How to prevent this- food sources of calcium - Osteoporosis Message Board

hannah_dru · 08-14-2006, 06:54 AM

Hi,
I suffer from mild anorexia/bingeing and I've decided that its time to stop. I've had mild anorexia since I was about 12 and then it stopped after a few years so I don't remember exactly what I was eating from the calcium point of view. 2 years ago I don't think I was having any calcium at all so earlier this year after hearing about the damage it could do to me I started taking supplements because I don't tend to eat anything at all which contains calcium. I think the most I have now is 600mg a day but I've started to become more concerned- do you think I should stop taking the supplements and switch to food instead? I'm worried that whatever I do now I am going to suffer. I think this could be quite a challenge for me because I have a set weight and size in my head but I'm prepared to do it, even though I think I'm probably at risk from osteoroposis at some point anyway considering the damage I've probably done.
Are there any low fat foods which contain calcium? How much should I be having a day? I'm 17 years old and I read somewhere that I shoudl be having at least 1200mg.

I'm a bit worried about my excercise as well though as I heard over 4 hours of strenuous excercise a week is bad for you and I do an hour and a half every day. My bones in my legs click a lot, and when I do sit ups the bottom of my spine clicks. That's really started to bother me- I dunno if its because I'm using the muscles or if its a sign something is wrong, like weak bones.

taape · 08-14-2006, 08:29 PM

Hi,
Have you been to a doctor yet? It might be a good idea to get checked out medically. I was told that it's important to consume dietary calcium and also take supplements because for most people it's hard for the body to absorb calcium, it's easy to injest it.

You should also ask your doctor about your exercise routine. Most teens I know are on the go all the time doing organized sports and invidual sports. Getting alot of exercise everyday.

Low fat foods with calcium -skin milk, fat free yogurt regular or frozen yogurt, skim cottage cheese, beans. Calcium is also added to some cereals. You can check the boxes in the store.

hannah_dru · 08-15-2006, 04:13 AM

I haven't yet no but I'm thinking that I probably should. I was thinking that I might not still get enough anyway so like you said I think both is a good idea.

Thanks