Our bones support us and allow us to move, so it’s no wonder that bone health should be taken seriously. From protecting our organs to storing calcium, their function is extremely varied. While it’s important to build strong bones when you’re young, maintaining good bone health should be a lifetime’s worth of focus.
Why are healthy bones so important?
Our bones are the major mechanical support for our body. They help us move, carry out daily activities, and help protect our organs. When we’re young, we produce more bone mass than we lose. But as we get older, the opposite happens: we lose more bone mass than we produce.
Additionally, as we age, bone health may start to decline due to lifestyle changes or due to serious illnesses that can impair or weaken bones in many different ways including being in a bedridden state. When this happens, bones are more susceptible to fracturing or breaking which can be painful or dangerous.
How can bone health be maintained?
So you want to make sure that your bones are stronger and healthier for longer? Here are some tips:
Get enough calcium. This mineral is very important and it’s needed to maintain good bone health. However, calcium does more than just strengthen bones., it also helps create and regulate nerve impulses and blood clotting.
Exercise regularly. A regular exercise routine helps strengthen bones and prevent bone loss. But not all exercise is created equal. While it’s important to choose an activity that engages your major muscle groups, such as walking or aerobics, it’s also important to perform movements that engage the entire body and work the core muscles.
Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet can help ensure that people get sufficient amounts of protein and nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D. Eat foods that are good sources of bone-supporting nutrients.
Protect against osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become thin and brittle. If you’re concerned about your chance of getting this disease, be sure to let your doctor know about any medications that you’re likely to take which may negatively affect bone health.
Prevent falls. Falling can cause a lot of damage to the body, but it has a particularly negative impact on bone health. Falls can also be a sign that our bones are weak, which is a sign that we need to be more careful with our bone health.
Keep bones healthy as you age. Instead of thinking about ways to repair the damage done by old age, think about ways to prevent age-related bone loss from occurring in the first place. Our bones are what help us move, so it’s important that they stay strong. A regular exercise routine and a healthy diet are just two of the lifestyle changes that can help ensure your bone health remains strong for longer.
