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In addition to eating foods rich in calcium, is there any activity I can do to prevent osteoporosis?
There have been a lot of questions coming in relating to bone health and ways to increase our bone integrity. Just like most of you out there, I want to make sure I’m as strong as possible – especially as I age…..gracefully, of course!
In the past few Ask Pam’s, we talked about foods that can help increase your calcium intake (dairy and non-dairy) as well as the importance of vitamin D’s role in the body. But what else can we do that can help prevent osteoporosis as well as maintain as much bone as possible?
Osteoporosis (the breakdown of bone) is common especially in women – but also in you men out there. As we age, the bones may lose some of their density. Fortunately, eating healthy (calcium-rich foods) and making sure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need (specifically vitamin D) can help.
But lucky for us, there is also something else that is extremely helpful and what us health professionals always preach: exercise.
If you have always been physically active, you are one step ahead of the game. Your bones are less brittle even though they do lose some density.
For those of us who are less active, get moving. By exercising and getting active, you can increase your muscle strength and it may help keep your bones intact. The types of activities most recommended are strength-training (e.g. free weights), weight-bearing aerobic exercises (i.e. walking, dancing) and flexibility exercises. These help to strengthen the muscles and bones as well as can help slow down mineral loss and support
Just another good reason to get our bodies moving! Make sure to check with your physician to see how healthy your bones are. As with any type of exercise program, always review it with a professional.
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