

5. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can also lead to bone loss and related conditions. This is linked to the fact that alcoholic drinks can interfere with calcium absorption in the body. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can also lead to bone loss. Consumption of alcoholic drinks also aggravate other risk factors for bone loss, such as the effects of menopause and certain medications. Additionally, if you have a family history of bone loss, you may be more sensitive to the effects of alcoholic drinks on bone health.

If you want to keep your bones healthy, limiting your consumption of these foods is vital. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D through diet and supplementation is also essential to maintaining bone health, as is exercise. Weight-bearing exercises are especially effective in preventing and treating bone loss conditions.