Most people think that bones are hard, lifeless parts of their bodies. Actually bones are living organs full of blood and cells that are an active part of our overall health. Far from static, our bones are constantly rebuilding themselves and growing stronger or weaker depending on how active we are and how well we are supplying the nutrients they need.
It is a fact of life that our bones lose minerals as we age. Bone loss starts around 30 years old. If left unchecked, bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones lose minerals such as calcium until they become fragile and break easily.
What are the challenges?
- There are many risk factors for osteoporosis:
- The amount of bone mass you start with has a big impact on your risk of osteoporosis. If you are female, petite, white, Asian, or have a family history of osteoporosis, then you have a greater risk.
- Research suggests that tobacco, heavy alcohol use, and low physical activity can all reduce bone mass.
- Gastric bypass, low testosterone, high thyroid, and certain medications (such as steroids or thyroid) can all increase risk.
- It is estimated that there are 10 million Americans affected by osteoporosis and at least 80% are women.
- Bone loss rapidly accelerates after menopause; women can lose up to half their bone mass in the 5-10 years following the end of menses.
- More than 1.5 million fractures occur every year because of osteoporosis. It is estimated that one half of women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
- One in five people over the age of 65 who break a hip end up in nursing home within a year, and they are three times more likely to die within three months.
What can I do?
The good news is that you can begin making changes today that will improve your bone health.
Here is your action plan:
Start early: Remember that bone loss starts around 30 years old. While it is best to start taking care of your bones when you are young, it is also never too late to start nourishing your bones.
Include weight-bearing exercises in your routine: Weight-bearing activity increases the density of your bones because bones become stronger when put under pressure; that is why weight-bearing exercises work to build bones and slow bone loss. Consider weight lifting, walking, running, hiking, dancing, and tennis.
Make healthy choices: Don’t smoke, limit alcohol use, and maintain a healthy weight.
Include plenty of calcium: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bones.
- Your diet should include high-calcium foods such as milk and other dairy foods, leafy green vegetables, and soybeans.
- If you’re one of the many who aren’t getting enough from your diet, supplementation is key. 1000 milligrams of calcium a day in food or supplements is the recommended amount to help maintain bones for most adults; that amount increases to 1200-1500 mg per day for women who are post menopausal and men over 70.
- Even though vitamin D is the “sunshine” vitamin, most people aren’t getting enough because of the use of sunscreens, where you live, time of year, if you are overweight or simply not spending much time outdoors.
- A new study links vitamin D deficiency to accelerated bone aging. If you don't have enough vitamin D, it could lead to reduced bone density, reduced bone quality, and increase the aging of bones.
- The best approach for determining the proper amount to take is to have your blood levels checked and then supplement to achieve your optimum levels. Most health practitioners suggest around 1000-2000 IU a day.
Vitamin K is less well known than other vitamins, but just as essential for bone building. For good bone maintenance, use between 40-80 mcg a day
Start taking care of your bones today, all it takes is a little effort to have a huge payoff later in life.
Last update: 07/26/13
Posted on: 07/22/13