Foods for Healthy Bones
By Sara Butler
Keeping your bones strong as you grow older needs to be a priority. The foods you eat have a huge impact on the strength of your skeleton throughout your life and there are even some foods that can weaken your bones. It's easy to take all your skeleton does for you for granted, but adding a few of these foods to your diet can help keep your bones strong and healthy all life long.
The More You Know
Your bones are alive. It's easy to think of them as static structures that don't do much, but the truth is that each day your bones break down old bone only to replace it with new. Your bones also store calcium, which is used by your whole body to ensure your continued health and proper functioning. If you don't get enough calcium in your diet, then it'll be leached from your bones, weakening them.
A few dietary changes can make a big difference in your bone health -- and overall health too!
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables should be at the top of your list for foods that are good for your bones and your whole body! Spinach, collard greens, bok choy, watercress, arugula, and romaine are all full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your bones healthy.
These leafy greens contain something beyond Vitamin D and calcium for your bones, they also are full of Vitamin K and magnesium, which help to prevent bones fractures. So, don't be afraid to bulk up on your leafy greens!
Prunes
When you think of prunes, you may think of your grandparents, but only because your grandparents know the real deal! Prunes are popular for their fiber, but they're also full of antioxidants that help protect your body from health issues. Some studies have found that prunes in older women can help to reduce bone loss and preserve bone structure. The copper contained in prunes, along with Vitamin K, helps aid bone structure and promote mineralization of the bones. Go ahead, gives prunes a try!
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that are best to avoid if you're concerned about your bone health. This includes:
- Salt
- Soda
- Caffeine
These foods must only be enjoyed in moderation since they may damage the ability of your bones to maintain their mineral balance and stay healthy.
The health of your bones is something to be concerned with over the course of your whole life, so make sure you're eating for good bone health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.