Bone loss and osteoporosis can considerably increase your risk of having fractures and being crippled. Needless to say, it is very important for you to keep your bones strong. Certain habits can in fact contribute to the weakening of the bones. See which of the following you are guilty of:
Cigarette Smoking
Just about any organ in your body can be damaged by smoking, not just your lungs. Did you know that this terrible habit can also leave your bones weak? Because of the negative impact of smoking on your hormones, your body ends up inefficient at making new bone cells. If you are a smoker, quit to ward off weak bones and eventually osteoporosis. Not a smoker? Then keep up the good work to enjoy optimal health!
Dodging the Sun
In moderate amounts, sunshine is beneficial for your wellbeing. Stepping foot outdoors from time to time lets you enjoy good amounts of vitamin D, a nutrient so important for strengthening the bones. You see, vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium by the bones. In other words, it’s pointless to consume lots of calcium-rich foods without vitamin D in your body. Allow your skin to be touched by the sun for a brighter future that’s osteoporosis-free!
Taking Lots of Sodium
Everyone knows that the consumption of too much sodium is bad for the blood pressure and heart. Reaching for the salt shaker all the time and enjoying sodium-packed foods are habits that are bad for the bones, too. According to medical professionals, a diet that’s high in sodium causes the kidneys to flush calcium out of the body. Other than steering clear of that salt shaker, you should also read food labels to ensure you’re not about to consume a lot of sodium.
Drinking Tons of Coffee
It’s perfectly fine to drink 1 to 2 cups of your favorite java a day, say the experts. However, it’s a completely different story if you consume multiple servings of it per day. Other than anxiety, headaches and a bunch of heart-related issues, weak bones may also result from drinking tons of coffee. That’s due to the fact that caffeine in coffee increases urine production, and this causes some of the calcium in your body to be flushed out.
Enjoying Sodas
Sodas also contain caffeine, and that’s why consuming lots of them can also encourage bone loss and increase your odds of having osteoporosis in the future. But aside from caffeine, there is another thing found in sodas that’s terrible for your bones, and it’s called phosphoric acid. Medical professionals say that phosphoric acid in sodas can cause calcium in your bones to leach out. Further, artificial sweeteners in light or diet sodas can also promote bone loss.
Sitting All Day
We are all aware that leading a sedentary lifestyle is bad for the health. Not getting enough exercise wreaks havoc to your heart and waistline. It’s also something that can significantly increase your risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Experts say that cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging and stair climbing promote the growth of bone tissue. They add that you should also throw in some resistance training for stronger bones.
Not Getting Enough Protein
It’s not just calcium that you need to keep your bones strong and healthy. Did you know that protein is a nutrient that’s also vital for your bones? Because of this, you should make sure that your daily diet consists of foods that contain good amounts of protein. Going vegetarian? Not a problem! There are tons of plant-based protein sources to choose from, such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, hemp, quinoa, soy milk and dark green leafy vegetables.
Being Obese
Last but not the least, packing a lot of unwanted pounds can leave your bones prone to getting weak and brittle. It doesn’t take a genius to know that all the excess weight can eventually damage the joints. What’s more, being obese can cause hormonal imbalance, and it’s something that can cause all sorts of problems on your body, including your bones. Get rid of excess pounds to keep your bones in a healthy state.
Source: bustle.com
