Our bones are a complex network of between 206 and 213 bones – a small number of people may have extra ribs, vertebrae, fingers or toes. Combined with muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons and ligaments, the skeletal system provides structure, support, and mobility. Bones and joints hold us together, protect our vital organs and allow us to control the intricate ways we can move our bodies.
Bone health is a critical component of overall health and well-being. Issues related to our skeletal system can produce anywhere from mild aches and pains to debilitating diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis and other all-too common ailments. And if you’re over 50, particularly if you’re a woman or if osteoporosis runs in your family, now is the time to be proactive about protecting your health, mobility, and independence.
Nutrients For Strong Bones
The maintenance of strong bones requires a balanced intake of nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and other buffering minerals that help ensure your body absorbs a maximum amount of those beneficial nutrients.
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in bone health. Our bodies produce vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight, but it can also be obtained from food sources such as fatty fish and egg yolks. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are critical for bone growth and maintenance.
We recommend: Maintain your vitamin D level with vitamin D3 supplement that is safe, natural form of the nutrient that is carefully formulated to deliver the most effective uptake and absorption.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and 99 percent of it is found in the bones and teeth. It plays a crucial role in bone health, as it provides the structure and support needed to maintain healthy bones. Calcium is obtained from food sources such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, and it is also available in supplement form. Adequate calcium intake is essential during childhood and adolescence, the period of peak bone growth. However, it is important to maintain adequate calcium intake throughout life to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Magnesium and other buffering minerals including potassium and phosphorus also support bone and joint health. Magnesium is an important building block for the formation of bone minerals, and it plays a role in the regulation of calcium levels in the body. Potassium helps maintain the acid-base balance in the body, protecting against damage that can occur when the body becomes too acidic. Phosphorus is an essential component of bone mineral, and it plays a role in the regulation of calcium levels in the body.
We recommend: Different bodies require different forms of magnesium to support good bone and joint health. Taking magnesium that doesn’t match your individual needs can rob you of optimal benefit. Pure Essentials Ultra Magnesium supplement is unique in that it includes three forms of the vital nutrient to ensure your body absorbs exactly what it needs to support good health.
Osteoporosis, Lifestyle & Genetics
Osteoporosis is prevalent in the U.S. Studies about just how prevalent vary some, but the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation reports about 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density. By their assessment, the foundation claims that at least half of all adults 50 and older are at risk and should be taking steps to support bone and joint health.
In addition to lifestyle factors, genetics can also play a significant role in bone health and the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. While lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking can affect bone health, genetics also contributes to bone strength and density.
Several genetic factors can increase the risk of osteoporosis. These include certain gene variants that affect the metabolism of vitamin D and calcium, as well as variations in genes that regulate bone formation and breakdown. Some of these genetic factors are more common in certain ethnic groups, which can contribute to differences in bone health and the risk of osteoporosis.
Inherited disorders such as osteogenesis imperfecta, which affects the production of collagen and can result in brittle bones, also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, medical conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and endocrine disorders can affect the body's ability to absorb and use calcium and vitamin D, leading to weakened bones.
While genetic factors can increase the risk of osteoporosis, it is important to note that genetics is not the only determining factor. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can still play a significant role in bone health and can help to mitigate the effects of genetic risk factors. Early detection and treatment of osteoporosis can help to prevent fractures and improve overall bone health, regardless of genetic risk factors.
A Good Diet Isn’t Always Enough
Supplementing your diet with vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and other buffering minerals is critical for maintaining strong and healthy bones. While these nutrients can be obtained from a balanced diet, it’s not always practical to get all the nutrients you need through food alone – you’d have to eat massive quantities in some cases. Supplements can help, as part of a healthy lifestyle in tandem with good nutrition and regular exercise. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help to support overall bone health.
By taking care of our bones, we can help to ensure a lifetime of mobility and independence.
