Alcoholics and osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by decreased bone density. Bones become weak, which increases the risk of fractures and cracks.

A large percentage of the population suffers from this disease. Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis development. Researches have shown that 25% of chronic alcoholics (from 30 to 50 years) have low level of bone density.

Alcohol leads to the destruction of the bone structure and fragility, because drunk people have disturbed coordination of movements (usually alcoholics often fall).

 

How alcohol causes osteoporosis?

Binge drinking reduces the body's production of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.

Alcohol abuse can alter hormone levels (testosterone and estrogen).

Very often alcoholics have elevated levels of the stress hormone - cortisol, which adversely affects the health of bones.

Alcohol increases the body's production of parathyroid hormone, which reduces the level of calcium.

What is the solution to this problem?

 

  • to reduce the consumption of substances that adversely affect the bone tissue;
  • quit smoking (smoking is injurious to health of the bones);
  • eat right (focus on adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium. Calcium is found in dairy products and green leafy vegetables).