Bone health is a topic that doesn’t get enough attention. Most young people are more concerned about their skin or teeth because they’re more obvious than bones, but no matter your age, it is something to pay attention to. Your skeletal system and particularly your spine will have to support you for your entire life.
Your spine is made up of cells, just like your muscles, skin, and organs. And like all cells, they are built from the foods you eat and the nutrients contained in those foods.
The most important nutrient necessary for your body to build strong bones is calcium. But even if you supplement your diet with calcium, you may not be able to utilize it unless you also consume other components that help it work.
Here are the vital nutrients for spine health and the foods that contain them:
- Calcium: dairy products including milk, cream, cheese, and yogurt. Dark green vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, kale, collard greens, and spinach. Soft-boned fish, like salmon, sardines, and anchovies.
- Magnesium: raw fruits such as figs, bananas, raspberries, and avocados. Vegetables like cabbage, peas, brussels sprouts, artichokes, and asparagus. Legumes like black beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and kidney beans. Nuts and seeds. Dark chocolate or raw cacao. Whole grains.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D-enriched milk and dairy products. Salmon, canned tuna, herring, or sardines. Cod liver oil. Egg yolks. Mushrooms.
- Fruits: Berries are particularly great for your spinal health. They’re packed with antioxidants and nutrients that will help your spine get and stay healthy.
Spinal health is so important for your day-to-day interactions. So give yourself a leg up by packing your diet with these healthy foods. They’ll help improve your spine health, as well as your health overall.