Ashley’s answer: Sleep better knowing that while calcium intake is important for healthy bones, there are plenty of non-dairy sources of calcium (and plenty of other nutrients the body needs for healthy bones). For the days when you don’t get in these nutrients, and for those people with increased risk factors or an existing diagnosis, there are also bone-building supplemental options. When it comes to getting your calcium from foods naturally, some non-dairy favorites include organic tofu, sardines, greens (collard, turnip), and sesame seeds. What’s great about calcium-rich foods is that they provide, naturally, the additional nutrients your body needs for healthy bones. For example, collard greens contain calcium but also vitamin K and magnesium, while sardines also provide anti-inflammatory omega 3s and vitamin D, and so on. And finally, when you pick a dietary supplement, look for supplemental food that provides the same nutrients and quality of nutrients noted above. You aren’t selecting chalk at meal time for calcium, so why take it as a supplement? And why only supplement calcium when we know magnesium, vitamins D and K, and micronutrients like silica and vanadium are so important for making and keeping bones healthy? Look for supplemental food, like products from algae which naturally contains these nutrients. I like New Chapter’s Bone Strength Take Care. Chewing over a food quandary? Send it to AskAshley@Prevention.com Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian, Qualitarian, nutrition expert, and
