There has long been evidence that overall good nutrition is important for bone health. 

Most people know that calcium plays a large role in bone health, but calcium is far from the only nutrient that bones need. 

Bones are also made up of collagen and other proteins, making protein a vital component of bone health. 

Minerals in bone are bound to collagen, which makes bones both strong and flexible.
Minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese, as well as vitamins D, A, K, C, B6, and B12 are all essential for bone growth and repair. 

These nutrients (protein, minerals, vitamins, and others) depend heavily on each other to build bone. Lose any one of these nutrients and bone health is compromised. 

However, the most important key in the bone-building puzzle is exercise – particularly weight-bearing and high impact exercise.

Bones only stay strong when they are put under stress; this is the reason astronauts typically lose bone in a weightless environment regardless of nutrition.

Let’s consider a construction project where we are building a foundation (ie. your skeleton ). 

For a quality project, we need to have both workers and materials present at the job site. 

If the materials get delivered (Calcium and other nutrients) but no workers show up (weight-bearing or high impact stimulus), no building. 

The opposite is also true. If we have a whole crew of awesome workers show up but no materials, no building. 

In addition, just as simply taking or eating quality protein will not build strong muscles, taking supplements alone will not build strong bones. 

It is simply not possible to just get enough calcium and Vitamin D and have strong, healthy bones. You have to do the work, too.

Hopefully, this training on how appropriate nutrition - not just calcium! - and an active lifestyle work together to help maintain healthy muscle tone and bone mass throughout our lives. 

While losing muscle and bone mass doesn't strike fear in most people's hearts, each has a strong association with longevity and health as we age!

Always remember how important it is to make bone health a priority at any age to prevent conditions such as osteoporosis and physical challenges related to aging. 

On that note, don't forget to grab the 6 Surprising Misconceptions of Bone Health (and Why It Matters). 

After going through these Misconceptions, you'll be empowered to make informed decisions about your lifestyle to live the life you deserve & love! 

You can download this FREE resource by clicking the yellow button below