Refraining from alcohol lowers the risk of osteoporosis

As sports activities and abstinence from alcohol reduce the risk of osteoporosis

04.10.2012

The renunciation of alcohol already improves after eight weeks of abstinence the bone density of alcohol-dependent patients. This resulted in a study of the Medical University of Innsbruck. According to study results, physical activity should also have a positive influence on bone metabolism and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Counteract with alcohol abstinence and sports osteoporosis
Osteoporosis mainly occurs in the elderly. Women are affected about five times more frequently after menopause than men. As scientists of the Medical University of Innsbruck found out back in 2010, alcoholism also increases the risk of osteoporosis in young men. The follow-up study showed that the bone density of alcohol addicts improved significantly already after a abstinence phase of eight weeks. The results also indicate that physical activity also has a positive effect on bone metabolism. The study results were published in the journal "Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research".

Peter Malik from the Innsbruck University Clinic for Biological Psychiatry led the follow-up study. "We found that after eight weeks of abstinence, there was almost a balance between bone growth and degradation, which in turn suggests a direct effect of alcohol on the function of bone-forming cells," explains the expert. In addition, the results indicate a positive correlation between physical activity and bone metabolism. "Our results show that those alcohol-dependent patients who also move regularly while drinking have better bone density. That's why abstinence therapy programs should always include physiotherapy and sports programs, "says Malik. He generally advises bone density measurements in alcoholics, especially if additional risk factors are added to those affected, such as nicotine consumption or drug intake with a negative impact on bone metabolism.

Early treatment of osteoporosis may prevent further progression
Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases that occur in old age. Due to the metabolic disease of the bone more bone mass is broken down than newly formed. As a result, the skeleton suffers a loss of stability and bone fractures increase. The causes of osteoporosis include genetic factors, but also estrogen deficiency after menopause, permanent cortisone intake, thyroid overfunction or other diseases. The lifestyle, especially the diet, also has a decisive influence. Lack of physical activity is beneficial for osteoporosis.

To prevent the disease, therefore, doctors recommend regular exercise, calcium-rich diet and a sufficient supply of vitamin D. The consumption of "bone robbers" such as nicotine and alcohol and phosphate-rich foods such as meat or sausage, cola or coffee should be avoided.

Sometimes a simple bone density measurement is sufficient to diagnose osteoporosis. Computed tomography, blood tests or mobility tests by an orthopedist can also provide information. If there is a diagnosis for osteoporosis, a drug therapy takes place. A number of drug substances specifically counteract the bone loss while stimulating their structure, so that fractures can be prevented. In addition, if necessary, the spine may be stabilized by surgery or replace an unstable joint to avoid further injury. Early treatment will help halt the progression of osteoporosis in many patients, reduce the risk of complications, and even increase bone density. (Ag)

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