Poor bone health usually goes undetected until a fracture occurs.
Because they are not visible from the outside, identifying the problem early can be difficult. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can alert you to this problem even before you have a pause.
In this essay, we’ll outline five signs of declining bone health to watch for, as well as some strategies and lifestyle habits that can help improve your bone health.
Let’s start with one of the first signs of decreased bone density.
1. Muscle and Bone Pain
While aches and pains can be common, especially as we age, they can signal us to a more serious problem.
Such pain may indicate that our body is lacking vitamin D, which is an important nutrient for solid frames.
Muscle cramps can also be a sign that your body has low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium. This type of nutrient deficiency can negatively impact bone health, especially if it is a long-term problem.
2. Brittle hair and nails.
Hair and nails can give some indication of the health of your bones.
When the strength of your hair and nails decreases, likely, your bones will begin to suffer from weakness. People with low collagen levels often experience damage to their hair and nails, which can also signal problems occurring in the bones.
If you have ongoing problems with brittle nails, it may be worth getting your bones checked as well.
3. Reduced Grip Strength
Grip strength has been shown to be related to bone density and resistance to fracture. If you have difficulty turning doorknobs or performing tasks that require grip strength, you may also be dealing with deteriorating bone health.
4. Receding Gums
While a variety of factors can cause receding gums and poor dental health, they are also a sign of poor bone health.
When your jawbone begins to lose density, it can cause your gums to recede. During your next visit to the dentist, it may be a good idea to ask them to check for this type of bone loss.
5. Height Loss
As we age, we usually gradually lose several inches in height. While this problem can be caused by something like poor posture, it can also be caused by poor bone health and, ultimately, bone loss.
Tips to Improve Bone Health
The first step in combating bone loss is recognizing the symptoms, but we also need to take steps to improve bone health to stop fractures and their associated consequences.
The following tips will help you increase your bone density and start on the path to stronger bones:
- Stop smoking. If you currently smoke, you are putting yourself at risk for bone loss. So quit smoking immediately.
- Reduce your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol, especially in too much quantity, can strip the body of nutrients and reduce bone density.
- Increase your calcium intake. Calcium theaters a significant role in bone health, and a lack of it can lead to weak bones.
- Vitamin D Supplement: In addition to calcium, vitamin D also helps strengthen bones.
- Improved fitness: Without regular physical activity, muscles and bones begin to break down. Daily exercise will help improve your fitness and strengthen your bones.
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of poor bone health, it is important to take the necessary steps to address the problem.
Doing this as early as possible will help prevent fractures and related problems and improve your overall health and mobility.