Osteoporosis is a disease which decreases the density of the bones and causes the bones to become weak and brittle. According to the Mayo Clinic, a mild fall, bending or even coughing can cause bones weakened by osteoporosis to break. Bone density naturally reduces with age, but certain factors like medication and diet can speed up the decrease of bone density.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Some medications, both prescription and non-prescription, can lead to a decrease in bone density over time. One such type of medication is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. While these drugs help relive pain for short-term relief, they can cause a loss of bone density when taken for a long period of time. Dr. Stuart B. Goodman says in "The Journal of Orthopedic Surgery," NSAIDs inhibit fracture healing, which causes a decrease in bone density over time.
Contraceptive Pills
A study reported in the January 2010 issue of "Contraception Journal" showed a decline in bone density among women 19 to 30 years old that paralleled the length of time they were taking contraceptive pills. Those who had been on the pill the longest showed the greatest decline in bone density. The density was lowest on the women who took the pill for over two years and who were taking a pill with a low dose of estrogen.
Diet
Studies conducted at Purdue University found that overweight, postmenopausal women were more prone to bone density decrease if they tried to lose weight by eating a protein-rich diet. Women in two different studies were placed on diets to lose weight. One group ate a "normal protein" diet, while the second group ate a diet high in protein. Both studies showed the same results. All participating women lost approximately the same amount of weight, but those eating the high protein diet also lost more bone mass.
Smoking
Smoking has been linked to decreased bone mass for many years, although it is not clear whether the decrease in bone density is due to the direct inhalation of tobacco products or the lifestyle shared by many smokers. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease says that in many cases, smokers are thinner than non-smokers, they tend to drink more alcohol, exercise less frequently and eat foods that are less healthy. All these factors contribute to decreased bone density. Some evidence also shows smokers to be at a higher risk for bone fracture, and those who do break bones take longer to heal.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Osteoporosis
- "Journal of Orthopedic Surgery"; Effects of Medications on Bone; SB Goodman; Aug. 2007
- Contraception Journal: Oral contraceptive use and bone density in adolescent and young adult women
- The Medical News: Dietary protein intake may reduce bone density in overweight, postmenopausal women: Research
- The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease: Smoking and Bone Health
