Your bones are living tissues that have many different functions. They provide structural support, protect your vital organs, store minerals such as calcium and provide a protective environment for bone marrow, where your blood cells develop. The bone tissue (matrix) is composed of bone cells (osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts), proteins and minerals.

What do calcium and magnesium have in common?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is stored in your bones. It plays a major role in development and maintenance of your skeleton and is also involved in the body’s enzyme activity. Contraction of your muscles, regulation of heart beat and blood clotting, all depend on calcium. Magnesium has over 300 different functions in your body. It works in partnership with calcium. Along with calcium it’s one of the essential minerals that make up the structure of your bone matrix. Deficiency of this mineral is one of the risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Besides calcium and magnesium other nutrients you may need to improve your bone health include:

• vitamin D
• phosphorus
• zinc
• boron
• manganese
• vitamin K
• silica
• copper

When you are choosing your calcium or magnesium supplement look for formulas that are easy to absorb and have minimal known side effects.

Diet and lifestyle factors that build strong bones

• Exercise makes you feel good but it is also absolutely essential for healthy bones. The right type of weight bearing exercise helps to build strong bones during childhood and maintain bone density throughout adulthood.
• Managing your stress levels is an important factor to consider. Long term stress can have many negative implications on your health, including bone strength.
• A Diet rich in nutrients that supports a healthy skeletal system is going to ensure your bones stay strong for life. Bone broth is a traditional remedy, used by many cultures, that provides essential minerals and proteins for optimal bone and joint health. You can read more about benefits of bone broth here.

Traditional Chinese medicine views bone and tendon weakness as a sign of diminishing Kidney Qi (energy). Kidney energy decreases with age. Certain Chinese herbs can help to support healthy ageing by working on your Kidneys

Mr Vitamins recommends

Fusion Health Organic Calcium Advanced combined with Organic Magnesium Advanced or Organic Magnesium Advanced Powder for better bone health  As always, whatever questions or concerns you have regarding nutritional supplements that may assist you with your bone health all you have to do is drop by Mr Vitamins and ‘Ask a Naturopath’.