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Healthy

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.Bones
Darlene Booth
R.N.C.P
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.... Given the right internal environment and nourishment our bodies are miracles in motion. In our lifetime, our cellular makeup goes through many makeovers and is never static. We		 ...
some of us living through the coastal winters do need to rely on dietary sources and supplements!
.....It really is quite amazing how Mother Nature provides
actually regenerate a whole new body every 7 years! We often think of the skeletal structure as a hard and rigid support system when in fact each and every one of our 206 bones is a living organism. They continually undergo a renewal process where old bone is removed and new bone is laid down. This remodelling process is meant to build and maintain a healthy structure but if healthy habits are neglected it can lead to a gradual weakening of the bone itself.
.....75 to 80% of our potential bone mass is achieved before puberty. This is largely directed by the gene pool we inherited so these are the years where we should strive for		 for us. Whole foods are usually balanced with all the nutrients needed to support each other. While dark green vegetables are great sources of calcium they are also full of vitamin K which is an important vitamin needed for bone to hold onto calcium stores. Protein, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc also aid in building and maintaining healthy bone mass and can be found in a wide variety of wholesome food. If your diet is questionable or you tend to rely on the same foods day in and day out, taking a daily multi mineral and vitamin supplement can be of great benefit. Think of it like taking out a health insurance policy.
.....A healthy diet is essentially the main
optimal nutrition. Women will reach their peak bone mass by about age 30 and men will reach theirs at around age 35. After that, it is important to maintain health supportive lifestyle habits and nutrition or the body will draw on the stored calcium in the bone to maintain everyday functions. Calcium is an important mineral for more than just bone building, it is essential for a healthy muscular and cardiovascular system, our teeth and also our nervous system.
Calcium is the first thing we think of when it comes to building bones. Grandmothers from time immortal have been urging us to drink our milk. Milk is high in calcium and can be a perfect food for growing skeletons along with many other foods like sardines, salmon, nuts, seeds, dried beans and green vegetables like broccoli and kale. Supplemental calcium can be useful if it is in a balanced formula which includes other nutrients needed to absorb and utilize the calcium.
Vitamin D is an important vitamin. It is essential for moving the calcium from the intestines to the bloodstream and bone. Fish and fish oils are natural dietary sources for this fat soluble vitamin and there are many foods that are fortified with vitamin D, however, moderate exposure to sunshine is the best way for us to get our daily ration. Be mindful that sunscreens block this process. A 15 minute daily sunbath is a healthy dose of sun. Unfortunately, 		... ingredient for optimal health, but bone also needs to be exercised. It is important to be active for your bones to stay healthy. Regular weight bearing exercise encourages and stimulates bone density to reach its maximum potential. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to benefit. Just get moving and make it fun. Walking, hiking, skiing, dancing, swimming, hop scotch, skipping, moderate weight training and many of the gentle martial arts like tai chi and chi gong are excellent activities that enhance our overall health in many wonderful ways. When is the last time you played hopscotch?
.....Cigarette smoking, drug use, high salt intake, excess animal proteins, high phosphate diets, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption are known to contribute to bone loss and compromise our health. Making a commitment to building a healthful body is worth finding balance and moderation in your lifestyle. Limiting or avoiding these substances altogether is another ingredient in the recipe for healthy strong bones. Moderation. We tend to avoid the things that are good for us and overdo those that are not.
.....The body really does strive for balance. Diet and lifestyle choices will either add to your quality of life or rob you of vitality. Bone needs specific nutrients and weight bearing exercise to flourish. Nourish your support system and it will support you well.
.....Good Health to You!
 
 

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