Maintaining
strong bones is vital to preventing osteoporosis and related
fractures when we get older. While it is generally agreed
that calcium and vitamin D are important nutrients for bone
health, much less is known about some of the other key nutrients.
In a group of 1,402 men and women, bone mineral density (BMD)
was measured twice over a two-year period. At the same time,
dietary patterns were determined by gathering results from
a 126-item food frequency questionnaire. Results showed that
increased magnesium, potassium, and overall fruit and vegetable
intake increased bone mineral density.
We all need to keep our bones strong and healthy, but for
women, it's absolutely crucial. Women are especially susceptible
to bone loss because they start out with less natural bone
tissue than men and lose it faster with age (especially after
menopause when estrogen, a hormone that protects your bones,
is no longer produced in large quantities). Your doctor of
chiropractic can help determine your bone mineral density,
and advise you on establishing a sensible diet to maximize
bone strength and overall health.
Reference:
Tucker KL, Hannan MT, Chen H, et al. Potassium, magnesium,
and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater
bone mineral density in elderly men and women. The American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 1999: Vol. 69, No.
4, pp727-36.
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