By: Ana Margarita Olar | Vigorbuddy.com
How do we know the status of our bone health? We cannot listen to it like the lungs or stomach, or see it like our skin, hair, or eyes.
Here are some lists of signs you need to check that suggests problem with your bones:
CHECK YOUR NAILS:
White Vertical Lines – these is visible on one or more of the fingernails and the nails began splitting along these lines. This sign is commonly associated with lack of calcium in the body which we all know affects our bone health.
Brittle fingernails that break or splits easily may also suggest that your bone health is in jeopardy because your body lacks calcium.
CHECK YOUR GRIP STRENGTH:
In a recent study of postmenopausal women, handgrip strength is the most important physical test factor which is related to overall bone mineral density. Improving the handgrip not only play an important role in bone health but in your safety as you grow older.
CHECK YOUR GUMS:
Receding gum is a common condition that can be related to other underlying problems including bone loss. Out teeth are connected to the jaw bone, and if gums are receding. It may mean that the jaw is losing bones. In a study which involves post menopausal women, jaw bone loss is has been associated with low bone density. So you need to take care of your teeth and gums as they play an important role with your overall bone health.
CHECK YOUR HEIGHT:
Bone provides our stature so one way to check your bone health is to check your height. A decrease in height may not be directly linked to poor bone health but to other factors such as poor posture and vertebral damage. It can also indicate the weakening of the muscles surrounding the spine that can eventually lead to the weakening of the bones.
CHECK YOUR OVERALL FITNESS:
Osteoporosis has been associated with the overall decrease in physical fitness which is gauged by muscle strength, balance, and aerobic capacity. If your general fitness declines, your bone health may also decline.
WATCH OUT FOR CRAMPS, MUSCLE PAIN, AND BONE PAIN:
Muscle and bone pain may be easily overlooked because many older people accept this as a part of a normal aging process. But these symptoms may indicate that you need to pay attention to your bone health. It may also be a symptom of lack of Vitamin D which is needed to build and maintain bones. A muscle cramp is also another symptom which may be associated with other conditions but if it occurs at night, it may be a signal that you have not enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium in your blood. Over time, the excessive bone loss can occur.
So what will you do if you experience these symptoms? Consult a physician to make sure that the symptoms are not associated with other health conditions. Don’t be scared of these signs. Rather, pay attention to your health and fitness.