Bones are often viewed as static structures, but they are actually dynamic, living tissues that play a crucial role in overall health. Each year, doctors treat more than 6 million bone fractures in the United States. The processes that keep bones strong and allow them to heal are taking place continuously throughout life.

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is the process by which bones renew themselves, maintaining their strength while allowing the skeleton to adapt over time. Different kinds of bone cells work together to maintain bone structure. Cells called osteoclasts remove old or damaged bone, while osteoblasts build new bone in its place.

Bones also produce signaling molecules that influence energy metabolism and balance the minerals the body needs. The balance between bone formation and bone breakdown changes throughout life. During childhood and adolescence, the body builds bone faster than it removes it, allowing bones to grow larger and denser.

Maintaining Bone Health

Maintaining strong bones is not just about preventing fractures later in life. It is about supporting a living system that contributes to movement, mineral balance, blood cell production, and communication with other tissues throughout the body every day. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and long-term use of certain medications can influence bone health.

Nutrition remains one of the practical foundations of bone health. Calcium is a major building block of bone, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain normal bone mineralization. Without enough of either, the skeleton has a harder time maintaining its structure and strength.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.