November 24, 2020

Build Strong Bones with Nutrition and Exercise

Keith Petrillo

Bone Health with Iowa Ortho

Make choices like your bones depend on it—because they do! Your bones are constantly evolving, just like the rest of your body. Most people reach peak bone mass by age 30, and after that, bone loss slowly begins to outpace bone formation. That’s why the decisions you make today, regarding nutrition, activity, and healthcare, are essential to build strong bones and protect your future.

Why Bone Health Matters

Strong bones aren’t built overnight. Your lifestyle habits play a major role in bone health and density. From what you eat to how much you move, small daily choices help slow bone loss and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures as you age.

The Power Duo: Calcium and Vitamin D

Wondering which nutrients are most important for your bones? Calcium and vitamin D are the two most critical.

  • Calcium helps build and maintain strong bone structure.
  • Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium effectively.

By incorporating calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods into your meals, you can boost your bone health naturally.

Foods That Build Strong Bones

Foods High in Calcium:

  • Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
  • Kale and broccoli
  • Fish
  • Fortified cereals like Raisin Bran and Corn Flakes
  • Fortified orange juice

Foods High in Vitamin D:

  • Salmon
  • Egg yolks
  • Canned tuna
  • Mushrooms

Add items from these lists to your weekly grocery haul and enjoy stronger bones with every bite.

Exercise for Bone Strength

Nutrition is only one part of the formula. Weight-bearing exercises are key to building bone density and slowing natural bone loss.

Try incorporating walking, jogging, and stair climbing into your weekly routine. A combination of nutrient-rich foods and consistent movement is your best defense against bone loss.

Accredited resources are listed below.

Bone Health in Adults

Food and Your Bones