Not only do bones form the body’s support structure, they store calcium and protect the organs. Bones undergo breakdowns and replacements throughout life; however, this process slows after the age of 30. Here, Peter A. Matsuura, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Hilo, HI, offers tips for maintaining healthy bones.

How to Maintain Your Bone Health: Tips From Your Hilo Orthopedic Surgeon

Enjoy a Healthy Diet

Consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost bone health. These foods are filled with vitamins and minerals that support bone density and overall health, like calcium, vitamin K, vitamin D, and potassium. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential to strong bone development. Vitamin K encourages protein production for healthy bones, while potassium may offset acids that leech calcium.

Exercise

Maintain your weight and prevent osteoporosis with consistent exercise. Opt for weight-bearing workouts, such as walking, jogging, jumping rope, and climbing stairs. Resistance workouts like swimming and weight training also keep bones healthy and strong to help prevent slips and falls as you age.

Limit Bone-Unfriendly Beverages & Substances

Limit or eliminate consumption of beverages known to lower bone density, including alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda. Excessive amounts of these beverages hinder vitamin D’s ability to promote calcium absorption, resulting in thinner bones. You should also try to quit smoking, if applicable, because tobacco decreases calcium absorption.

A healthy, active lifestyle is your best defense against bone loss and a wide variety of other conditions and diseases. Peter A. Matsuura, MD, happily provides bone health advice to patients, and believes in treating the whole person in addition to symptoms. Rely on this renowned orthopedic surgeon for comprehensive sports medicine and injury treatments, including those involving the knees, hips, elbows, wrists, hands, and feet. Call (808) 969-3331 to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more information. Like the orthopedic surgeon on Facebook for more professional health tips.