PODCAST | Episode 2: Preventing Osteoporosis in your 20s with Cecily Fuller
Why wait until it’s too late to secure your bone health? Did you know that our skeletons go through a renewal process every seven to ten years? Like most of the tissue in our body, our bones also undergo a renewal and regenerative process – however, this renewal only happens once every decade.
And the type of renewed cells you get will be impacted by the foundation and habits you set up for its renewal. While our bones renew, our bone density starts to wane and we will still gradually experience bone loss as we age. This is why it's important to secure your bone and joint health in your 20s and 30s – when you begin to feel the onset of bone and joint weakness and deterioration.
To help ensure you keep your bones strong, agile, and healthy as you age, MenaCal.7™ in partnership with News24 is releasing a podcast series called ‘Strong to the Bone’ allowing you to get all the expert tips and advice to keep moving comfortably over the years.
In the second episode of the podcast series, podcast host Jerusha Raath from Brand Story chats with Cecily Fuller, a registered practising Dietician for the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Hospital. In this episode, they are discussing how you can get ahead of securing lasting bone health early on in life.
Tune in below to hear Cecily’s expert advice on how proper nutrition plays a big role in helping you prevent serious illnesses, like Osteoporosis, and why it's worth starting in your 20s.
Preventing Osteoporosis in Your 20s
Why Early Action Matters
When you're in your 20s, it's easy to feel invincible. With good health and energy, bone health may not seem like a top priority. However, this decade is a crucial time for building a strong foundation for your bones. By investing in your bone health now, you can significantly reduce your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related issues as you age.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become brittle and weak due to the loss of bone density, making them more prone to fractures.
It is often referred to as a "silent disease" because it develops slowly over time and usually isn't detected until a bone breaks.
While it's more common in older adults, the process of bone loss can begin much earlier in life, which is why taking action in your 20s is essential.
The Importance of Prevention in Your 20s
Bone mass peaks in your 20s, which means this is the period when you should focus on maximizing bone density.
The stronger your bones are now, the better they will be equipped to withstand natural bone loss later in life.
Preventing osteoporosis starts with developing good habits early, and there are several key lifestyle changes you can make to protect your bones.
Lifestyle Changes for Stronger Bones
1Exercise Regularly: Weight-bearing exercises like running, hiking, and resistance training help strengthen bones and maintain bone density. Make physical activity a regular part of your routine.
2Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified cereals. These nutrients are vital for bone health.
3Limit Smoking & Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones, so it's essential to moderate these habits.
The Role of Supplements Like MenaCal.7™
Even with a balanced diet, it can be challenging to meet all of your nutritional needs. That's where MenaCal.7™ comes in.
Packed with calcium, vitamin D3, and the key ingredient vitamin K2 (MK-7), MenaCal.7™ helps ensure calcium is effectively absorbed and directed to your bones, reducing the risk of calcification in your arteries.
By starting preventive measures now, including the right supplements, you’ll give your bones the strength they need to support you in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Make your 20s the decade where you invest in lifelong bone health, because strong bones today mean a more resilient, active life tomorrow.