4 Hidden Signs Your Bones Are In Trouble

Below are four signs that show your bones are in trouble


Warning sign #1: Your nails chip easily.
Breaking a nail is more than annoying. If it happens frequently, it could mean that your bones are just as brittle. Preliminary studies suggest that people who have low levels of collagen (a strengthening protein) in their nails don’t have enough in their bones, either. Meanwhile, weak nails or vertical nail ridges suggest that your body lacks bone-building calcium.

The fix: Increase the number of calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, kale, broccoli, and sardines. You also may want to talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement, along with vitamin D to aid absorption.

Warning sign #2: Your gums are receding.
Your jawbone supports and anchors your teeth, and like any bone, it’s susceptible to weakening. As your jaw loses bone, your gums can start to recede or detach from your teeth.

The fix: Tell your dentist if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a family history, smoking, long-term steroid use, or calcium deficiency. And be sure to ask if anything in your X-rays seems fishy: Research from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases found that dental X-rays can help identify weak bones and screen for osteoporosis.

Warning sign #3: You struggle to get a grip.
If you have a hard time turning doorknobs or pushing yourself up from a seated position, your bones might be to blame. Studies show a correlation between the strength of your handgrip and the density of the bones in your forearms, spine, and hip.

The fix: It’s never too late to build muscle and improve balance. If you’ve never lifted weights before, it’s a good idea to work with a personal trainer at first so that you don’t injure yourself.

Warning sign #4: Your heart races.
Your resting heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute while your body is not doing anything active. Although the average resting heart rate for most people is anywhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute, research suggests that having a resting pulse greater than 80 beats per minute increases your risk for hip, pelvis, and spine fractures. The reason: Your heart rate is a reflection of your fitness level. Resting heart rates tend to be higher in people who are sedentary, and physical activity—especially the weight-bearing kind, like walking—is key to building a strong frame.

The fix: Start by figuring out your resting heart rate. In the morning while still in bed, place one or two fingers over a pulse point on your wrist or neck. Count the number of beats that occur in 15 seconds. Multiply that number by four to get your resting heart rate.

If your heart rate is hitting that 80 or higher range, it may be time to move more. Even though physical activity temporarily makes your heart beat faster, regular exercise gradually leads to a slower resting heart rate. Any activity that gets your heart rate up is good, including biking andswimming. But because these activities don’t stress your bones and contribute to bone strength, it’s important to also mix in higher-impact weight-bearing activities like walking, running, tennis, dancing, or aerobic classes like Zumba.