How to Take Care of the Skeletal System

Did you know that the smallest bone in the human body is of the size almost equal to the size of a rice grain? Did you know that a bone is 6 times stronger than steel, if both are of the same weight? Amazing right!

The skeletal system comprises bones and connective tissues. It is often referred to as the framework of our body. It can be distinguished into axial skeletal system which comprises the head and the trunk, and appendicular skeletal system which encompasses the upper and the lower limbs along with the pelvic girdle.

There are 206 bones present in our body system. It gives shape and support to our body. It protects the delicate internal organs.

The vertebral column for the spinal cord, the cranial bones for the brain, and the ribcage for the heart and lungs, are all part of the skeletal system. They are the reservoirs for the minerals such as calcium and phosphate.

When the body needs minerals, the bones release them. It facilitates movement, since the skeletal muscles are attached to the bones. So when the muscles contract, the bones move. The bones are even the producers of the blood cells.

Just imagine how humans would be without a skeletal system. Scary, isn't it? A majority of the population is ignorant about the implications of poor skeletal care. So the proper care of the same is very essential. Here are a few tips by which you can boost your skeletal health.

● Diet: Everything related to health eventually zeroes in on the diet. As they say, you are what you eat. Consume foods high in calcium. Milk, cheese and other dairy products are an excellent source of calcium. Research says that the average calcium requirement for an adult is 1000 mg per day. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium.

So soak yourself in the morning sun. Feast on foods which are a good source of vitamin D. Eggs and fish are a few of them. Prefer fish such as Herring and Salmon, they have high vitamin D content.

When your body lacks in calcium, it starts extracting calcium from your bones. So a calcium rich diet is essential to preserve the density of your bones. Moderate your alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, since these may increase the risk of skeletal disorders.

Consumption of high protein foods and phosphate rich foods should be limited, since they may cause the calcium from the body to get excreted. Have garlic and onions, since they have good sulfur content. You can include the supplements of minerals such as silica, magnesium and calcium in your diet, if your requirements are not met.

● Exercise: Physical activities such as jogging and walking regularly will improve your bone density. Weightlifting, coupled with balance oriented exercise routines have proven to improve skeletal health. Everyone wants to be fit and exercise to improve muscle mass, but the same also plays an important role in keeping your bones strong and healthy.

● Medical Check Ups: Visit the doctor for an examination, which will tell you about the risk of osteoporosis. Your medical history, family background, and lifestyle, will also influence this risk. Carry out a BMD test, if it is recommended by your physician. A score of +1 to -1 in the test will indicate that you have a normal bone density. It is always good to have this information with you.

And in general terms, always protect your bones when you are out there doing some dangerous work, or if you are into extreme sports, and in all other situations that can be of danger to the bones if something goes wrong. So wear padding, guards, a helmet, etc., whenever you think necessary.

People have a preconceived notion that bones don't have life. Bones have life, and that is why they mend in case of fractures. They contain nerve cells and blood cells. Skeletal disorders do not show symptoms at the outset.

Thus, regular a medical checkup is essential for the people in the higher age groups. Care of the skeletal health is very important. You can never be immune to the skeletal disorders such as bursitis, osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis and tendinitis, but the health tips mentioned above will surely reduce the risk of such disorders.