Bone Health: The Hard Truth about Brittle Bones

Throughout our lives, our bones fight a never-ending battle against the effects of hormone changes and general dietary and lifestyle factors—leaving men and women with increased risks of osteoporosis. Luckily, with a good diet and Herbalife, you can help build and maintain healthy bones.

 

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that affects over 25 million Americans each year. Almost 80% of osteoporosis is found in women, although a growing number of older men are also at risk. Some of its affects are increased risk of bone fractures, lower bone mineral density and altered bone proteins.

 

Healthy bones begin in childhood

Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to build healthy bones and maintain them as you age. Children should eat three to four servings of calcium-enriched foods every day to build healthy bones. As an adult, it’s best to add a calcium supplement to your diet. Xtra-Cal® is packed with calcium, in addition to vitamins C and D, which help absorb essential calcium.

Soy also appears to benefit bones, replacing calcium-depleting animal protein in the diet and providing a great source of bone-building isoflavones. Our Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix, Protein Bars, Soup Mix, Formula 3, Personalized Protein Powder, and Soy Nuts with Cardia® Salt are excellent sources of soy protein—making soy both heart smart and bone smart!

 

Making bone health a priority

Take control of your diet, increase your activity and curb such lifestyle habits as alcohol and smoking. With regular effort, you’ll give yourself the very best chance of having healthy bones!

The Power of Soy

Soy-based products are on the rise for very healthy reasons. Learn how to get your recommended daily dose of this super bean. The humble soybean boasts some extraordinary benefits. In 1999, the FDA approved a dietary health claim for soy foods, recommending an average daily intake of 25 grams of soy protein with soy isoflavones—in addition to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet—to reduce the risk of heart disease. This final rule is based on the FDA's conclusion that foods containing soy protein included in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol might reduce the risk of cardiac-heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. One way soy seems to promote heart health is its high content of isoflavones: Soy protein and soy isoflavones have been shown to promote healthy cholesterol that is already within normal range. Soy isoflavones help the body regulate estrogen levels, which might help alleviate many menopause and PMS symptoms. Soy protein enhances the body's ability to retain and better absorb calcium into the bones. Soy isoflavones help by slowing bone loss and inhibiting bone breakdown. Herbalife offers a wide range of great-tasting soy-based products including Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix,, Formula 3, Personalized Protein Powder, Bulk & Muscle Formula Protein Drink, Roasted Soy Nuts with Cardia® Salt, Protein Bars and Soup Mix.