Weak bones are often a problem for older people. Around 10 million Americans have a condition called osteoporosis, where bones become so weak they break easily. Having osteoporosis increases your risk of a damaged spine or a broken hip.

There are drugs for treating osteoporosis, but you might wonder whether lifestyle changes could help protect your bones. You probably know already that calcium plays an important part in keeping your bones healthy. Vitamin D also plays a part. Doctors often advise people with osteoporosis to take calcium and vitamin D supplements, usually together with medications.

It's also possible that eating fruit and vegetables could help keep your bones strong. The theory goes like this. Western diets are typically high in protein and cereals. These foods are broken down into acids. Too much acid in your body can encourage calcium and other minerals to be released from bones, making them weaker.

Fruits and vegetables are broken down into a chemical called bicarbonate. This helps neutralize acids. So, the idea is that eating fruits and vegetables, or taking a bicarbonate supplement, could prevent the breakdown of your bones.

There's some evidence for this theory. A new study looked at 162 healthy volunteers older than 50 years of age. Half were given bicarbonate supplements, like potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (just the same as baking soda). Others got a pretend (placebo) treatment or a potassium chloride supplement.