Calcium is integral to bone and muscle health. A calcium deficiency can lead to a lot of different health problems, including osteoporosis. Despite knowing all this, many people still do not get enough calcium on a daily basis.

Luckily, there are easy ways to add calcium to your diet to ensure you get the right amount of it. Here are 3 ways you can try today.

One of the easiest ways to add calcium to your diet is to add dairy products to your breakfast or snack. For example, adding a glass of milk to your breakfast adds an extra 300 mg of calcium to your diet. It doesn’t matter if you choose whole milk, 2% milk, or skim milk – any of them will get you the boost of calcium you need. If you don’t like milk, have yogurt as a snack. Yogurt is a cool and refreshing snack and comes in a variety of flavors and with added fruits. You can make an endless amount of combinations of yogurts, fruits, and nuts that are sure to keep you satisfied and calcium-rich. Finally, add cheese to your diet for an extra boost of calcium. You can eat cheese alone as a snack or simply add it to a meal like a sandwich or salad. Dairy products are a great way to add calcium to your diet so that you can enjoy your meals while also getting healthier.

If you are vegan, lactose-intolerant, or are just not a fan of dairy products, have no fear! There are many other ways to get calcium. Vegetables are a great way to integrate calcium into your diet. Here are just a few calcium-rich vegetables that are tasty and easily obtainable from most grocery stores.

• Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a great source of calcium and other vitamins and minerals. There are tons of ways to cook sweet potatoes, including making baked sweet potato fries or simply add them as a side dish to your lunch or dinner. There are tons of recipes for you to try.
• Broccoli is a nutrient-packed vegetable you can easily add to any meal. Whether you steam or fry it, broccoli offers an extra boost of calcium that will help you live a healthier and happier life.
• Green Beans. A great source of calcium, the often-overlooked green bean can easily be added to any meal for that extra calcium boost.

Another way to integrate calcium into your diet is to take a calcium supplement. Sometimes food sources are just not enough to get the right amount of calcium for your body. If you consistently have low calcium levels, speak to your primary care physician about adding a calcium supplement to your regimen. However, be cautious about which brand supplements you buy – not all calcium supplements are equal. Your doctor may be able to suggest quality brands that will ensure your calcium source is a good one. Also, your doctor will be able to tell you what your calcium supplement dosage should be based on your blood work.

The experts at Tarpon Orthopedics are sports medicine, spine, and pain specialists. They know the ins and outs of the body as well as what vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. Call (972) 596-1059 or request an appointment online.