World Osteoporosis Day.
Every year in October marks the annual World Osteoporosis Day (WOD). As described by “Awarenessday” the day represents the launch of a year-long campaign. This campaign is dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. WOD is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
As Chiropractors at Spine and Health we understand the importance of strong, healthy bones. We are committed to raising awareness of this preventable disease.
Here are the facts and some take-home guidelines to use and share with your loved ones. You can download the PDF from www.iofbonehealth.org.
Below is a great summary of what you can do, specific to nutrition.
Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease which occurs when the body doesn’t make adequate bone or loses too much bone. As a result the bone becomes thin, fragile and more prone to breaks. Worldwide 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer a fragility fracture (broken bone) due to osteoporosis (reference).
Nutrients.
There are a few key nutrients which are involved in keeping up our bone health. It is important to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet so these nutrients are at their optimum. Please ensure you seek your general practitioner if you feel you might be deficient.
• Calcium.
A major building block of your skeleton, with an average of 99% of calcium can be found in our bones!
Good sources of calcium include, milk, natural yoghurt, hard cheese, raw broccoli, dried figs, and almonds.
• Vitamin D.
Vitamin D will assist in the absorption of calcium from food in the intestine. It will also ensure correct renewal and mineralisation of your bones. We make Vit. D through our skin when it is exposed to UV-B rays of sunlight. Due to our increasing indoor lifestyle, low levels of Vit. D are becoming more common. We can also obtain Vit. D through specific foods including: Wild Salmon, canned sardines and tuna, mushrooms and egg yolk.
• Protein.
In the peak period of bone growth during childhood and adolescence it is essential to ensure adequate protein intake. Low protein intake is detrimental, as protein provides us a source of essential amino acids necessary for health!
Protein undernutrition in senior years can also lead to reduced strength and muscle atrophy. A group that are most prone to developing osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Protein rich foods include dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans and nuts.
• Macronutrients.
Micronutrients are essential nutrients, required in trace amounts for normal health and functioning. These are 4 micronutrient that research has suggested are important to bone health:
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Vitamin K.
Which is found in leafy green vegetable, spinach, cabbage and kale. Liver is an excellent source along with some fermented cheeses and dried fruit.
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Magnesium.
Also found in leafy green veg, legumes, nuts, seeds, unrefined grains, fish and dried fruit. 50 grams of almonds provides 40% of your daily needs!
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Zinc.
Found in lean red meat, poultry, pulses, legumes and dried fruit. Beans and chickpeas are also great plant sources.
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Carotenoids.
50 grams of raw carrots will meet you daily needs. Carotenoids can also be found in many other vegetables, including leafy green vegetables ad red peppers.
Stay tuned for part two. Here we will provide you with a summary of the other factors related to Osteoporosis. Alternately please speak to any of our chiropractors in North Sydney or Crows Nest. They can advise you on what you can do to prevent these diseases.
