Did you know that calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body and that almost 99% of your body’s calcium is found in your bones?
Bones are not what you think they are.
When you think of bones, you might imagine a hard, brittle skeleton but your bones are living organs. They are alive with cells, flowing body fluids and are constantly renewed. They also grow stronger with a good diet and physical activity. Both our muscles and our nerves must have calcium and phosphorus to work and if these are in short supply from the foods we eat, our body simply takes them from our bones.
Your strength can be measured by the amount of calcium in your bones.
Up until we’re about 30 years old, our bodies efficiently build up calcium in our bones. But everyday calcium is deposited and withdrawn from your bones, so if you don’t get enough calcium, you could be withdrawing more than you’re depositing. As we grow older, bones can break or weaken if we don’t take the necessary steps to keep them strong.
Bones perform a number of vital functions:
- Structural – bones are hard and very strong, providing support for your body.
- Movement – bones are connected by joints which help bones move.
- Protection – bones protect organs that are housed within them, – your skill protects your brain.
- Blood cell protection – bone marrow is the tissue in the center of large bones; it’s where new blood cells are produced.
- Reservoir – bones store two main minerals, calcium and phosphorus, that are essential to other body systems.
- Endocrine regulation – bones help regulate hormones to maintain adequate supplies of calcium and phosphorous.
The health of your bones may be at risk.
It is expected that by 2020 half of all Americans over 50 will have weak bones unless we make changes to our diet and lifestyle. But there’s hope: according to the Surgeon General, you can improve your bone health by getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity.
- The good news is that you’re never too old or too young to improve your bone health.
- The bad news is that very few people follow the recommended steps to strengthen and protect their bones.
Healthy habits can help.
Bone health is important and there are many different things you can do to keep your bones strong. At any age, a diet with enough calcium and vitamin D, together with weight-bearing physical activity every day, can help prevent problems, such as fractures, later. Getting enough calcium is very important for women. As women approach menopause, bone building estrogen declines and the body absorbs less calcium from food. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also sap calcium from women.
- Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
- Magnesium contributes to the strengthening of teeth and bones.
- Vitamin D works together with calcium to help build and maintain strong bones.
Strong bones are very important.
They support us and allow us to move. They protect our heart, lungs, and brain from injury. Our bones are also a storehouse for vital minerals we need to live. While foundational supplements help address common nutrient gaps, targeted supplements can help address unique concerns such as the health of your bones.
Resource: Health Bones Matter by the National Institute of Health
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
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