Final answer:
The recommended dietary changes for Teressa, who is showing symptoms of osteoporosis, include increasing her intake of calcium and vitamin D through dairy and leafy green vegetables. These nutrients are essential for bone health and can help in managing the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the symptoms reported by Teressa, which include numbness in fingers and toes, muscle cramps, chest pain, and signs of osteoporosis, the doctor will likely recommend dietary changes that can help manage and prevent further bone density loss. The most appropriate recommendation for dietary change would be to eat more dairy and leafy greens. These foods are high in calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health and can help combat the effects of osteoporosis.To prevent osteoporosis, Teressa should include foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, and broccoli in her diet. These provide the necessary calcium that is needed daily, especially in adolescence when the requirement is around 1300 mg per day. For vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium, exposure to sunlight and foods like fortified cereals and fatty fish can be included in the diet. It is also important to partake in weight-bearing exercises as they stress the bones, stimulating bone building.
Preventing osteoporosis also involves lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. Teressa should avoid carbonated beverages and ensure she gets adequate amounts of vitamin D, either through diet or supplementation, to aid in proper calcium metabolism.