When was the last time you thought about the health of your bones? It’s probably been a while – if ever! Did you know that at least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime? In fact, fractures due to osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stoke, and breast cancer – combined! That’s definitely cause for concern.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become weak, brittle, and ultimately prone to fractures. It’s known as “the silent thief” because this bone loss happens without you even knowing. Fractures from osteoporosis are most common in the hip, spine, wrist and shoulder.
It might surprise you to learn that some of your daily habits, ones you’ve done for years, may actually be stealing your bone health. The good news is there are easy ways to stop inviting these “bone thieves” into your body. It’s simply a matter of introducing some new, bone healthy habits into your daily regime. Start by avoiding these common “bone thieves”:
- Fluoride – Studies show that fluoride accumulates in our bones over time and may increase the risk of fracture. Our most common exposure to fluoride happens through tap water and toothpaste. Decreasing your exposure to fluoride is as simple as switching to filtered water and choosing fluoride free toothpaste.
- Aluminum – This common kitchen staple (aluminum foil and aluminum pots and pans) can be hard on your bones. Aluminum leaches into food when it’s heated. Once aluminum gets into your bloodstream, it competes with calcium and can weaken your bones. It’s best to avoid aluminum foil, and aluminum pots and pans when cooking food. Instead choose stainless steel, enamel or glass cookware.
- Milk – It does not do the body good! While it’s filled with protein and calcium – the two actually cancel each other out. Milk is animal based and has an acidifying effect on your body. Calcium is needed to neutralize the acidity – so it never makes it to your bones. Consider the fact that we are the only mammals on earth to (1) continue to drink milk into adulthood and (2) to drink the milk of another species. It’s an odd human phenomenon. There are lots of great options for replacing cow’s milk such as: almond, coconut or even cashew milk. Much better for your bones!
- Cola – Don’t share one! Coca Cola has managed to turn around plummeting sales with it’s latest marketing campaign but here’s why you shouldn’t share one. The phosphoric acid in cola has been shown to destroy bones and contribute to osteoporosis. And it only gets worse. The aspartame in diet cola has been linked to many health issues and diseases. It’s definitely not worth the risk! Best to stick to filtered water.
There are so many easy ways to avoid these silent “bone thieves”. Which ones will you incorporate into your daily regime? Be sure to share in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you! As always, feel free to share this blog with friends, family and anyone else who could benefit from this information. Until next time … I wish you Health, Energy and Vitality!
References:
www.osteoporosis.ca
www.saveourbones.com
www.mercola.com