Halle Berry. Viggo Mortensen. Jackie Chan. Jude Law. What do these famous celebrities have in common – besides being beautiful people and having numerous fans? One of the answers is: They have all broken bones.
While these celebs were injured while filming movies, bones can be broken from a variety of activities, ranging from sports to pure clumsiness. However, one cause that every woman should pay attention to is osteoporosis. This bone disease weakens bones, making it more likely for your bones to break. Not only have studies shown that osteoporosis affects more women than men, but women who have experienced menopause may be more likely to have it as well.
What can you do now to protect your health in the long run? Here are three drinks you should ditch or limit your consumption of to keep your bones strong for years to come!
You rely on your caffeine and sugar boost at lunch to power you through the workday. However, not only can soda lower bone density by leeching calcium, but the phosphoric acid present in soda may also lead to osteoporosis. It doesn’t help that soda offers more empty calories than nutrients that your bones really need. When in doubt, skip the fizz and order a green juice or milk instead.
How many cups of coffee do you drink a day? If it’s a lot, this research may scare you. Beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee and tea, are associated with reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. Studies have also shown that caffeine may be linked to a modest decrease in bone mineral density; however, it is not linked directly to osteoporosis. Instead, caffeine tends to impact bone density indirectly. Just as eating a bunch of junk food might leave you malnourished because you’re “too full” for vegetables or fruit, researchers report that those who drink more caffeine often drink fewer nutritious, bone-strengthening drinks like milk and orange juice.
Before you start canceling your weekly girls’ night at the local bar, know that moderate drinking has not been proven to harm bones. However, heavy drinking, especially during adolescent years, can lead to increased risk of poor bone development and osteoporosis in women. Considering that alcohol also negatively affects bone mineral density, heavy drinkers should try to curb their habit – for the good of their bones and, most likely, other aspects of their lives.
Thinking about your bones as a vital structure that needs care takes some inward reflection and preventive action. What do you do to take care of your bones on a daily basis? Tweet us @entity_mag or comment below!
