People have been drinking alcohol for thousands of years, but it’s only in the past few decades that the dangers of alcohol have been researched.
Alcohol has since been linked to numerous diseases and illnesses, some treatable and others life-threatening. Osteoporosis has been added to this list of diseases that can result from alcoholism. The link between alcohol and osteoporosis includes disruptions in the way the body functions and its overall state. This disease can change a person’s life completely, preventing them from enjoying the things they normally would.
At Banyan Massachusetts, we want to help those suffering from alcoholism avoid as many health problems as possible. With programs like our alcohol addiction program, these individuals can get the help they need to recover.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density and bone fragility. It weakens bones and makes them more prone to fracturing or breaking. These fractures or breaks can cause pain and possible disability. This disease is known as a silent one because it can progress for many years without symptoms until a fracture or break occurs. This disease can cause disability and prevent a person from living a full and healthy life. At our rehab facility in Massachusetts, we can help people battling alcoholism transition into a sober life.
Drinking and Osteoporosis
Alcohol has been known to cause problems in the immune system, endocrine system, reproductive system, as well as cancers and other kinds of diseases. Alcoholism can also leave the body more susceptible to other illnesses and diseases. The link between alcohol and osteoporosis stems from its effects on bone health and the production of calcium.
Alcoholism interferes with bone health in several different ways.
Some of these include:1
- Imbalance in calcium
- Disruption in vitamin D production
- Hormone deficiency
- Disruption in the production of osteoblasts, which stimulate bone formation
- Decrease in estrogen production
- Elevated cortisol levels
- Increase in fractures or breaks as a result of physical imbalance
Alcohol and bone density go hand in hand. This substance disrupts the balance of calcium and the liver, both of which are needed to produce vitamin D and maintain bone health. Alcohol decreases the levels of hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which are a necessary part of calcium absorption. It can also increase the level of cortisol and the parathyroid hormone in the body. Cortisol decreases bone formation and breaks down the bone over time, and parathyroid drains the calcium out of the bone.
Many alcohol drinkers may not know that alcohol and bone density loss are connected. Alcoholism can cause various health problems, and osteoporosis is only one of them. In our 12-step program, people can overcome the disease of addiction and learn how to live a life of sobriety. Recovery can be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
If you or a loved one are consumed by drug and alcohol abuse, do not wait to get help. Call us now 888-280-4763.
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