5 Health Conditions That May Cause Bone Loss
Old age and osteoporosis are two of the biggest reasons for loss of bone density. More than 53 million people in the country suffer from osteoporosis or are at-risk. In its most severe form, it can cause a fracture from something as simple as a hard sneeze or cough. But loss of bone-density can also be caused by other health conditions, some of which may be surprising as these conditions are not bone-related diseases.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition where the body doesn’t renew the bone material fast enough, resulting in the bones becoming fragile. When it affects the bones, the holes in the honeycomb structure keep getting larger, reducing the density and making them weak and fragile.
Gender, age, family history, and even lifestyle choices are some risk factors for this condition. Women tend to get osteoporosis more often than men, and it becomes more likely with age. People with a family history of the illness are also at higher risk.
The condition can be diagnosed with a bone density test that measures the amount of minerals in the bones. Low bone density is an indication of osteoporosis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
RA is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to bone loss. The exact cause of this type of arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
RA affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also damage other tissues in the body, including the bones. Bone loss occurs when the inflammatory process damages the bone-forming cells, leading to thinning of the bones and an increased risk of fractures.
Lifestyle changes like exercising daily and reducing stress can also help manage the condition. However, one must see a doctor for properly treating RA.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease affects the digestive system and makes one intolerant to gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, their immune system reacts and damages the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to problems in absorbing nutrients from food, including calcium and vitamin D. Over time, this can lead to bone loss.
While celiac disease cannot be cured, it can be managed by going gluten-free. Those with this condition should be careful when choosing foods, as even a trace amount of gluten may cause damage to the intestine.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease, though not directly affecting the bones, may lead to bone loss. The disease causes the kidneys to not function properly, forcing them to work harder to remove phosphorus from the body. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands (in the neck) to keep calcium levels balanced in the bloodstream. When the kidneys cannot balance the phosphorus and calcium in the body, this hormone moves calcium from the bones to the bloodstream. This loss of calcium can cause bone loss. Kidney disease is also a risk factor for osteoporosis, which causes bone loss.
Diabetes
Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which prevent bone-forming cells — osteoblasts — from building bones. This can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures. People with diabetes are at a risk of developing osteoporosis where the bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures.
How to prevent bone loss
Apart from these health conditions, thyroid problems and vitamin D deficiency can also cause bone loss. A physician will be able to assess risk factors and determine any precautions to be taken or lifestyle changes to be made to prevent it.
One must exercise regularly and get enough calcium and vitamin D to prevent bone loss as these are essential for strong bones. These nutrients can be absorbed from foods like milk, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables.
While there are many health conditions that can cause bone loss and lead to serious problems like osteoporosis, there are ways to combat the effects and alleviate pain. With early diagnosis and treatment, one can help prevent bone loss and keep bones healthy and strong.
