Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens and brittles bones to the point of easy breakage. Bone is a tissue in the body that is continuously broken down and replaced, so when the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old bone, osteoporosis occurs. Bone breakage happens very easily in patients with this disease and often occurs after a fall, mild stress on the body, or even actions as simple as bending over or coughing.

There are a few ways to keep your bones strong as you age with one of the most important being the foods you consume—foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and protein are examples of superfoods for bone health. If you are already suffering from osteoporosis, a combination of eating superfoods and taking doctor-prescribed medications—such as Forteo, Fosamax, Prolia, Evenity, or Boniva—can support bone health and strength. Here are some osteoporosis superfoods to support bone health:

1. Fatty fish
Rainbow trout, salmon, and tuna are all examples of fatty fish that offer a multitude of bone-boosting nutrients. This includes vitamin D, a vitamin that assists in the absorption of calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which improve bone quality by preventing bone decay. Fish oil supplements are another way to reap the benefits of the consumption of fish to reduce bone loss and help to prevent osteoporosis.

2. Dairy products
Calcium is a mineral the body requires to build and maintain strong bones. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products provide a substantial amount of calcium and are great foods to include in your diet when focusing on improving your bone health. Not only are dairy products a great source of calcium, they are also high in vitamin D, another important aspect of bone strength that assists in the absorption of calcium.

3. Beans
All bean types, including black beans, edamame, white beans, and kidney beans, are high in bone-building nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients have the ability to reduce bone stiffness as well as build and maintain strong bones. Additionally, beans are high in fiber and protein, which provide further benefits for bones and other parts of the body.

4. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds both provide some calcium, but they also offer two additional nutrients that are imperative for bone health: magnesium and phosphorus. Nuts like walnuts, peanuts, pecans, and almonds, as well as seeds like sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds are great foods to add to your diet. Seeds also are a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which provide additional benefits to the body.

5. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous, or leafy greens, provide multiple nutrients that support bone health including vitamin K and calcium. Vitamin K works in combination with calcium to assist in building healthy bones. Specifically, these nutrients can be found in veggies such as broccoli, spinach, kale, cabbage, and brussel sprouts.