5 health conditions that increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone loss
Bone degeneration is among the leading age-related health issues worldwide. Around 33% of women and 20% of men over 50 are at risk of osteoporosis. It is a disorder where bone density and mass reduction cause the bones to become so brittle that even a simple fall, cough, or sneeze can damage them. While anyone can develop osteoporosis and bone loss, the risk is higher in people with the following health conditions:
Hyperthyroidism
This condition results from an overactive thyroid gland present at the base of the neck. Health experts suggest that an overactive thyroid increases the number of bone-remodeling cycles. And the more the number of these cycles, the more bone loss. So, it is necessary to keep a tab on the thyroid levels to prevent such complications.
Arthritis
Various forms of arthritis like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis also increase the risk of bone loss. Arthritis causes weakening and inflammation of joints, which triggers the problem. Also, most forms of arthritis are managed with treatments that provide relief from its symptoms but inhibit the activity of bone-building cells. Hence, it is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid arthritis in the first place.
Diabetes
Research is still underway to understand how type 1 diabetes causes bone loss. Several health experts believe high blood sugar levels interfere with bone formation, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Diabetics are at a greater risk of developing fractures that might not heal faster due to both slow bone formation and diabetes.
Asthma
While asthma is not directly responsible for increasing the risk of bone loss, the treatment options for managing its symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing contribute to osteoporosis. Moreover, people with asthma cannot participate in intense exercises, making it difficult to achieve good bone health.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease results from an allergy to a specific protein in food called gluten. This protein is mainly found in grains like wheat and rye. People with celiac disease suffer from damage to the lining of their digestive system. This can interfere with the absorption of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, leading to bone loss.
