Bone & joint healthOsteoporosisPreventive care

10 ways to improve bone health

Follow these simple strategies to prevent or slow the bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis.


LearnBone & jointBone & joint health10 ways to improve bone health
Get enough calcium
Load up on fruits and vegetables
Make plums and berries a part of your diet
Find sources of vitamin D
Do bone-strengthening exercises
Build muscle strength
If you smoke, quit
Know if your meds impact bone health
Consider an osteoporosis medication

1 of 10

Most of us don't give much thought to our bones—until we break one. But according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, half of all women over the age of 50 will break a bone, and the risk is even higher for people who are diagnosed with osteoporosis. A broken bone can be a serious health problem when you're older. That's why protecting your bones and keeping osteoporosis at bay is crucial.

Here are 10 ways to help keep your bones strong and healthy.

Sources: Mayo Clinic. Bone health: Tips to keep y... + 2
  1. Mayo Clinic. Bone health: Tips to keep your bones healthy. December 3, 2022.
  2. National Institute on Aging. Osteoporosis. Content reviewed: November 15, 2022.
  3. Devine A, Criddle RA, Dick IM, Kerr DA, Prince RL. A longitudinal study of the effect of sodium and calcium intakes on regional bone density in postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62(4):740-745.
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.April, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.April, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Curious about Bone & joint health?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

A broken bone could indicate a much bigger problem. Learn more about bone density and how to keep your bones strong.

9 things to know about osteoporosis and bone health
Slideshow

Learn about the ways bones change as you grow older, plus ways to keep them strong.

5 important things to know about osteoporosis
Article

Lift, run, or dance your way to healthier bones.

5 bone-strengthening exercises and activities
Article

Find out which foods keep bones healthy and protect against bone loss.

What to eat for strong bones
Slideshow

Find out how medications, exercise and lifestyle tweaks can keep your bones healthy.

Have osteoporosis? Help prevent bone breaks with these 3 tips
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.