Bones are living tissues in our body that are extremely important for our health and well-being. Apart from providing support for our bodies, bones also act as a storehouse for minerals.

During an individual’s lifetime, the body continually separates old bone through resorption and develops new bones. However, when the older bones are separated quicker than newer bones, it leads to a net bone shortfall. This shortfall leads to lower bone density, makes the bones brittle, and can prompt bone cracks with insignificant injuries. Osteoporosis can be attributed to reduced bone mass and disruption of the bone architecture

According to research, it is suggested that about 230 million Indians are estimated to be exposed to osteoporosis1. The increasing prevalence of the disease can be accounted for for various reasons such as increasing trends in other lifestyle diseases, poor intake of calcium, environmental pollution, etc.

What disease causes your bones to deteriorate?

• Primary Hyperparathyroidism
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Rheumatological Conditions
• Chronic Liver Disease
• Sex Hormone Deficiency(Hypogonadism)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Malabsorption Syndromes
• Neurological Disorders

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating the calcium levels in our body. Parathyroid chemical(PTH) secretion directs the amount of calcium consumed from our eating routine, the amount discharged by our kidneys, and the amount of calcium stored in our bones.

In the case of hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid tumor makes an excessive amount of PTH chemical, which at that point makes our bones discharge calcium continually into the circulatory system. Due to this, bones lose calcium that is responsible for the hardness and thickness of bones. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, and subsequently, bone fractures.

Chronic Kidney Disease  

Numerous patients facing chronic kidney disease are diagnosed with minerals and bone disorders. Chronic kidney disease is also likely to cause a few diverse metabolic bone illnesses, also known as renal osteodystrophy, related to decreased bone formation, lack of vitamin D, and hyperparathyroidism. It is essential to reduce phosphorus’s dietary intake to prevent bone diseases and control hormones of the parathyroid gland.

Diabetes

Studies have shown that people who have type-1 diabetes have an increased risk of fractures due to poor bone quality. Increased glucose levels in the blood also negatively affect the strength of the bones. Moreover, other complications attributed to diabetes, including muscle weakness, low blood sugar and damages of nerves(neuropathy), also aggravate the risk of falls and fractures.

Rheumatological Conditions

Glucocorticoids are often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases. Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, often put the patient at risk of decreased bone density, increasing their osteoporosis chances. Moreover, pain in the joints leads to the body’s inactivity, which is another factor that contributes to bone loss. Studies also propose that bone eliminating cell activity, called osteoclasts, and bone resorption is escalated at the influenced joint sites. Lupus, psoriatic arthritis and extreme osteoarthritis of the hip or knee are a few other rheumatological conditions that may further increase joints’ effect, and consequently, the bones.

Chronic Liver Disease

Depending on the etiology of the liver disease, there is increased bone resorption that causes bone loss. Bone loss in patients with liver diseases is a neglected side effect that requires attention as chronic liver illnesses are also associated with vitamin D deficiency, yet another cause of bone loss.

Sex Hormone Deficiency(Hypogonadism)

Experts suggest that menopausal women above 50 years of age are more prone to bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Age is a significant factor in the risk of osteoporosis as bones naturally lose their strength and density as age increases. Low sex hormones cause greater bone loss which increases the chances for osteoporosis. The most common causes are the early stoppage of the menstrual cycle, Anorexia Nervosa, and pituitary diseases. Whereas, in men, chronic illnesses like liver disease and chemotherapy can result in lower testosterone levels.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) is associated with shortness of breath on exertion, persistent chest infections and chronic bronchitis. Osteoporosis is severe comorbidity in patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) due to low bone mass that results from a history of poor nutrition, frequent smoking and low body mass index.

Malabsorption Syndromes

Malabsorption and chronic malnutrition result in nutritional deficiencies that are a major risk factor for developing osteoporosis. Impaired absorption of vital nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D results in a low bone mineral density. Bowel diseases such as celiac disease and ulcerative colitis also reduce calcium and vitamin D absorption in the intestines, leading to bone loss. Bone diseases and fractures can be countered with a healthy lifestyle and limiting the medications that hurt bone metabolism.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological illnesses such as spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis result in idleness and immobility that cause bone loss. Moreover, diseases such as vertigo, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy are also associated with lower sensations in the feet increase the chances of fall and imbalance, which escalate the risk of bone fractures.

How can you prevent bone loss?

Osteoporosis is often known as the silent disease since it is difficult to diagnose. However, osteoporosis can be prevented and treated with various strategies, including having a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D since these provide important nutrients for maintaining bone health. Besides, regular exercises such as weight-bearing, walking and dancing strengthen bones and enhance body balance.

To be proactive in testing osteoporosis, specialized tests such as bone mineral density tests measure and detect fractures’ chances by evaluating bone densities in the body.