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Molly Morgan, our registered dietician, is the author of To Your Healthy Life.Style. Here you'll find past month's articles containing helpful advice and information on healthy eating, dai ry foods, and Crowley products. APRIL 2005Adequate Calcium Intake Is Essential at Every AgeBones provide a framework for the body, protect organs, and enable the body to move with help from muscles and tendons. The adult body has more than 200 bones that form the skeleton. Bones are also a storehouse for many minerals, such as phosphorus. A key ingredient in the formation of healthy bones and teeth is calcium. Ninety-nine percent of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. The remaining one percent of calcium is stored within the blood and soft tissues; here, calcium is involved in nerve transmission and in the regulation of the heartbeat. Although bone appears to be solid, it is actually metabolically active and constantly changing. Peak bone mass is reached by about age thirty. During adult life (after age forty), the rate of bone breakdown tends to exceed the rate of bone formation, resulting in a loss of bone at the rate of approximately one percent per year. This is why calcium recommendations for people over fifty-one are higher than the recommended amounts for the nineteen through fifty-year-old range. Vitamin D is a crucial component in the absorption of calcium. How does vitamin D aid in calcium absorption? Through a complex series of steps that result in stimulating intestinal absorption of calcium. Today most dairy products are fortified with vitamin D, for optimal absorption of calcium. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlighted calcium as a key nutrient of concern for adults, adolescents, and children. The reason for this is because only 30 percent of Americans consume enough calcium, and less than 15 percent of adolescents are consuming enough calcium. From birth through age thirty it is critical that calcium intake is at recommended levels to ensure optimal bone development. After age thirty, calcium consumption is also essential to maintain a healthy bone density. Strive for at least three servings of calcium rich foods everyday! Checkout how much calcium a serving of Crowley products can provide you:
A lack of calcium may cause osteoporosis to develop. Osteoporosis is the abnormal loss of bone density. Although, osteoporosis is often thought of as a women's health problem, over two million men have osteoporosis! Other factors can contribute to the onset of osteoporosis, such as: smoking, lack of activity, excess animal protein intake, and excess alcohol consumption. Cigarette smoking has been linked to increased bone loss, possibly due to the toxic effect it has on bone building cells. Similarly, alcohol has been shown to have a toxic effect on bone building cells and heavy alcohol consumption may result in bone loss due to abnormal calcium and vitamin D absorption. Excess animal protein intake can lead to excretion of calcium in the urine and may be associated with osteoporotic fractures. Staying active is a great way to keep your bones healthy! Weight bearing exercise helps to protect against the loss of bone mass by stimulating the formation of bone building cells. Examples of weight bearing exercise include: walking, jogging, skiing, hiking, dancing, biking, and weight lifting. Be sure to check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program. Try The Following to Keep Your Bones Healthy:
MOLLY'S SUGGESTED RESOURCES:National Institute of Health - Osteoporosis " Related Bone Diseases - National Resource Center REFERENCES:
The information provided on our Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, or cure an illness. Before starting a diet or exercise program, Crowley recommends you talk with your health care provider for consultation on what is right for you and your health. |
