Our bones are the foundation of our bodies you could say. Without bones, we wouldn’t be able to do many of the things we do on a daily basis like walking!
Unfortunately, many people take their Bone Health for granted and only realize how important it is to keep bones strong and healthy throughout life to avoid things like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Maintaining bone health also helps to prevent breaks and fractures later in life.
While it’s important to start looking after your Bone Health early in life, you can start implementing healthy habits at any point. Below are some tips on how to keep your bones healthy so you can enjoy flexibility and mobility as you get older.
Make sure to get the recommended amount of exercise every day or more if you have the time. Exercise is key when it comes to keeping bones healthy. The old saying “use it or lose it” rings true when it comes to exercise. The more you move now, the more you’ll be able to move later. It’s important to mix things up and do a range of exercises such as stretching, cardio and weight-lifting. However, it’s also important to take into consideration your limits and not overdo it to avoid injuries!
Diet is the other important factor when it comes to Bone Health. The most important nutrients for the bones are vitamin D, magnesium and calcium. Milk and milk alternatives are very important but you also want to get enough of other vitamins and nutrients as well. Protein is important for keeping up your strength and energy so you keep moving. There are some things you should eliminate from your diet including excess alcohol, soda, greasy foods and packaged foods.
Lifestyle also needs to be taken into consideration if you want your bones to remain healthy throughout your life. Reduce the amount of time you spend sitting, get enough sleep but too much and quit smoking if you smoke. Stress also plays an important role in overall health so if you are often stressed out, try to practice some techniques, such as yoga and meditation, to reduce stress. You also want to ensure that your desk and anywhere where you spend a lot of time working or sitting are ergonomically sound so you don’t develop repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you don’t start taking care of your bones now, you’ll likely find yourself with mobility issues later in life. It’s preventable if you follow these tips and speak with your doctor about what you can do to ensure remain in tip-top shape as you get older.