Does alcohol affect osteoporosis?

If you’re worried about your bones becoming more fragile than a fortune cookie, then you may have heard that drinking alcohol can contribute to osteoporosis. But is there actually any truth to this claim? In this article, we dive deep into the relationship between booze and brittle bones.

What is Osteoporosis?

Before we explore the link between alcohol and osteopenia, let’s take a step back and look at what exactly osteoporosis is.
It’s a condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to breaking.
Essentially (double star) it occurs when new bone creation doesn’t keep up with old bone removal.
This can be caused by many factors such as aging, genetics or changes in hormone production.

Typically (double star) those most at risk for developing osteoporosis are elderly women who have gone through menopause.

Alcohol And Its Effect On Bones

When it comes down to it , just how much does your heavy partying lifestyle affect your chance of getting weakened arteries? Here is what science has found so far:
First thing’s first: excess amounts of booze can interfere with absorbing calcium from foods.
But results vary depending on gender: A 2000 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found evidence that chronic consumption actually prompted lower rates for hip fractures primarily among women (though the extent varies), but no significant difference was noticed amongst male subjects (1).

In another study conducted by researchers out of Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Centre they looked specifically at supervised weight loss programs against moderate drinkers without including other assumptions like only studying fully conformed vegans vs regular meat-eaters etc which concluded moderate wine treatment over two years produced better volume densities nearing 5% beyond before twice yearly DEXA scans began:“(postmenopausal) overweight/obese women randomized to moderate wine Intake for 2 years had higher volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and better micro-architecture compared with abstainers, despite similar changes in body composition”(3).

It is important to note that these findings may vary depending on the amount of alcohol you consume daily.

Alcohol Consumption Guidelines

  • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Dietary Guidelines for Americans, women should drink no more than three alcoholic beverages a day.
  • Men can drink up to four.

If you’re looking for maximum protection against developing osteoporosis, your best bet is likely sticking within the recommended limits while also consuming plenty of calcium-rich foods like broccoli , salmon, tofu or anything else; as well as staying active physically which immediately strengthens their stability.

On The Flip Side

While some studies have suggested that alcohol consumption isn’t necessarily a bad thing when it comes specifically towards weakening bones there are still an overwhelming number of harmful side effects associated with drinking long-term:
Impaired liver function
Increased chance of cancer
But if you must indulge just know everything has its consequence even moderation – so talk closely with your primary physician who might recommend certain vitamins or other preventive measures besides strict sobriety 🙂

Conclusion

The relationship between alcohol and osteoporosis remains complex at best , but scientists are continuing much-needed research (double star). One first step toward helping prevent this disease among people all over would be encouraging healthy beverage habits – either moderation overall or certain wines altogether whatever cuts out excess results in less risk! Regardless, drunkenness has never been healthful under any context or experiment. If you think osteopenia prevention concerns only those over typical menopausal ages then perhaps reconsider contacting your doctor before buying another bottle 😁

Sources:

1.Reference Deleted by Request: THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION VOL. 72 NOVEMBER 2000

3.Reference Deleted by Request: PLOS ONE Open access February 22,2019

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