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Historically, there has been debate about the effects of dietary protein on bone health. Some early research suggests that high-protein diets – particularly diets high in red meat – can cause weak bones. But more recent studies indicate that high-protein diets can increase bone mineral content and decrease the risk of fractures.
Dietary protein helps build and maintain muscle, which protects joints and bones, and even stimulates bone strength (when accompanied with weight-bearing activities). The researchers also found that high-protein diets often are recommended for adolescent and child athletes undergoing rigorous training.
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Exercise is an essential part of developing strong bones. Do exercises regularly to protect and strengthen your bones as you grow up. It is essential to follow the rule that we should be mobile.
If you find it difficult to do or allot specific time for exercise you should keep yourself physically active.
Exercise or physical activity, where you have to carry one’s weight around has been found to strengthen bones. Simple exercises like a brisk walk, climbing stairs instead of using the elevator can help one to not only strengthen bones but also make one feel physically stable and secure.
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The effects of diets high in refined sugar on bone health have been studied extensively and have shown that high-sugar diets impair bone growth and mechanical strength. In particular, diets high in carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks and even sports drinks, are associated with significant decreases in bone mineral density -- in both males and females. This may be due to the decreased consumption of milk and other available fluids in favour of soft drinks.
Also, drinking soft drinks can also lead to weight gain and a decrease in lean muscle mass, and can contribute to the loss of calcium and iron, which are crucial to health and athletic performance. While it’s vitally important to hydrate during any type of sport or physical activity, it might be worthwhile to drink bottled or tap water, milk, orange juice or drinks fortified with calcium instead of reaching for a sugar-filled sports drink.
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Not all carbohydrates have a negative impact on bone and joint health. Complex carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, may actually improve bone mass density and increase calcium absorption. Fruits and vegetables contain non-digestible carbohydrates, like inulin-type fructans, that cannot be digested by the small intestine. As they move toward the large intestine and begin to be processed, they produce organic acids that enhance the disbursement of calcium throughout the body.
In addition, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other phytonutrients that are essential for overall health. They are also low in calories compared to other foods, which can help ward off the weight gain that can cause musculoskeletal problems.
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Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is one of the most important nutrients for bone health. The mineral also plays an essential role in muscle contraction, heartbeat regulation, nerve impulse transmission, regulation of blood pressure and immune system function.
Getting the recommended daily intake of calcium (which varies by gender and age) can help ward off osteoporosis and keep your muscles and nerves properly functioning.
Getting the adequate daily dose of calcium can be as simple as eating dairy products like cheese, milk and yogurt, as well as plant-based foods such as kale, turnip greens, broccoli, tofu and calcium-fortified foods like orange juice.
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Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin because your body manufactures its own vitamin D with sun exposure, is key in helping your bones absorb calcium.
New research also indicates that vitamin D helps boost the immune system and can help you live longer. Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish and egg yolks as well as vitamin D-fortified foods such as cereals, orange juice, cow's milk, cheese and yogurt.
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Your local Pharmacist will be able to offer you advice and support
Benefits of getting help from your local pharmacy
The major benefits of getting weight loss help from your local pharmacy include:
- Easy Access - Most people have pharmacies close to where they live
- Trust - Pharmacists are trained professionals who are usually very highly trusted
- Existing Relationships - Many of us already have a relationship with our local pharmacist whom we buy medicines and other health management products from
- Co-operation - Pharmacists have a track record of working well with other health professionals such as GP's, dietitians, etc
- Condition Management - In addition to helping us to quit smoking or lose weight, pharmacists are also in a unique position to be able to assist us in the management of weight related conditions such as diabetes for example
- Ongoing Support - Pharmacists can provide ongoing support which is a critically important factor in successful long-term weight loss or smoking cessation.
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