How to Maintain Good Bone Health
It's a well-known fact that bones tend to weaken as we age.
Fortunately, there are precautions people can take throughout
their lives to benefit their bone health and reduce the odds
of developing bone disease. In today's newsletter, we'll
discuss the factors that impact bone health and action steps
to keep them strong.
What Causes Bone Disease?
A decline in bone health isn't a total necessity of aging.
There are several factors that affect bone health. It's common
knowledge that regular exercise encourages bones and muscles
to grow strong, but did you know that exercising improperly
can wear down joints and even cause tiny fractures to form?
Another common cause of bone disease is vitamin deficiency.
Other conditions are hereditary.
If you have any concerns about your bone or joint health, it's
best to visit a doctor sooner rather than later. Many
conditions, such as osteoporosis, in which the bones lose
density and become fragile, worsen with time but can be slowed
down by proper treatment. Holistic health professionals can
also give great advice on leading a healthy lifestyle and
taking proper care of your bones.
How to Maintain and Improve Bone Health
As scary as bone disease may be, there are plenty of ways to
keep healthy. One of the most important is proper nutrition.
The body requires certain nutrients, such as calcium and
protein, to maintain strong bones. That means eating your
fruits and vegetables and, with professional supervision,
taking supplements where necessary. Other key nutrients
include vitamin D, vitamin K2, and omega-3s. Naturally
produced foods tend to be much higher in nutrients than
processed ones. Low-calorie diets can be very harmful to your
health, so they are best avoided. You’ll also need to get
direct exposure to sunlight to produce vitamin D.
Strength training is also beneficial for bone strength since
the stresses stimulate bone growth. Strong muscles also
support your skeleton, thereby reducing wear and tear. All
that said, it's very important to train safely. Don't jump
straight into heavy weights just because you saw someone else
do it! Injuries like fractures and breaks seriously harm the
long-term strength of your bones. Take preventative measures
now to keep yourself healthy in the future.
Check in regularly with your healthcare team to make sure
you're healthy, and follow any advice they give you. Often,
health conditions can be prevented by living healthily and
listening to your doctor. Also, regular medical appointments
will catch any conditions before they get a chance to
progress.
Did you know that smoking and drinking alcohol can affect bone
density and health? It's common knowledge that these habits
can cause all kinds of health conditions, but they impact your
bones too. Smoking, in particular, can lower bone density,
especially in young adults. Alcohol can inhibit calcium
absorption and reduce your ability to heal. The younger a
person is when they start these habits, the worse they tend to
be.
Although bone density is best built in your youth, following
these steps can help anyone improve their bone health,
regardless of age. Be sure to consult with your chiropractor
regularly and follow their advice. They will be able to give
you tips tailored to your unique situation and set you on the
path to optimal health and wellness. Look out for our next
email. It's our mission to provide you with tips and resources
to improve all aspects of musculoskeletal well-being. Thanks
for reading!
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