Get in balance
The process of building strong bones depends on the complex balance of many minerals, including calcium, phosphates, Vitamin K and Vitamin D. When these aren’t working together correctly then we may not absorb enough calcium to build bone cells. This is why it’s important to eat a diet containing lots of nutrients and a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Too much protein may interfere with acid levels in our blood, which can reduce how much calcium is absorbed.
How are your hormones
Our hormones change throughout our lives, which is why men over 70 and women after the menopause are more likely to get osteoporosis. Hormones can regulate bone cells so the same number that is lost is made, but this can get unbalanced when hormones decline or we suffer from gland problems. It’s possible that we can get tested to see if we could be affected by these kinds of changes, with our GPs able to offer more information.
Watch the sugar
Sugary foods can give us an immediate boost if we’re feeling tired or need to increase our energy. But they can also lead to fluctuating insulin levels, which can impact on our calcium stores. To preserve this mineral then we should eat foods that either release energy slowly or those they don’t have this fluctuating effect on our insulin. These can include lean proteins, vegetables and beans.
Work it out
Some activities are ideal for strengthening bones, such as those that require our skeleton to take the weight of our body – like running and skipping. Weight lifting is another kind of exercise that helps build stronger bones, and can have a positive impact on our wellbeing in general. These tips show that we can have an influence on our bone health and gives us the chance to ward off bone issues before they severely affect our wellness.