Blog

Your bones are your body’s support system – literally. They keep you upright, allow you to walk, and prevent you from looking like a giant, two-eyed, squishy blob of skin. With that said, you want to do everything you can to protect your bones and keep them strong. That is why you should avoid doing everything on this list.

1. Live a sedentary lifestyle.

Exercising is good for many things, and building strong bones is certainly one of them. If you want to stand up to osteoporosis, all you have to do is stand up! Weight-bearing activities such as hiking, jogging, and stair-climbing are best, but weightlifting is effective as well.

2. Consume insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

Everyone knows that boosting their calcium intake is a good bet to improve bone health, but few people talk about vitamin D. Vitamin D is equally as important for building strong bones because it helps your body absorb the calcium that it consumes. Raise your vitamin D levels by taking a supplement, eating more seafood, or simply sitting in the sun for 10-15 minutes three times per week.

3. Drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is one of the worst things you can do for your body. In addition to the damage it causes to your liver, brain, and nervous system, too much alcohol can also lower your bone density levels by preventing vitamin D from doing its job. Drinking in moderation (1-2 drinks per day) is perfectly fine, but try not to drink more than that.

4. Make poor dietary decisions.

Every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack that you eat affects your body in some way. Years and years of poor decision-making will ultimately lead to weight gain, heart problems, and weak bones. Prevent this by consuming plenty of leafy greens, lean protein, and dairy products, while avoiding sugary snacks, fried foods, and soda.

5. Smoke cigarettes.

Need a reason to quit smoking cigarettes? Besides the increased risk of lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease, smoking also reduces your bone mass. This can lead to osteoporosis and fragile bones, leaving them more susceptible to breaking and fracturing.

Has years of making these mistakes taken a toll on your bone health? If you suffer from low bone density or osteoporosis, the physical therapy experts at Orthopaedic Specialty Group are here to help! As southern Connecticut’s largest orthopedic practice, we have state-of-the-art facilities – including our OrthoFast walk-in clinic – and a team of doctors dedicated to treating and protecting your bones. Visit our website for more information or call (203) 337-2600 to book your first appointment.