Our guest blogger is Elizabeth Fayram, RD, LDN, outpatient oncology dietitian at Lahey Clinic.

Bone loss can be a common side effect for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Factors that contribute to bone health may be specific treatment types, poor appetite and unintentional weight loss, and a sedentary lifestyle. If you are taking certain medications that may interfere with bone health, such as aromatase inhibitors or androgen deprivation therapies, it is especially important to get enough calcium and vitamin D to help protect against bone loss.

Calcium is one of the building blocks of bones, as well as many other body systems. Vitamin D has been shown to be necessary for calcium absorption and utilization. They are both found in food sources. However vitamin D is best absorbed from the sun, which is limited most months out of the year in certain climates like New England. If you are at risk for bone loss, talk to your doctor or dietician about ways to improve your intake of nutrients. You may need a vitamin D supplement.  Have your vitamin D checked at your next lab draw. If you are deficient, you may need a supplement.

Good sources of calcium:

8 oz. of plain yogurt (400 mg)

½ cup evaporated skim milk (400 mg)

½ cup dry milk powder (400 mg)

8 oz. milk (300 mg)

8 oz. calcium-fortified orange juice (300 mg)

Plant sources of calcium:

½ cup turnip greens or bok choy (100 mg)

1 oz. almonds (100 mg)

½ cup white beans (100 mg)

½ cup broccoli, kale or mustard greens (50 mg)

1 medium orange (50 mg)

Good sources of vitamin D:

Sunshine, 15 minutes per day on face, arms, legs without sunscreen. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to skip the sunscreen.

8 oz. milk-fortified (100 IU)

Cod liver oil (1,360 IU)

3-4 oz. of fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, salmon (360 IU)

Helpful tips:

Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to provide micronutrients that promote good bone health. Stay physically active, but first ask your doctor is exercise is right for you.