The right diet can help in building your bones.
1. Eat properly
Getting 1,000mg of calcium a day is the first step — and you're much better off doing this through diet if you can.The best food sources are low-fat dairy such as semi-skimmed milk and yoghurt, as well as bony fish, such as tinned salmon and sardines.Leafy green veg such as kale, broccoli and spinach are also rich in calcium.Dried fruits such as figs and currants and breakfast cereals fortified with calcium are also good sources.
Getting 1,000mg of calcium a day is the first step — and you're much better off doing this through diet if you can.The best food sources are low-fat dairy such as semi-skimmed milk and yoghurt, as well as bony fish, such as tinned salmon and sardines.Leafy green veg such as kale, broccoli and spinach are also rich in calcium.Dried fruits such as figs and currants and breakfast cereals fortified with calcium are also good sources.
2. Get more vitamin d
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Although some is found in oily fish,our main source comes from the effect of sunlight on your skin.the National Osteoporosis Society is advising people to catch some rays between May and September to keep their vitamin D levels topped up.Just 10 minutes of sunlight a day on bare arms and your face can cut your risk of bone fractures by a third.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Although some is found in oily fish,our main source comes from the effect of sunlight on your skin.the National Osteoporosis Society is advising people to catch some rays between May and September to keep their vitamin D levels topped up.Just 10 minutes of sunlight a day on bare arms and your face can cut your risk of bone fractures by a third.
3. The right moves
Another vital way to boost your bones is weight-bearing exercise —basically anything that has you upright and stretching your muscles.Good choices include aerobics, dancing or brisk walking."Research shows that if you don't exercise you end up weeing out all the calcium you take in instead of storing it in your bones," warns Prof Skelton. "Ideally we should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
Another vital way to boost your bones is weight-bearing exercise —basically anything that has you upright and stretching your muscles.Good choices include aerobics, dancing or brisk walking."Research shows that if you don't exercise you end up weeing out all the calcium you take in instead of storing it in your bones," warns Prof Skelton. "Ideally we should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
4. Quit the cigs and booze
People who smoke have significantly lower bone density, while
drinking more than seven alcoholic drinks a week can prevent your bones
from absorbing the maximum nutrients from your food.
5. Watch your stress levels
"High levels of stress make the body produce the hormone cortisol, which causes bone loss," says Prof Skelton."Over a long period this can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Yoga, walking the dog or listening to music can all help bust stress."
"High levels of stress make the body produce the hormone cortisol, which causes bone loss," says Prof Skelton."Over a long period this can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Yoga, walking the dog or listening to music can all help bust stress."