What Are Some Factors That Can Affect Bone Density?
From the nutrients we consume to the genetics of our great ancestors, the health and structure of our skeletal systems is a complex puzzle! By taking the time to learn how factors such as lifestyle choices and family history contribute to skeletal health, we can better prepare to maintain a strong, healthy, and active body for life.
If you are curious about the synergistic connection between skeletal health, the daily choices we make, and how genetics influence our musculoskeletal outlook, read on and discover realistic steps you can take to build and maintain a healthier version of yourself for life.
Genetic Composition: The Building Blocks of Bone Health
Before your first breath, the blueprints for your skeletal density and the likelihood of developing certain musculoskeletal disorders were already finalized. Surprisingly, our genetic factors contribute to about 60-80% of bone density variations and related disorders across family trees. In the case of nature vs. nurture, it’s safe to say that nature has the primary vote when determining bone structure!
Fortunately, even if your genetics predispose you to conditions like osteopenia, arthritis, or any other musculoskeletal disorder, this genetic blueprint empowers you to take preventive action. Instead of waiting around for the inevitable bone or joint disorders to manifest or worsen, we now have the power to take corrective action and can start improving bone density near Philadelphia before our bones become brittle, frail, and limiting to our lifestyles.
If your family has a history of musculoskeletal conditions, proactive genetic testing, frequent bone density screenings, and other medical examinations can help you determine your specific risk factors. In addition to routine check-ups and family history research, implement the ideas below into your routine and start improving musculoskeletal well-being naturally.
Nutrition & Musculoskeletal Wellness Are Closely Linked
The foods we choose are directly linked to musculoskeletal wellness and bone density. To preserve and rebuild the precious minerals within our bones, we need to consume foods that are high in key vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Calcium contributes to the stability and structure of bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and utilize calcium. Phosphorus and other key compounds aid in the process of bone mineralization. Together, these key compounds are essential in maintaining strong and nourished bones in the fight against musculoskeletal weakness!
Other crucial vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to consume for long-term bone health include:
Protein
Magnesium
Zinc
Copper
Vitamin K
Chromium
Boron
& More
To ensure you’re consuming an adequate quantity of these key vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, search for bone-health-friendly recipes and foods, and consider incorporating a supplement into your routine to fill in any gaps (i.e. most people are deficient in Vitamin D and can benefit from an additional 400+ iu per day!).
The Relationship Between Active Living & Bone Density
Both cardiovascular training and weight-bearing exercises benefit bone health. Regular cardio exercises improve oxygenation, joint function, and nutrient supply to musculoskeletal tissues. Weight-bearing exercises like lifting stimulate bone formation and help to preserve bone mass.
By incorporating regular walking, biking, weight lifting, and other healthy activities into your routine, bone density loss is slowed, but not entirely prevented. Why does this occur? Due to genetics, nutrition, and age-related factors like hormonal changes, bone resorption begins to outpace the body’s ability to regenerate bone tissue. While this is an inevitable part of aging, and regular exercise does help, our pain-free approach to osteogenic loading can dramatically improve bone density near Medford, NJ.
Based on the proven principles of safe and targeted force application, our bone-density boosting program at OsteoStrong:
Stimulates significantly more bone growth than traditional exercise
Is sweat and pain-free; our program only takes 10 minutes each week!
Supports skeletal alignment, balance, range of motion, and many other aspects of wellness
For more details, get in touch with our bone health experts and schedule a free first session today!
