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Bone Healing List

Almonds (and Other Nuts)

Almonds and other nuts provide magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, protein, and healthy fats that support bone structure. Regular nut intake is associated with improved bone density and aligns with dietary patterns linked to lower fracture risk.

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Beans and Legumes (Black Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas)

Beans and legumes provide plant protein, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and phytochemicals that support bone structure. Higher legume intake is associated with significantly lower fracture risk and improved mineral balance in aging populations.

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Cheese (Aged)

Aged cheese provides calcium, protein, and vitamin K₂.

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Collagen-Rich Foods (Bone Broth, Gelatin)

Collagen-rich foods provide amino acids needed to rebuild the bone’s protein matrix. Clinical trials show collagen peptides can improve bone mineral density and reduce bone turnover, particularly when combined with calcium and vitamin D.

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Deep-Fried and Greasy Fast Foods

Fried fast foods are high in saturated fats and oxidation byproducts that impair bone metabolism.

Avoid

Eggs (Whole)

Whole eggs provide high-quality protein along with vitamin D, vitamin K₂, phosphorus, and B vitamins that support bone matrix formation and calcium utilization.

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Excess Alcohol

Excess alcohol intake suppresses bone formation and increases bone breakdown, leading to delayed fracture healing and higher osteoporosis risk.

Avoid

Excess Caffeine (Coffee, Energy Drinks)

Excessive caffeine intake increases calcium loss and may impair bone cell activity, especially when calcium intake is low.

Avoid

Foods High in Trans Fats

Foods containing trans fats promote inflammation and interfere with vitamin K metabolism critical for bone health.

Avoid

Fortified Foods (Calcium & Vitamin D)

Fortified foods provide added calcium and vitamin D to support bone mineralization when intake from whole foods is insufficient.

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Green Tea

Green tea provides polyphenols that support bone preservation and is associated with higher bone density in population studies.

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High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods increase urinary calcium loss and are associated with lower bone density, particularly when calcium intake is inadequate.

Avoid

Leafy Greens (Kale, Collards, Bok Choy)

Leafy greens provide calcium, vitamin K₁, magnesium, and vitamin C that support bone mineralization.

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Lean Meat (Beef, Poultry)

Lean meats provide complete protein, zinc, and B vitamins essential for fracture healing.

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Milk (Fortified)

Fortified milk provides calcium, protein, and vitamin D to support bone mineralization.

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Mushrooms (UV-Exposed)

UV-exposed mushrooms provide plant-based vitamin D₂ that supports calcium absorption.

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Natto (Fermented Soybeans)

Natto is rich in vitamin K₂, supporting calcium binding into bone.

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Onions

Onions provide flavonoids that support bone preservation.

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Oranges (Citrus Fruits)

Oranges provide vitamin C essential for collagen synthesis.

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Oxalate-Rich Vegetables (Spinach)

Oxalate-rich vegetables bind calcium and reduce its absorption, limiting availability for bone repair.

Avoid

Phytate-Rich Foods (Unsoaked Legumes, Bran)

Phytate-rich foods reduce mineral absorption, including calcium and zinc, needed for bone healing.

Avoid

Prunes (Dried Plums)

Prunes provide polyphenols shown to preserve bone density.

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Red Meat (Excessive Intake)

Excessive red meat intake can increase calcium loss and disrupt mineral balance needed for bone repair.

Avoid

Salmon (Fatty Fish)

Salmon provides vitamin D, omega-3s, and protein supporting bone health.

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Sardines (Canned, with Bones)

Sardines provide calcium and vitamin D in a whole-food form.

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Seeds (Sesame and Pumpkin)

Seeds provide calcium, magnesium, and zinc for bone mineralization.

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Soy Foods (Tofu, Edamame)

Soy foods provide calcium, protein, and isoflavones.

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Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drinks (Colas)

Sugar-sweetened colas contain high sugar, caffeine, and phosphoric acid, all of which are associated with lower bone mineral density and higher fracture risk when consumed frequently.

Avoid

Sugary Foods and Sweets

Sugary foods promote inflammation and collagen damage, impairing the bone healing environment.

Avoid

Yogurt (Fermented Dairy)

Yogurt provides calcium, protein, and probiotics.

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