A few years ago, I decided to take up running. I was bad at it at first, but after a few months, I got more comfortable. Unfortunately, right when I got good at running, I developed a bad pain in my left foot. At first, I decided to push past the pain, but it quickly became excruciating. I realized that it might be a good idea to talk with a doctor about my problem, and so I met with an orthopedist. He carefully watched my gait as I ran, and he decided to take some images to check out my bone health. It turned out that I had developed a stress fracture, and my doctor recommended surgery. This blog is all about ways that an orthopedist can help you, so that you can enjoy your hobbies.
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Your bone health is important. As you begin to get older, it's not uncommon to begin losing bone density. This can make bones more fragile, leading to a higher risk of broken bones and joint problems. However, there are things that you can do now to improve your bone health and decrease your risk of losing bone density as you age. Dietary changes can make a big difference to your health in many ways, and bone health is no exception. Take a look at a few dietary changes that you can make that will begin improving your bone health now.
Fill Up On Fish
You probably already know some of the reasons why adding more fish to your diet is a good idea. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are good for your brain and heart and are an important part of a healthy diet. But what you may not know is that the same omega-3 fatty acids may protect your bones as well.
Studies in mice have shown that replacing omega-6 fatty acids – the type found in corn oil – with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil improved bone mass density. While the same effect has yet to be proven conclusively in humans, adding more fish – or at least an omega-3 supplement – to your diet may be the key to lasting bone health.
Optimize With Olive Oil
When you're cooking that extra fish, you may want to incorporate some olive oil into the recipe. A study out of Madrid University suggests that olive oil may help keep your bones stronger. Olive oil seems to encourage production of osteocalcin, a protein secreted by bone cells. The more osteocalcin you have, the healthier your bones are.
It's been long recognized that osteoporosis is less common in the Mediterranean. The stronger bones in that region may be linked to the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is high in olive oil and olives, as well as fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Cut Out The Cola
What should you drink with your fish cooked with olive oil? Probably not cola. There is reason to believe that cola consumption may be linked to bone loss. There are two possible reasons for this: caffeine and phosphoric acid.
Most colas contain caffeine. It's what gives you that little energy boost and keeps you coming back for more. However, caffeine can also interfere with calcium absorption. That means that even if you're getting all of the calcium your bones need, your body may not be able to absorb it correctly if you're drinking too much cola. Colas also contain phosphoric acid, which may also prevent calcium from being absorbed correctly. Replace that glass of cola with a glass of milk or calcium-fortified juice for better bone health.
If you have concerns about the health and strength of your bones, make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. The sooner you begin making changes, the healthier your bones will be.
For more information, contact Ultimate Sports or a similar organization.
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