Drinking This Can Make A Big Difference In Fracture Protection. Find Out What To Drink, How, And When!

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Nutrition

Evidence-Based
7 min Read
drink water fracture prevention

When it comes to bone health, I never cease to be amazed at how the simplest thing can make the biggest difference.

Yet that seems to be the case more often than not, and it’s always fascinating to discover that something so important is easily within our grasp.

Today’s post is a perfect example, because you’ll discover the truly astonishing role of a simple molecule as it relates to the density and quality of your bones.

I’m quite sure you’ll be amazed at the scientifically-backed information on this new topic!

Water Plays A Major Role In Building Bone

Savers are aware of the importance of drinking plenty of water to keep bones healthy and strong – pure water flushes the system of impurities, helps transport minerals and vitamins to your bones, and a host of other benefits.

But you may not know that your bones are made of water. This astonishing fact was highlighted in a recent University of Michigan study which notes:

“The extraordinary toughness and stiffness of bone are associated with its three main constituents – apatite mineral, collagen protein and water.” 1

That sounds like a contradiction in terms – how can water be responsible for “the extraordinary toughness” of bone?

It Turns Out That It Has To Do With Bone Mineralization

Here is how this fascinating process works. When your bones undergo remodeling (which occurs daily), microscopic mineral crystals are deposited in the spaces between collagen fibers. (Collagen is a flexible protein matrix found in bone, skin, and other tissues.)

These crystals then grow into the areas where the collagen fibers overlap, adding “stiffness” to bone tissue. This combination of tough, flexible collagen and hard minerals creates an extremely strong tissue.

So Where Does Water Come In?

Interestingly, water is present on the surface of the crystals themselves, as well as within and between crystals and collagen fibers. Water facilitates the transport of soluble materials to and away from bone as well. In fact, “Water bridges contribute to chain stabilization.” 1

The water within your bones directly contributes to their strength, density, and their ability to renew themselves. Water is indeed one of the “three major components…associated into the basic building block of bone.” 1

Water Is One Of The Secrets To Younger Bones

The University of Michigan study notes what happens to bone tissue when it is deprived of water. When bone is dehydrated or the water is replaced with other polar solvents, it leads to disrupted chemical bonding patterns, and researchers observed tissue shrinkage and increased brittleness as a result. 1 (A polar solvent is simply a solvent that has molecular bonds with very different electronegativities, such as oxygen and hydrogen. Water itself is a polar solvent.)

Water is so important for rejuvenating bones that the Osteoporosis Reversal Program includes an entire report on the subject: The Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol. This report explains the importance of drinking pure water, and delves into the various additives – such as chlorine and fluoride – that literally pollute our drinking water.

That’s why I recommend drinking distilled water. I realize that this has become a point of controversy, but the bottom line is, distilled water is the purest form of this vital beverage that you can drink. As the research clearly shows, pure water does not leech minerals from your bones. In fact, the above research proves it’s quite the opposite!

How To Nourish Your Bones With Enough Water Each Day

We all know we should drink more water, especially in light of this astonishing research. Sometimes, it really helps to have some tips and suggestions for getting more of this vital beverage into your system every day.

I want to share some of the ideas and methods I have found particularly effective when it comes to getting more H2O.

  1. Set up reminders so you’ll remember to have a drink of water. You see, you need to drink even when you’re not thirsty if you want to be properly hydrated for optimal bone health. If you wait until your body reminds you, you’re already well on your way to being dehydrated.
  2. When you feel hungry, drink first. Surprisingly, you may be confusing your body’s thirst and hunger signals. Before reaching for a snack, drink a full glass of water and see if your food craving is satisfied.

    Also, bear in mind is that juicy fruits and vegetables provide water, too. Try assuaging your hunger with a fresh apple, cucumber, tomato, peach, etc. Not only do these fruits contain a lot of water; they are alkalizing as well.

  3. Alternative beverages are better than nothing. Of course, drinking pure water is best, but drinking a cup of herbal tea, bone-healthy lemonade, or even coffee is better than drinking nothing at all. Coffee is acidifying and contains caffeine, and you should drink it in moderation; but if you are very thirsty and iced coffee is the only option, it’s certainly better than dehydration.
  4. Hydrate before working out by making water-drinking part of your workout preparation routine. Sip on a bottle of water before exercising, for example, or while you’re changing into your workout clothes. It’s a good idea to continue drinking water throughout your workout as well, but it’s easy to get involved in your workout and forget. I know I’ve done that!
  5. Be in the know about how much water you need. You’ve probably heard the advice to “drink 8 glasses of water a day.” That’s not a bad place to start, but everyone’s water needs are different. In fact, the same person’s need for hydration will be different on different days, depending on humidity, heat, exercise level, and so forth.

    Interestingly, the Institute of Medicine recommends 91 ounces (that’s a little over 11 cups) each day for women, and 125 ounces (or around 15.5 cups) daily for men. This water can come from fruits and vegetables, too, not just from distilled water.

The Missing Link: Water

The research is undeniable: water is absolutely crucial for building strong, youthful bones that resist fracture. In fact, water is actually intermingled with the bone minerals and collagen that make up your bone tissue.

Drinking pure, distilled water is one of many easy, simple, but extremely effective steps in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program that you can take to turn back the clock on your bone health. But you may be wondering about the best source of distilled water, how much to drink, and more.

If you already have the Program, you know that I address all that and a lot more in the ‘Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol' which comes free with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

orp hydration protocol

Inside, you’ll discover how water is the missing link to your bone health. The water you drink can make or break your bone health… that’s why I was surprised to discover that mainstream medicine doesn’t address this issue. Join me as together we explore the missing link to your bone health. You’ll also discover…

  • The chemical lurking in your water that increases bone fractures – especially hip fractures.
  • The simple way to check if your water contains this chemical.
  • The inexpensive way to filter out this and other dreaded chemicals from your water. Don’t waste your money on other filters, pitchers, etc.
  • Stay away from this type of tea if you want to build healthy bones and keep them that way. Don’t worry, there are plenty of bone-healthy teas you can drink.
  • Simple solutions to minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals while in the shower.
  • And a lot more.

If you don't have the Program yet, learn more and get yours here. Your bones will thank you.

Till next time,

vivian sig

References

1 Raghaven, Mekhala. “Investigation of Mineral and Collagen Organization in Bone Using Raman Spectroscopy.” University of Michigan. 2011. PDF. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/84443/mekhala_1.pdf