How to Prevent Osteoporosis with Lifestyle Strategies

Diet is a big part of the anti-osteoporosis equation, but it’s not the whole story. It turns out that regular physical activity is a huge factor, too.
The best activity for your bones is weight-bearing exercise. This means engaging your body in things like walking, running, weight-lifting, dancing, climbing stairs, and playing tennis. These types of exercise utilize your body weight and encourage maintenance of your bone strength. The strain of muscular activity stimulates your body to shore up your bones. It’s a classic case of “use it or lose it.”
How much exercise is best? Many experts recommend at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise per day, most days of the week.
If you have severe osteoporosis, however, remain prudent. While it’s never too late to start exercising, people with osteoporosis should start slowly. Before beginning a new exercise routine, you may want to speak with your health care practitioner, who might recommend doing a fitness assessment and bone density test to determine the best next steps.
Some of the activities most often recommended for people with osteoporosis include stability and balance exercises, flexibility and weight-bearing aerobic exercises, and strength training exercises that focus on the upper back. If you have advanced osteoporosis, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to help ensure your exercise regimen is safe and appropriate before starting.
( Excerpt from The Food Revolution Network)