Vitamin D Foods and High-Protein Foods
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is gotten through foods and from ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from the sun. The UV rays help to trigger the production of vitamin D in the skin, which is absorbed into the body. The importance of vitamin D in the treatment of osteoporosis is that it aids calcium absorption. Without this vitamin, they can’t form enough of the hormone calcitriol, limiting calcium absorption.
Excellent sources of vitamin D include:
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun – This is probably the most ideal source of vitamin D. You only need to soak in the sun for a few minutes making sure it reaches your hands, face, arms, or back. Do not wear sunscreen during this time as it blocks the exposure, and do not go longer than a few minutes as you can get burned.
- Dietary sources of the vitamin are fortified milk, fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna), and Egg yolk.
Also if you haven’t been eating foods rich in protein, now is the time to up your intake. Osteoporosis patients need lots of protein such as red meat, seafood, chicken, turkey, eggs, cheese, beans, and milk.