Leafy Greens and Omega-3s: Nutrition to Support Healthy Bones

Bone health is not something that people often think about. But they should: our bones support safe and easy movement and protect our internal organs. Bone health becomes even more critical as we age: we lose bone mass, calcium, and other minerals, resulting in bones that are brittle and at risk for breaks. There are some easy lifestyle adjustments that can support bone health for people in all stages of life, like a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D. While taking supplements may be an option, always consult with your primary care provider before beginning a new regimen. There are natural ways to add more of these vitamins and minerals into your diet.

CALCIUM

cup filled tot he top with green smoothie with spinach laying all around the cup.
To add more calcium into your diet, turn to dark leafy greens such as spinach.

As we age, the body is less able to absorb and retain calcium, a mineral necessary for bone health. To add more calcium into your diet, turn to dark leafy greens: collards, mustard greens, kale, and cruciferous vegetables like bok choy (“chinese cabbage”), okra, brussel sprouts, and broccoli. Spinach is another classic leafy green, but it contains a naturally occurring compound that binds to the calcium, rendering the calcium less readily available than in other leafy greens. Bone broth is another excellent source of calcium and an overall nutritional goldmine. Some dairy products are good sources of calcium: sharper cheeses like parmesan or protein-high cheeses like cottage cheese, yogurt, or milk are your best bets. You can also find calcium in nuts and seeds such as almonds and almond milk, hazelnuts, and poppy and chia seeds. 

VITAMIN D

With age comes a lack of vitamin D because the skin’s capacity to synthesize vitamin D decreases as we age. In addition, many seniors spend less time in the sun, which is a primary source of the body’s vitamin D. Vitamin D is thought to support calcium absorption from food, and many studies show that calcium and vitamin D can help strengthen bones in people with osteoporosis, along with other health benefits. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “most people must take vitamin D supplements to get enough to support bone health.” Vitamin D is found in some foods: fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and is often added to milk and nut milks, dairy products like yogurts and cheeses, orange juice, and some cereals.

pill container opened laying down with yellow pills coming out of it on the table.
Omega 3s support the calcium absorption that is necessary for healthy, strong bones.

OMEGA 3 (FATTY ACIDS)

Omega 3s support the calcium absorption that is necessary for healthy, strong bones. You can get Omega 3s from many of the same foods as calcium: leafy greens, fish, and nut butters and nut milks, along with tofu and soybeans, seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, avocados, and eggs. While Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for the body and bone health, many of the foods they are found in can be high in calories, so consume conscientiously. 

RECIPE: SPRING BERRY SALAD WITH SEARED SALMON. 

For a light, spring meal rich in omega 3s, calcium, and vitamin d, check out this Spring Berry Salad with Seared Salmon. The fruity salad is perfectly complemented by a simple, crispy-skinned, pan-seared salmon. With prep included, this all comes together in less than 30 minutes. white bowl with salad inside of it and a fork and knife laying on top.

Ingredients (serves 2)

For the Salad

5 cups of mixed leafy greens (try Trader Joe’s power to the greens – a mix of chard, kale, and spinach)

1 avocado, sliced. 

⅓ cup of sliced nuts (your choice – I like walnuts, almonds or pistachios are great choices too)

¾ cup of berries (your choice: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries)

⅓ cup of crumbled feta cheese

Poppy seed salad dressing (store bought or make your own)

Optional: chia seeds, hemp hearts, flax seeds – you can add them to the poppy seed dressing or

sprinkle over avocado)

For the Salmon

2 salmon filets, 3oz-6oz

Juice of one lime 

Salt and Pepper 

Extra virgin olive oil

  1. Pat salmon fillets until dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper, preferably 10-15 minutes before you plan to cook. 
  2. Prepare the salad: Wash all produce, and toss together berries, greens, and avocado with your preferred amount of poppy seed salad dressing. Top with sliced almonds and feta. 
  3. Heat a skillet (preferably cast-iron) with a layer of extra virgin olive oil until it shimmers (you can test by flicking water droplets, they should sizzle). 
  4. Add salmon to skillet, skin-side down. Press with spatula until the skin of the salmon easily releases from the bottom of the skillet – 3-5 minutes. Flip, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to your preferred doneness. 
  5. Season salmon with a healthy squeeze of lime juice and serve alongside salad.

Is CBD Oil The Cure To Your Pain?

Cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, has been growing in popularity and is even being legalized in numerous states around the U.S. Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, is the non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. It delivers the benefits of marijuana without the notorious “high”. Multiple studies show that CBD oil can provide natural relief for over 50 conditions including epilepsy and arthritis. Over 75% of seniors suffer from chronic pain, and over half of seniors suffer from arthritis. Some seniors are unaware of the benefits of CBD oil and view it with a negative stigma because of marijuana’s history. But because it is just extracted from the plant, without the THC properties, it is completely safe and only delivers all the good stuff. Throw out the stereotype, know the facts, and why it is so

canabis plant with pipe on top of it.
CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and can offer an array of benefits to seniors.

beneficial to you! CBD oil comes in different dosages, and can be used in different ways. Inhaling is the fastest way to feel its effects, but not the only way. You can apply it to your skin topically, take it under the tongue (sublingual), or

ingest it using edibles.

Hemp-derived CBD is legal as long as it is produced within the regulations defined by the law. If it is derived from marijuana, then the federal law says CBD oils are legal to possess if they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. CBD oil is NOT legal in all states. The 3 states where marijuana is illegal and you are unable to get CBD oil are South Dakota, Idaho, and Nebraska. All other states in which you can get CBD oil has its own specifics you need to be aware of, whether it is marijuana-derived, or hemp-derived. Do your research on the state in which you live in. 

Manage Arthritis Pain

Studies have shown that CBD oil can reduce inflammation and pain from conditions like arthritis, and joint pain. This is definitely a great reason to consider CBD since many older adults deal with arthritis and joint pain as they age. 

Promotes Bone Health

Osteoporosis is when bones lose vital minerals and become fragile, and brittle. This usually leads to a higher risk of spraining or breaking a bone. It is the reason for many seniors getting hurt, and fracturing or breaking a hip when they fall. CBD can help with this, because it promotes cell repair, and strengthens bones. 

Heart Health

Millions of people, especially older adults, suffer from heart-related issues. One study suggested that CBD can solve cardiac dysfunction, and help lower high blood pressure. Other studies found that the antioxidant properties of CBD can reduce cardiac inflammation, and deter cell death caused by oxidative stress. In layman’s terms, CBD can improve your overall heart health.

Caucasian hands with a set of handcuffs on oe and the other free of it.
CBD oil can help battle addiction, especially to pain medications. The oil will offer pain relief, reducing the need for medication.

Battle Addiction

Because CBD helps mitigate pain, it can be used as a pain reliever rather than having to take painkillers. Americans, including seniors, suffer from an addiction to painkillers due to over-prescription from doctors. CBD can combat the dependency of these medications by preventing relapses. Switching to CBD oil instead can help battle the pain you feel naturally, without the addictive properties.

Better Sleep

Sleeping disorders are common for seniors. Sleep is important for your brain to regenerate, and to prevent glaucoma and Alzheimer’s. But luckily, CBD can help with your sleeping issues. CBD oil calms you and can extend the deep sleep phase, so you get more rest. 

If you are considering CBD oil, do some research first, because it is only legal in 30 states. Consult your doctor as well, and make sure it will not have adverse effects on any current medications you are taking.