Posts Tagged ‘Bone Health’
Natural Bone Supplementation
Since celebrating my 83rd birthday last fall, my health has taken a definitive turn for the worse. Everyday I awake to excruciating pain in my bones, muscles and joints, preventing me from completing many basic chores around the house. Throughout my life I’ve been opposed to painkillers and synthetic drugs, and I wasn’t about to start taking them now.
I consulted with my physician to determine alternative means for mediating the pain, and he offered several natural bone supplements I could try. The first few didn’t do much for me, but I eventually found a supplement that alleviated much of the pain and allowed me to return to my daily routine. He also suggested some dietary and lifestyle changes, and I can honestly see my condition improving with each passing day. I feel like I’m 75 again!
Maintaining Strong Bones
As we begin to age, our bones are one of the areas that are most susceptible to injury. Calcium deficiency and other factors can contribute to arthritis and bone brittleness, which puts you at a greater risk of breaks and bone disease. Fortunately, science has revealed effective ways to maintain strong bones through exercise and augmenting your diet.
It used to be assumed that lifting weights was detrimental to bone health, but research has shown that resistance exercises can actually serve to strengthen bones and increase density. As we get older, it is also advisable to begin taking bone supplements. Calcium and strontium are two of the main nutrients to look for when seeking supplements that promote healthy bones.
Importance of Calcium in the Diet
Calcium has an important role in our diets, and children and adults who have poor calcium intake often wind up with a host of problems later in life. Calcium is the mineral which we use to strengthen our teeth and maintain healthy bones. Those who have an appropriate amount of calcium in their diet will have stronger bones, and be less prone to serious injury. In addition, their teeth will be healthier and less susceptible to cavities and decay, which can wind up costing a lot.
Calcium can be found in several different food sources, the most common being dairy. Most dairy products, including milk, cheese and even ice cream, contain a fair amount of calcium. Calcium can also be found in several different fruits and vegetables, though it tends to vary as some contain calcium and others have just trace amounts. It’s also possible to receive calcium through calcium supplements, which are simple pills or chews that provide an adequate amount of calcium to the diet. Calcium is even more important for seniors, as it prevents serious conditions like osteoporosis. You can even find calcium added to common drinks like orange juice and provided as a viable supplement.