Bones of the human body are living tissue and can repair themselves

Bones of the human body support us and allow movement.  Exercise increases bone strength by bringing them more nutrients, hauling away waste, and inducing specialized cells to make more bone (osteoblasts).

Osteoblasts add specific proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, complex carbohydrates, and minerals to bone to strengthen them.  They also rebuild and repair bones, especially when they have the right nutrients in the correct ratios. 

Newborn babies emerge with 270 bones.  Some of these bones —such as the skull bones— fuse during childhood. 

Adults have 206 bones and 230 joints, as shown in the classic skeleton picture.

Our skeleton provides structure —so we can stand upright—and flexibility so we can move easily.

Some bones of the human body—like the upper leg bone (femur) and the upper arm bone (humerus)— are very long compared to their width.  Others like the ankle bones (metatarsals) and wrist bones (metacarpals) are much smaller, have similar widths and lengths, and fit together like puzzle pieces.   

The 28 bones in each hand have at least 30 joints.  Each foot also has 28 bones and at least 30 joints.

Three (3) specific cell types help maintain strong bones in the human body: 

1. Osteocytes live within the bone, and have long projections that can feel pressure in the bones. They help maintain strength where it’s needed most.  If it’s not needed in the area, it calls the moving crew (osteoclasts) to harvest the extra nutrients and move them to a different location that is getting more use.   
2. Osteoclasts remove unhealthy bone matrix, but also dissolve areas of bone tissue to use the nutrients (calcium, etc) elsewhere, so that
3. Osteoblasts can rebuild strong bone tissue by laying down a rope-like lattice or matrix with a calcium phosphorus mix, like stucco.  Twelve other minerals, many vitamins, and numerous proteins are also essential for strong, flexible bones.
   

Without exercise and gravity, bones lose minerals and strength.

An easy way to view the health of your bones is to look at your teeth. 

Are they straight?  Are they white and full?  

Or are they shrinking as you age?

Tips:

1. Choose the right combination of essential nutrients to build strong bones, as well as maintain and repair bones of the human body.
2. Eat sufficient greens and brightly colored fruits and vegetables to maintain healthy gums.