Introduction
The skin has a lot of benefits in ensuring strong bones. It functions as a connection between Vitamin D, Calcium, muscles, and bones of the body. The skin allows calcium absorption from the sun (through Vitamin D production), which is essential for healthy muscles and bones. Additionally, the skin stores calcium in times of excess, which can be drawn upon when needed. Michigan has a higher incidence of osteoporosis because the state has a lower-than-average level of Vitamin D. Without adequate levels of Vitamin D, human bodies are less able to keep bones and muscles healthy, which can lead to osteoporosis. Fortunately, there are several ways to get more Vitamin D into our diet. Sunshine is the most natural way to get Vitamin D, but many Michiganders do not get enough sun exposure in winter. Michiganders can also get Vitamin D from foods like salmon, eggs, and cheese or by taking a supplement. Overall, the skin plays an important role in maintaining healthy muscles and bones.
The Role of Skin in Maintaining Healthy Muscles and Bones
The skin helps in calcium level regulation in two ways. First, the skin helps to control how much calcium is absorbed from food. Second, the skin helps to control how much calcium is stored in bones and how much is used by muscles. The amount of vitamin D present in the diet affects the absorption of calcium from food (Reid & Bolland, 2019). When insufficient vitamin D is present, less calcium is absorbed from food. This can lead to a deficiency in calcium, which can cause health problems, such as bone softening (osteomalacia) and muscle weakness (rickets).
The skin also helps to control how much calcium is stored in bones and how much is used by muscles. Calcium is essential for healthy muscles and bones, and the body needs to absorb it in order to maintain these tissues. The skin helps with this absorption by providing a pathway for calcium to enter the body (Veldurthy et al., 2016). Additionally, the skin also plays an important role in storing calcium in bones. This storage is vital because it helps keep bones strong and healthy. There are a few potential reasons for the higher incidence of osteoporosis in Michiganders. One is that Michigan has a lower-than-average level of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Another possibility is that the cold winters in Michigan result in less exposure to sunlight, which helps Vitamin D production (Biga et al., 2020). Finally, Michiganders may have a genetic predisposition toward developing osteoporosis.
Some specific measures that can be taken include eating a healthy diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D and getting adequate sunlight exposure. Michiganders have a higher incidence of osteoporosis due to the fact that they generally do not get enough sunlight. This is because Michigan is a northern state and therefore has shorter days in the wintertime. The good news is that plenty of food sources are rich in vitamin D, which can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis (Veldurthy et al., 2016). Some foods rich in vitamin D include mackerel, salmon, trout, mushrooms, and eggs. They can also get vitamin D from fortified foods, which include breakfast cereals, orange juice, milk, and other dairy products.
Calcium has many roles in the skeletal system, but it is most importantly responsible for maintaining bone density. Without enough calcium, bones can become thin and weak, leading to an increased risk for osteoporosis (Veldurthy et al., 2016). Calcium can also help to slow down the progression of osteoporosis and may even help to reverse some of the damage that has been done to the bones. Dairy products form the best calcium source, but plenty of other good sources of calcium do not come from dairy. Dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, and bok choy are all excellent sources of calcium, as are some beans, nuts, and seeds (Biga et al., 2020). Fortified foods like orange juice and cereal can also be good sources of calcium.
Calcium is important for muscles because it helps to stimulate muscle contraction. In fact, without calcium, muscles cannot contract at all. Calcium also helps protect muscles from damage and is necessary for synthesizing new muscle tissue. There are a number of different roles that calcium plays in the body, but maintaining strong muscles is one of its most essential functions (Reid & Bolland, 2019). Without adequate levels of calcium, muscles become weak and may be more prone to injuries. Calcium ions are essential for the binding of Actin and Myosin, which are the two proteins that make up the thin filament and thick filament, respectively, within a muscle cell. The interaction between Actin and Myosin is what creates tension within a muscle cell and causes it to contract (Veldurthy et al., 2016). Similarly, Calcium ions also play a role in activating the enzymes that are responsible for breaking down ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides the energy needed for muscle contraction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in order to maintain strong muscles and bones, calcium must be absorbed from the sun via the creation of Vitamin D by the skin. Additionally, the skin has a calcium reserve that may be tapped into during periods of calcium deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to Michigander’s higher-than-normal rate of osteoporosis. In order to absorb calcium, vitamin D is required. It also plays a role in keeping healthy bones and muscles. Michiganders can reduce this problem of osteoporosis by consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
References
Biga, L. M., Dawson, S., Harwell, A., Hopkins, R., Kaufmann, J., LeMaster, M., Matern, P., Morrison-Graham, K., Quick, D., & Runyeon, J. (2020). Anatomy & physiology. OpenStax & Oregon State University.
Reid, I. R., & Bolland, M. J. (2019). Controversies in medicine: The role of calcium and vitamin D supplements in adults. The Medical Journal of Australia, 211(10), 468–473. Web.
Veldurthy, V., Wei, R., Oz, L., Dhawan, P., Jeon, Y. H., & Christakos, S. (2016). Vitamin D, calcium homeostasis, and aging. Bone Research, 4, 16041. Web.