Bones play a vital role in ensuring the overall well-being of the body. Bone is an active tissue that is continually changing to accommodate the body’s needs, and they contain the protein collagen, which helps strengthen the bone. During early childhood and adolescent years, old bone is replaced by new bone faster, resulting in denser bones. You can take several steps to improve your bone health, including a proper diet, and frequent exercise.
Healthy Bones Prevent Osteoporosis
After the age of thirty, individuals start to lose more bone mass, which is why most adults end up having Osteoporosis. The condition results in weaker and thinner bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. However, individuals can avoid Osteoporosis by taking preventative measures such as consuming plenty of calcium, which will ensure the bones remain healthy.
Although Osteoporosis doesn’t have any specific symptoms or pain points, it can lead to a higher risk of dangerous or debilitating fractures. Risk factors include not getting enough calcium or vitamin D, a lack of physical activity, and long-term usage of some medications such as corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. Smoking cigarettes and consuming excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol can also increase your risk.
Healthy Bones Effectively Support the Muscles, Which Aid in Movement
The body needs strong support to carry out activities such as playing sports, jumping, running, and other day-to-day chores. Strong bones ensure people can go through busy days and take on strenuous physical activities. It is crucial to exercise regularly to strengthen the bones. Exercise also aids in building bone mass.
Healthy Bones Offer Protection to Vital Organs
It is crucial to maintain healthy bones because they play an essential role in ensuring the heart is protected. The rib cage, which surrounds the heart and lungs, ensures the organs are protected from injury. The bones, which make up the skull, protect the brain from harm.
Healthy Bones Generate and Maintain Blood Cells
The white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells all play essential roles in the body. All these blood cells are formed within the bones. The process of blood cell formation, which is known as hematopoiesis, occurs in the bone marrow. Therefore, it is vital to maintain healthy bones to ensure the body receives constant nourishment and is protected from infections.
Healthy Bones Supply the Body With Essential Minerals
Bones help the body to regulate calcium levels. Calcium is a vital mineral that helps with muscle contractions and also aids in supporting nerve impulses. Bones also store phosphorus, which helps to repair tissues and cells. The bones release these two minerals anytime the body needs them.
Steps for Improving Your Bone Health
You should begin taking steps to support your bones at an early age. Regardless of your age or gender, you can take several steps to improve the health of your bones. You should make sure you’re consuming a healthy, balanced diet that includes fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also eat foods rich in vitamin C and make sure that your body is absorbing vitamin D correctly. Avoid smoking, and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. You should also avoid drugs.
Consistent physical activity will also help keep your bones healthy and strong. Consider going for daily walks or jogs and incorporating other weight-bearing and strength-training activities into your routine. Non-weight bearing activities are still good for your overall health, but they do not prevent bone growth. Examples of some activities you might find helpful include tennis, dancing, and jumping rope.
Strength or resistance training is also an important aspect of healthy bones. Strength training maintains and improves bone mineral density. If you’re unsure where to start, a personal trainer or other fitness expert can suggest exercises and techniques.
If you want to improve your bone density and keep your bones healthy, you should shoot for a mixture of weight-bearing and strength-training exercises between four and six times a week. Each session should be between thirty and forty minutes long.
To maintain healthy bones, an individual must regularly exercise, consume a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and other key bone building nutrients, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. If we do not consume the recommended diet and live an active lifestyle, we risk having weak bones, leading to other health problems.