Taking Care Of Your Bones And Joints

How many of us give even a second thought to theby age 30, after which the rate of bone loss begins
mechanisms involved every time we walk, bend,to slowly or rapidly exceed the rate of bone
stretch or turn? Doing any kind of physical activityformation. When bone loss occurs too rapidly and far
comes so naturally to most of us that we tend toexceeds the rate of new bone formation and
take our musculoskeletal system completely forreplacement, the bones become increasingly fragile
granted. The musculoskeletal system, which includesand prone to breakage, leading to Osteoporosis,
the joints and bones along with the surrounding softwhich is the most common of all bone diseases.
tissues, is what keep us supple, agile and moving. TheTaking good care of your bones and joints
problem with taking it for granted and not giving itGiving your bones and joints the nourishment they
the care and attention it deserves is that the bones,need in early days is vital for setting the stage for
joints and tissue degenerate slowly over time andhealthy bones and joints later on in life. Maintaining a
we become aware of the deterioration only when ithealthy lifestyle is vital for improving your bone
is much too late.density and slowing down the rate of bone loss.
Going by current statistics, it is estimated that byMaintain a healthy diet, which includes an increased
2050 almost 50% of Americans over the age of 50take of calcium; a major component of the bone.
are likely to suffer from problems associated withDairy products; green, leafy vegetables; nuts and
the bones and joints; unless precautionary measureslegumes are good sources of dietary calcium.
are taken. In fact, musculoskeletal deterioration is theSupplement your diet with Vitamin D, magnesium,
most common cause of severe physical disability andtrace minerals and phosphorous; all of which are
long-term pain right across the world. The globalessential for complete bone nourishment.
ramifications are so persistent and all-encompassing,Exercise regularly. It strengthens the muscles and
that 2002 through to 2011 has been declared 'theimproves mobility and flexibility of the joints. Weight
bone and joint decade'.bearing exercises, including biking, walking, weight
Contrary to popular misconception, bones are actuallylifting and aerobics help build muscle and strengthen
living, growing tissues and not just some dry, brittlethe bones.
material that belong to a skeleton. They requireIf you are overweight, take steps to lose that
continuous care and nourishment to keep them inexcess weight. When you are overweight, there is
optimum working condition. Right through our lives,excessive pressure on your weight-bearing joints,
our bones undergo a constant remodeling process, inwhich include the knees, hips and back.
which new bone tissue replaces the old tissue that isQuit smoking completely and reduce your
broken down or lost. The rate at which this happensconsumption of caffeine and alcohol. All three work
depends on your age. From birth till your twenties,to lower the levels of calcium in the body and impede
the rate of new bone formation exceeds the rate ofbone formation.
bone loss. Bones are at their largest and most dense