Beyond Milk: Keep Your Children's Bones Strong

As mothers, we know how imperative it is to encourage our children to take steps to support the growth of healthy bones. At 25 years of age, we can start losing more bone than our bodies build, which leads to thinner bones and, possibly, osteoporosis. For children, weaker bones contribute to the chance of breaking or fracturing their precious arms or legs.

I will stop my nagging here and say that I LOVE the fact that my children would prefer milk and yogurt over Kool-Aid and other particular snacks. Would you believe that they get upset if I tell them they cannot have milk? (I have mentioned many times how weird my children are). Have you ever heard the saying, "Too much of a good thing"?

Some Kids Hate Milk

Yes, I am one of the fortunate mothers that does not have to twist my kid's hands to drink milk. However I understand that there are children that throw a fit and act like you are pulling their teeth out when you tell them to drink their milk. (I was one of them.) Beyond milk, there are plenty of other bone-strengthening food products, so don't despair!

Protein

Child sized servings of poultry, fish, low-fat or fat-free-dairy foods, beans, nuts or seeds are all good protein sources. What does protein do for bones? Well, it assists in the production of those collagen fibers that support the bones.

Fruits and Veggies

Studies have revealed that these great snacks for kiddies actually decreases the calcium loss in bones. In addition, the vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants (that prevent and fight sickness) helps to fortify their young bones and maintain the growing muscles that support their bones. Magnesium, potassium, Vitamin C and K are all crucial nutrients for healthy bones and can be found in fruits and vegetables.


Exercise

Keep your kids active. This will strengthen their muscles and their bones. Get them off of the couch and away from the computers (the battle of the century for me) and encourage them to obtain the daily exercise that is not only great for their bone development but also helps them sleep better (and we all love that!).

Lower Their Salt Intake

Did you know that salt is detrimental to bone health? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we're all ingesting far too much salt on a daily basis. They are not talking about table salt, either. Fast foods (the dreadful McDonald's), deli foods including smoked meats and canned veggies and frozen meals and many packaged meals contain an excessive amount of sodium.

Encouraging our children to eat healthy food choices is not just about "doing the right thing". We can help them establish the nutritional eating habits early in life in order to prevent them from suffering health issues when they are adults, including osteoporosis, obesity, and possibly even cancer.