Building strong bones after 40: Exercise, diet, and supplements

Building strong bones after 40: Exercise, diet, and supplements

When was the last time you had the run of a scenic park or conquered a challenging climb effortlessly? Bet it wasn't yesterday, the day before, or even the year before.

Lately, things feel different, don't they? And age is not without its sense of cruel irony. Maybe today, climbing a flight of stairs feels like scaling a mountain. Cycling up a familiar hill feels like joining a Tour de France event. Even getting out of bed may involve military maneuvers and quiet groans, with bones protesting. Does it feel like you are not the same woman anymore?

You are not alone. As you gracefully enter your 40s, a natural transition called menopause begins, where your body adjusts to declining estrogen levels. While this is a normal part of life for every woman, it sometimes brings along unwelcome companions – Osteoarthritis, which affects joint cartilage, and osteoporosis, causing bones to thin.

Joints and bones, at their best, allow your movements to occur smoothly, enabling you to climb to the kid’s treehouse, cycle up the hill, and rise from the bed with ease. However, especially after 40, the cushioning in your joints can wear thin, and your bones might lose some density, making even simple movements challenging.

But just as you have faced challenges head-on throughout life, you can become the architect of your own joints and bone health through smart lifestyle choices and proactive measures.

Nourishing your joints with nourishing foods

Rainbow of fruits and vegetables

Embrace a colorful spectrum of fruits and vegetables. These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that play a vital role in supporting joint function.

Calcium-rich goodies for bone strength

Ensure your plate includes calcium-rich options such as dairy products, tofu, and leafy greens. Calcium is a cornerstone for bone health, essential for maintaining bone density and strength.

Sunshine vitamin - vitamin D

Don't overlook the importance of vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Adequate sunlight exposure and dietary sources like fatty fish and fortified foods contribute to the body's vitamin D levels.

Move to thrive

Exercise regularly

The joints and bones thrive on regular exercise. Gentle stretches, moderate-intensity walks, or even water aerobics – any activity that keeps your joints moving is a valuable investment. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week.

Take up self-love hobbies

Activities like yoga or Tai Chi can be your best friends here. These activities improve balance and coordination; they can also reduce the risk of falls, which may injure joints or bones.

Explore the city

Our city itself can be a stage for joint and bone health! Imagine a gentle yoga flow at the park, feeling the sand between your toes at the beach, or conquering the slopes of a local park. These simple activities, paired with the joy of being outdoors, work wonders for your joints and bones.

Supplement your bone and joint strength

Include calcium supplementation

You can improve your calcium intake by consuming dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Calcium supplementation can be valuable, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or require additional support.

Combine calcium with vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, making it a crucial companion in your supplementation regimen. Today, many calcium supplements come fortified with vitamin D.

Strengthen your joints and bones with a spice:

Nature's special herb, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has gained recognition for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While traditionally used in culinary practices, curcumin can offer targeted support for joint health and help alleviate pain and stiffness, thereby promoting greater comfort in daily activities.

Navigating menopause while managing joint and bone health need not be an uphill task. It can be a journey of self-rediscovery. Embrace these simple yet powerful steps and craft a story of resilient joints, spirited bones, and vibrant wellness. Step out, soak in some sunshine, and make friends with those joint- and bone-loving habits. Be unstoppable. Be you.

And while you are at it, take on new challenges. Again.

 

Visit our products section to know more about NuEva Healthy Joints Gummies.

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References:
  1. Vannucci L et al., Calcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters. Nutrients. 2018; 10(12): 1930.
  2. Khazai N et al., Calcium and Vitamin D: Skeletal and Extraskeletal Health. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008; 10(2): 110–117. 
  3. Vitamin D. Available from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ 
  4. Menon VP et al., Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol 2007:595:105-25. 
  5. Nejadhosseinian M et al., The effects of antioxidants on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2022; 9: 1026450. 
  6. CDC. Available from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm 
  7. Chen W et al., Tai Chi for fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health. 2023; 11: 1236050. 
  8. CDC: Osteoarthritis. Available from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/osteoarthritis.htm 
  9. NIH: Osteoporosis. Available from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis  
  10. Gallagher JC et al., Prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2014 Jul; 142: 155–170. 
  11. Chia-Jen T et al., Factors associated with osteoarthritis in menopausal women: A registry study of osteoporosis sarcopenia and osteoarthritis. J Family Med Prim Care. 2023 ;12(9):1859-1863.