Healthy Gut, Healthy Bones

However, there may also be a further connection with our gut known as the gut-bone axis. This essentially refers to the communication between our gut microbiome and the skeletal system which then impacts on bone health. Here’s how it works…

We have special cells in bone tissue which manage the breaking down of bone. As we age this activity increases as these cells respond to age-related inflammation. Reducing inflammation and bone tissue activity is therefore a pivotal part in protecting our bones as we age, and it is our gut microbiome that can have a significant impact on this process. Our gut microbiome can help to reduce inflammation via the immune system since approximately 70-80% of immune cells are located in the gut and can be a key player in how we manage inflammation more systemically throughout the body. This is due to the vital role our gut microbiome has in managing the health of the gut barrier which is a crucial element to an optimally functioning immune system. Through positively altering inflammation, the gut microbiome can help to balance bone cell activity, and as such can contribute to the preservation of bone density.

Include fermented dairy

In the form of aged cheese, yogurt, creme fraiche and kefir as these all provide food-  based forms of calcium; ones that are processed with live cultures will also provide additional benefit for the gut. Moreover, because the lactose and casein content is largely degraded in the fermentation process the fermented types of dairy can often be better tolerated than milk or cream which hasn’t been fermented.

Think about vitamin D

Vitamin D has a critical role in calcium for optimum bone health and depending on where you live in the world you may not be getting much sunshine and therefore it may be beneficial to supplement with Vitamin D. Bimuno Immunity contains vitamin D as well as prebiotics that can help to add in extra nourishment for your gut.

Include weight-bearing exercise

Maintaining bone density also depends on regular physical activity specifically those that include some weight-bearing element. A full body strength programme that works out all the major muscles can benefit the entire body. In addition, increasing strength and stability can help reduce the risk of falls. But, if you wish to ease yourself in walking and running will also have some positive impact, but it can only benefit the bones that bear the load so in this case it would only protect bones in the lower body.