It’s a well-documented fact that alcohol does more harm than good to your body. It raises your risk of accidents, sickness, liver damage, and alcohol dependency.
What’s not widely known, however, is the effects of alcohol on bone health. But according to the National Institutes of Health, people who recover from alcoholism often develop osteoporosis; a condition that makes the bones dense and prone to fracture.
Our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton reminds us that, while drinking alcohol this holiday season might be fun and cannot be tantamount to alcoholism, it might still be a good idea to reconsider binging on beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks for the following reasons:
1. Alcohol can cause a calcium deficiency in your bones.
When you’re body is filled with alcohol, your bone cannot absorb and store calcium nutrients efficiently. When the levels of calcium fall, it makes your body prone to bone breakdown and inhibits new bone formation.
2. Alcohol disrupts the liver and pancreas functions that are supposed to help with calcium absorption.
Drinking 2 to 3 ounces of alcohol every day can disrupt the organs in your stomach, particularly the pancreas and the liver. Not many people know this, but these organs are vital to how the body absorbs vitamin D and calcium, which are both crucial to bone health.
3. Alcohol consumption affects your gait.
When you’re drunk on alcohol, it makes it more difficult to walk or stand properly. If you fall more frequently or have episodes of losing your balance while moving, then you’re raising your risk of a hip or spine fracture. Experts in orthopedics in Palm Beach County warn that if you’re already calcium-deficient from drinking alcohol, your body will find it harder to heal if you do sustain a fracture.
4. Alcohol affects hormone production.
Hormones promote bone strength, bone cell building, and the body’s stress response. If you consume alcohol excessively, you’re basically saying yes to faster bone deterioration. An increase in the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which is seen in patients who are chronic alcohol drinkers, has a negative impact on bone growth.
Avoiding Alcohol this Holiday
Drinking alcoholic beverages has become the norm to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. But going alcohol-free is still possible.
If you’re hosting the party, it’s better to serve non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re attending someone else’s Christmas or New Year’s celebration, you can volunteer to be the designated driver so that you won’t have to be pressured to drink. Or better yet, express your resolve to stay away from alcohol even when others are celebrating. Be motivated to go alcohol-free knowing that you’re doing your body and your bones a huge favor.
Want to learn more about alcohol’s effect on bone health? Experts in Orthopedics, Palm Beach County can help
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology – you are in good hands.
If you’re a chronic drinker and you’re concerned about the status of your bone health, don’t hesitate to consult our specialist Orthopedics, Boca Raton to get a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis of your health condition. You can also request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
