Is there a more wonderful sight than to see children out running, jumping and skipping at play? Nothing beats such active childhood entertainment when they are out enjoying themselves, especially when it means that we parents can get a much-needed break. We can give thanks to natural bone health, as healthy bones and muscles allow our children to take part in such physical activities that promote wellness and fight off the growing obesity epidemic that has come to plague the younger generation.
Additional Reasons on Why Bone Health In Children Is So Important
Ever heard of rickets? This is a bone disease specific to children. This disease causes the bones to weaken. Children with rickets may have bowed legs, stooped postures and other deformities affecting their bones. Although this disease mostly affected children in the past, it still is prevalent now in children who do not receive enough calcium or vitamin D.
Children who are at most risk in developing rickets are those who do not receive enough sun exposure, as the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D that is made through the skin. Children who also have a poor diets, do not receive enough calcium or are lactose intolerant also are prone in developing rickets.
Unfortunately, children’s bone health is on the decline. A sedentary lifestyle where children are spending too many hours inside watching television or playing computer games is contributing to the issue. In addition, children are adopting unhealthy eating habits as most of the junk food and sodas lack the necessary vitamin D for healthy bodies, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Vitamin D Promotes Good Bone Health
The funny thing about vitamin D is, most people believe it is a vitamin that our bodies cannot make as we need to eat certain foods or take supplements to provide us with this necessary nutrient. On the contrary, vitamin D is a hormone. Our bodies can produce it naturally in our skin whenever we are exposed to strong sunlight.
Unfortunately, vitamin D isn’t found in many food sources except in fish or foods that have been fortified with it. So with children seeking shelter inside homes like junk food, video game-playing vampires, parents need to find ways to introduce more vitamin D into their children’s diets.
1: Get Kids Outside
Really, outdoor activities are the best way to promote natural bone health as children are receiving both vitamin D from the sun and exercise for proper weight management. Children need to have at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D, so get them outside as much as possible.
2: Introduce Supplements
On those dark, cloudy days and colder months where the sun is hiding more to usher in winter, children need to be given vitamin D in other ways. The most effective approach is to give them vitamin D supplements. Children’s multivitamins can contain up to 400 IU of necessary vitamin D. Only give children one vitamin a day, as too much vitamin D can actually harm children’s bones.
3: Fish and Fortified Foods
Fish, eggs, fortified cereals and fortified milk all contain vitamin D — but in smaller amounts. Unless you plan to strictly have these types of foods for every meal, every day, the best way to obtain vitamin D is through supplements.
Natural bone health is very important for children as they grow into healthy adults. Start today by introducing vitamin D into their diets to help them avoid bone diseases and other conditions.
Calisa says
Yes, you are right. i freely agree with this. Vitamin- d is verry essential for our baby’s. It is helps to make natural bone of children. So that, During pregnancy time, every woman should eat fish ,eggs everyday as per limit. It helps to increase vitamin-d level. Thanks for this info. I should try this every day. Now I am pregnant. I want to conceive a healthy baby boy