Last Saturday we celebrated World Osteoporosis Day. Osteoporosis is disease where the bones become weakened, set to affect 1.53 million Victorians by 2022.
Our bones continue getting stronger until we reach the age of 20. From then on, if we maintain a diet high in calcium, vitamin D, protein and enough energy we can prevent and slow the natural weakening of our bones. Calcium and vitamin D are the essential minerals to maintain bone mineral density. But without enough energy, our hormones struggle to keep up with energy demands and our bones weakening is one of the first physiological responses.
This is especially important for athletes and exercisers with big energy demands. Having enough carbs, protein and fats with calcium and getting some of the vitamin D ensures you’re doing your best to prevent not just osteoporosis but also bone injuries like stress fractures.
So eat up and get some sun this Spring.
