Which practice is suggested for maintaining healthy bones?

Maintaining healthy bones is greatly supported by engaging in weight-bearing exercise. This form of exercise involves activities that make you work against gravity while staying upright, which in turn helps to build and maintain bone density. Activities such as walking, running, dancing, and strength training are beneficial as they stimulate bone formation and help to strengthen the muscles that support the bones.

Weight-bearing exercises induce a process called mechanotransduction, which is the process through which cells convert mechanical stimulus into biochemical signals. This is crucial for bone health since the bones respond to the stress from these activities by remodeling and becoming denser. A well-rounded exercise regimen that includes weight-bearing activities is essential for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining overall bone strength.

The other choices do not contribute positively to bone health. Excessive cardio can lead to an imbalance in nutrition if it is not accompanied by adequate caloric intake and may not provide the necessary stimuli for bone strengthening. High sodium intake can lead to calcium loss through urine, which could weaken bones over time. Consuming only animal protein may lead to an unbalanced diet that lacks important nutrients necessary for bone health, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. Thus, weight-bearing exercise stands out as the most effective practice