Maintaining proper bone health is important to everyone. Our bones not only provide protection to our vital organs, create a framework that supports our bodies, they also store calcium and marrow which is where our blood cells are made.
Most people don’t think about their bone health until they are at risk of losing their bone structure. Most of the time, this is a process that affects people over 50 who begin to develop a condition call osteoporosis. Luckily, there are steps you can take today regardless of what age you are in order to help improve the health of your bones.
Calcium Is Critical For Bone Health
Increasing your calcium intake is an easy step that you can take in order to improve your bone health. Our bones store calcium and are also comprised of calcium. Consuming foods high in calcium is crucial for maintaining a healthy bone structure. An example of a food group that is a great source of calcium would be dairy. Dark, green leafy vegetables are another healthy option.
Increasing your calcium intake alone is not enough to promote healthy bones. Without vitamin D, your body cannot absorb the calcium you consume in your diet. Adults need 600 IUs of vitamin D per day, adults over 70 should have 800. In conjunction with the D vitamin, vitamin K is also important. These two vitamins work together to help your body absorb calcium. Vitamin K has also been shown to build and maintain healthy bone mass in some studies.
Proper nutritional intake is not the only factor in maintaining healthy bones. Staying active and moving helps decrease your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. A “use it or lose it” mentality is important when focusing on your bone density. That being said, keeping bad things out of your body is also important. Not smoking is imperative as tobacco products have been linked to causing bone loss as it hinders the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Limiting alcohol consumption can also help as drinking more than 2 drinks daily can inhibit your vitamin D absorption. Caffeine can also have an effect on your calcium absorption so limiting your intake can help keep your bones healthy.
Ask Us For Help
Our Atlanta orthopedic doctors are experts in all matters of bone health and can help you prevent and also treat any pain or injuries you may be suffering from. Call (404) 855-2141 for your consultation with one of our practitioners today to keep your body healthy and strong.
