Osteoporosis is a condition that results from loss of bone tissue. It weakens the bones in the body and makes them more susceptible to fractures. The sizes of bones remain the same, but their strength and density are reduced. People who are suffering from osteoporosis will experience an overall loss of bones during bone remodeling--which is a daily biological process in which old bones are broken down and new bones are formed. Osteoporosis usually affects bones in the spine, hips and wrists, and it can result in physical impairment or death. One of the factors that cause the condition is smoking.
Smoking and Osteoporosis
It has been proven that smoking has a direct effect on the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent disease that does not show any symptoms until the affected person reaches old age. Those who have been smoking for a long time are more susceptible to the condition, and many old people who smoke have been diagnosed with significant loss of bones. People who have been smoking for a long time are more vulnerable to fractures, and they will take a longer time to recover from their fractures. Also, it is more likely that complications will develop as a result of their fractures.
How Smoking Causes Osteoporosis
Smoking can aggravate osteoporosis because it interferes with the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health. The body gets its supply of calcium from consumption of certain types of food, such as dairy products. After it enters the body, calcium is broken down in the digestive tract and distributed to the bones through the bloodstream. It facilitates the formation of new and stronger bones through the process of bone remodeling. Smoking prevents the proper absorption of calcium, and the bones will not receive the amount of calcium they need to remain healthy. Over time, calcium deficiency in bones will lead to osteoporosis.
According to studies, osteoporosis is more common in women than men. Presently, osteoporosis threatens around 44 million people in the US, and almost 70% of these Americans are women. It is known that smoking can reduce the production of estrogen in women, and this can result in premature menopause in women. Premature menopause will in turn lead to a significant reduction in bone density.
Quit Smoking to Counter Osteoporosis
One of the best ways to manage osteoporosis is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is not an easy task, but there are a number of effective strategies that can help smokers quit successfully. Some of these strategies include natural smoking cessation, medication and alternative therapies. Those who wish to quit smoking the natural way can follow the “cold turkey” method, which requires smokers to stop smoking once and for all, or the gradual quitting method, which helps smokers get rid of their habit by gradually decreasing consumption. A variety of smoking cessation drugs have been proven to be effective, and they include the nicotine patch, nicotine inhaler and nicotine gum. As for alternative therapies, smokers can try acupuncture, hypnosis and herbal remedies. It is advisable that smokers consult a physician before they try to quit smoking by taking medications or undergoing alternative therapies.
