Once again, it’s time to go out and enjoy your garden with friends and family, wear your summer whites, and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you.
So here’s the good news for those of you who think that you won’t be able to enjoy your gardening because of osteoporosis, it turns out that gardening is actually good for your bone health.
Dr Gabaza Ngobeni says osteoporosis is not a disease but rather, a condition of the skeletal system typical in middle aged and older individuals.
It is caused by unhealthy biochemical reactions as the body attempts to correct an imbalance that, unless certain abnormal endocrine or gastrointestinal conditions exist, can be reversed by diet and lifestyle changes.
“As the old proverb goes, he who plants a garden plants happiness. Indeed, gardening is a very calming hobby; and this does wonders in helping maintain strong and healthy bones.
“Believe it or not, stress causes calcium leakage from our bones. Meaning that when we get stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol also known as the stress hormone,” said Ngobeni.
“Cortisol acidifies the pH levels in our body tissues to a level that requires immediate correction.
“In other words, our bodies need to neutralise this acid attack.
“Like water onto a blazing fire, we release calcium from our bones to achieve the correct alkaline levels (this is why the active ingredient of antacid tablets is, you guessed it, calcium),” said Ngobeni.
Besides gardening, here are 10 other great ways you can easily reduce stress:
1. Take a deep breath to relax
2. Have some time for yourself every day, even if only a few minutes
3. Stretch your muscles
4. Read something inspirational, preferably in the morning
5. Don’t forget that the glass is always half full
6. Let go of unnecessary worry
7. Smile and laugh often
8. Give back to society and you’ll be happier
9. Remember life is a journey; not a destination
10. Take time to remember your blessings
“Let’s not forget about the sunshine, another benefit of gardening that contributes to our bone health. You see, sunlight is an excellent natural source of vitamin D, a very important vitamin that has many functions in our bodies.
