Keeping Your Bones & Joints Healthy 101

It may come as a surprise to discover that a staggering 43% of adults in the United States aged 50 and older have low bone mass and 12.6% have osteoporosis.

Since it’s National Bone & Joint Health Week, we wanted to dig into the role of five important nutrients—vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids—in maintaining strong bones and joints. So, let’s get to it!

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

Did you know that about 1 billion people worldwide are Vitamin D deficient? The "sunshine vitamin," plays an essential role in bone health and helps your body absorb calcium from the foods you eat, making it essential for strong bones. Here's how it works:

• Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood, ensuring that calcium is available for bone mineralization. Without sufficient Vitamin D, your body can't absorb enough calcium, which can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures.
• Vitamin D also stimulates the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone tissue. This promotes bone growth, keeping your bones strong and dense.
• When our skin is exposed to sunlight, a chemical reaction occurs in our skin that converts a type of cholesterol into vitamin D.

Unfortunately, very few foods naturally contain Vitamin D, making it essential to get outdoors and soak up some sunlight or take a daily supplement.  It should be noted, excessive sun exposure increases the likelihood of skin cancer, so supplementation is the safer alternative. Factors such as gender, ethnicity, body mass, time of year, and where you live can influence Vitamin D levels, emphasizing the need for personalized supplementation to meet your specific requirements. Take Ahara’s comprehensive health questionnaire to find out your risk for this essential vitamin.

Calcium: The Bone's Building Block

Calcium is well-known for its role in building and maintaining strong bones. It's not just essential for bone health, but also for muscle function, blood clotting, and nerve function. Here's how calcium supports your bones and joints:

• 99% of the body's calcium is stored in your bones and teeth, providing structural support and strength
• Calcium helps your muscles contract properly, including the ones that support your joints
• Adequate calcium levels are essential for transmitting signals between nerve cells, ensuring smooth joint movements

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, as are soybeans, almonds, and fortified foods. Aim for a balanced diet to meet your calcium needs.

Magnesium and its Magnificent Role

With over 50% of Americans falling short of the recommended magnesium intake, it’s critical to incorporate magnesium rich foods into your diet. Magnesium might not receive as much attention as calcium, but it is equally important for bone health. This mineral is crucial for the activation of Vitamin D in the body, as it helps convert Vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for calcium absorption and overall bone health. Magnesium also aids in muscle and nerve function, indirectly supporting joint health.

You can find magnesium in foods like pumpkin seeds, beans, whole grains, avocados, and leafy greens. 

Anti Inflammatory Polyphenols

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in various foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables, tea, herbs and spices, and even red wine. These compounds help combat inflammation, a key factor in joint health. Here are two ways polyphenols benefit your bones and joints:

• Polyphenols reduce inflammation in your joints, potentially alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Some polyphenols have been shown to protect cartilage, the tissue that cushions your joints from damage.

With arthritis affecting roughly 23% of American adults, it becomes crucial to incorporate a variety of vibrant fruits and vegetables into your diet to harness the advantages of polyphenols. Green tea, olive oil, berries, and dark chocolate are also rich sources.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Lubricating Your Joints

Fatty fish like salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines and herring are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and have a remarkable impact on joint health:

• Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
• These fatty acids may enhance the lubrication of your joints, reducing friction and promoting smooth movements.

Including Omega-3-rich foods in your diet or taking supplements if you are not able to get adequate amounts from food can be beneficial for your joint health.

Incorporating Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, polyphenols, and Omega-3s into your daily diet can go a long way in ensuring the health and vitality of your bones and joints. Remember that a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and proper hydration are essential components of overall bone and joint health. So, embrace these nutrients and take proactive steps to care for your body's foundational support system. Your bones and joints will thank you with a lifetime of strength and flexibility.

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