Recent changes to our lifestyles could explain why there has been an increase in the number of bone conditions in the Western world, experts indicate. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has pointed out how growth in rickets could be explained by a drop in Vitamin D in our diets.
Why Vitamin D
This mineral is necessary for our bone wellness as it helps our bodies to absorb calcium. But experts are saying that the way we eat and live may be reducing the amount we have in our bodies. Osteoblasts need this mineral in order to create a bone bank in our youth that stays with us as we age. Over time, bone cells are eradicated making it important that this bank of cells has a high density to start with. We can get this mineral from dairy products, oily fish and sunlight, but clinicians say that lifestyle trends that see us swapping milk for fizzy drinks and applying sunscreens could affect how much Vitamin D we absorb.
Not just for bones
Although good bone health and the eradication of rickets depends partly on Vitamin D, the mineral also affects our wellbeing in other ways. Studies have shown that it can reduce our risk of developing lots of other condition, like cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. It can also boost mental activities and keep our immune systems strong.
Make changes
To enhance our wellbeing and counteract the decline in Vitamin D in our diets, National Osteoporosis Month has been set-up to get us thinking about how we can eat our way to healthier bones. In the past when bone issues affected many, government across the world fortified milk, bread and cereals with the vitamin and this still goes on today. So opting for fortified diary products as well as eating other foods high in Vitamin D, like oily fish and juices, can add important bone health nutrients to our diet so we protect ourselves from developing osteoporosis.
Comments are closed.