Men With Osteoporosis: How Can Leafy Green Vegetables Help Your Bones?

If you're a male with osteoporosis who doesn't think that your condition can lead to bone fractures, think again. You may be at risk for bone fractures if you don't obtain the nutrients you need from a proper diet, including leafy green vegetables. Some leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collard greens, contain vitamin D and other bone-building minerals. Here's how leafy green vegetables protect your bones and what you can do if you fracture a bone in the future.

How Can Leafy Green Vegetables Help Your Bones?

When you have osteoporosis, your bones become brittle, weak, and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis can prevent your bones from absorbing the nutrients they need to be strong and healthy. Because of this problem, it's important that you eat as many foods that contain vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, as possible. Leafy green vegetables are some of the items you can and should add to your daily meal plans. 

Leafy green vegetables are considered super foods. Kale, collard greens, broccoli, turnip greens, and several other vegetables are high in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, three of the most important nutrients bones need. If possible, try to eat 3 or 4 servings of leafy greens a day to help protect your bones. 

If you do experience problems with your bones after changing your diet, consult with an orthopedist.

How Can an Orthopedist Help?

An orthopedist can use X-rays and bone scans to detect fractures in your body. If you do have a fracture, a doctor may place a brace on the affected body area to help the fracture heal properly. Depending on your doctor, you may need to take a break from work or other activities during your treatment.  

Some doctors use surgery to help patients with osteoporotic bone fractures of the spine. Osteoporotic fractures can make the bones of your spine appear shorter. An orthopedic surgeon can place materials between your bones to increase their height. The type of surgery you have may depend on your age and overall health. 

After surgery, it's important to maintain a good diet. If you have problems choosing foods that help your bones, consult with an orthopedist. An orthopedist may give you a detailed list of mineral-rich foods to eat every day, or they may refer you to a nutritionist for assistance. Don't hesitate to ask the bone specialist treating you for help.

To learn more about men and osteoporosis, contact an orthopedist today.