What’s the first thing that you think of when you think of bone health? Calcium? A glass of milk? Short answer is, yes, calcium (which is in milk) is great for bone health but there are also many other factors which can influence the health of your bones, particularly for women.
Osteoporosis
Menopause is one of the stages that women go through that can impact bone density. Unfortunately, this means they are more susceptible to developing osteoporosis than men. So, what is osteoporosis? It occurs when your bones begin to lose minerals like calcium more quickly than it can replace it. This can result in the deterioration of bone structure which can result in fractures commonly in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Approximately 10% of the population currently have an osteoporosis-related condition. Crazy right? There are a variety of causes of osteoporosis, including things like ageing, calcium or vitamin D deficiency, physical inactivity, from illnesses/diseases, menopause and more. If you’re currently going through menopause, it’s important to be mindful that your oestrogen and progesterone production significantly decreases which can affect your bone health.
Prevention Strategies
No need to fear, there are a few things you can do which may assist in preventing a decline in bone strength. These include having a healthy lifestyle and diet which is rich in calcium and protein, keeping active and doing regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises and getting enough vitamin D. According to Cancer Council Australia, adequate vitamin D levels can be reached by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week when the UV index is 3 or above. Though this is the case, don’t forget to practice sun safe measures when the UV index is above 3.
There is an array of supplements which can also assist in bone strength and boosting your calcium and vitamin D levels if you are deficient. These include:
Ostelin Bone Strength + Magnesium. These tablets provide key nutrients that can assist in maintaining bone strength and supporting muscle function. This product may be suitable if you have been informed by a health professional that you have low vitamin D levels.
Swisse Ultiboost Calcium + Vitamin D. This formula can assist in supporting healthy teeth and bone density, as well as, providing a great source of calcium which may assist in the prevention of osteoporosis if dietary intake is inadequate.
Fusion Health Calcium Advanced with D3. These tablets can assist in supporting strong, healthy bones and teeth, bone mass and mineralisation, bone development and growth in children and teenagers, healthy muscle contraction and immune system function.
# Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. This medicine may not be right for you, read the label before purchase. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. *Nutritional supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
Seek advice from a health professional to see what is right for you. To find more of our blogs click here.
Feature image via: Fusion Health