Bones historically have been a part of our body that we tend to take for granted. The out of site, out of mind idea comes into play. We all know that bones are important but many of us fail to realize just how essential they are to our lives. There are also many misconceptions about bones. Many believe that they are just a hard lifeless substance that holds up our frames. Those in the medical field know that bones are much more than that. In this article we will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bones and clear up some of the many misconceptions that are attached to them.
1. Are bones just hard lifeless substances?
No, Bones definitely have living qualities. If the were just lifeless substances then they would not be capable of healing when broken or injured. Bone is a complex living tissue and can be greatly affected by diet and exercise.
2. Are bones actually stronger after they have been broken?
Once they are healed then the injured area is actually stronger. Many who suffer from broken bones complain of weakness in that area. This isn’t due to the bone but to the fact that the muscle around in injured area is weakened due to inactivity. With carefully monitored exercise this will eventually regain strength.
3. Is it true you cannot do much for your bones after the age of 20?
No, it is true that maximum bone density is reached in women around the age of 20; however, even those that suffer from severe osteoporosis can improve the quality of their bone health. With a good diet and exercise, and in some instances medicines, bone density can be drastically improved.
4. Weight training is good for muscles but how can it help bones?
Resistance training puts stress on your bones. This stress is positive. When the bone is stresses in this way it creates more bone tissue. This makes the bones more dense and strong. This creates a reduction in fractures and other diseases that weaken bones.
5. Why do bones start to weaken in women as they get older?
Your bones are constantly changing. They are breaking down currently but when we are younger, we are replacing our bones nutrients creating new tissue. When women start to go through menopause their ovaries stop producing estrogen. This helps prevent the body from bone loss. Women start to develop weaker bones if they haven’t practiced good bone health during their younger years.
Bones are constantly changing and cannot be neglected. They must continually be replenished with nutrients or bone loss can be the result. Good bone health should be practiced when young but much can still be done in the later years of life to improve bone health.