Amal Al-Sibai Saudi Gazette Have you ever wondered why your grandmother's back appears bent when she walks? Or, why your grandfather has so many missing teeth that a funny whistling sound comes out when he talks? If you thought that it was just a normal and natural part of growing old to have weak bones, a bent back, and poor teeth, then you guessed wrong! As people age, their bones become weak and brittle and their teeth may fall out because they did not take proper care of them and they failed to eat the right foods when they were younger. The number one mineral for strong bones and teeth is calcium of course. Be sure to eat plenty of foods high in calcium, such as: eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, almonds, broccoli, sardines with bones, shrimp, sesame seeds, and dates. The second way to protect your bones is to avoid foods that contain substances which are enemies of calcium. What that means is that some foods can actually cause your body to absorb less calcium or to lose calcium when you urinate. Such foods that work against the absorption of calcium include: coffee, tea, soft drinks, and too much sugar. In order for your body to fully use calcium, it also needs enough of an important vitamin, the sunshine vitamin: Vitamin D. This is because vitamin D helps the body absorb more calcium and use it efficiently. Your body produces vitamin D when your skin comes in direct contact with sunlight. So you should make sure that you get outdoors and under the sunlight late afternoon or early morning when the weather is cooler, for at least 15 minutes every day. Less time trapped indoors and glued to the TV with more time outdoors running and playing under the sun is actually good for your bones and your whole body. Take good care of your bones when you are young so that you can stay healthy, strong, and active no matter how old you get.
