DRINK LESS FOR STRONG BONES

Heavy drinking is a health risk for many reasons, including the effects on bones.

Calcium is an essential nutrient for healthy bones, and alcohol is its enemy. 

"Alcohol has multiple effects on calcium," "The bones deteriorate because not enough calcium is getting into bones and the body is leaching it away from bones."

How Does Alcohol Harm Your Bones?

When you imbibe too much of alcohol every day the stomach does not absorb calcium adequately, 


Alcohol interferes with the pancreas and its absorption of calcium and vitamin D. 


Alcohol also affects the liver, which is important for activating vitamin D which is also important for calcium absorption.


Alcohol decreases estrogen and can lead to irregular periods. As estrogen declines, bone remodeling slows and leads to bone loss.

High levels of cortisol seen in people with alcoholism can decrease bone formation and increase bone breakdown.

Chronic alcohol consumption also increases parathyroid hormone, which leaches calcium from the bone, 

Also, excess alcohol kills osteoblasts, the bone-making cells,

To compound the problem, nutritional deficiencies from heavy drinking can lead to peripheral neuropathy nerve damage to hands and feet.

Drinking and Your Risk of Fracture

Heavy drinkers are more likely to suffer frequent fractures due to brittle bones and nerve damage, especially hip and spine fractures,

If you're a smoker, it's important that you quit that habit, too. "If you are a heavy drinker who also smokes, it makes your bone problems even worse," "You need to quit both habits, or osteoporosis treatment is not going to work."

 Saying 'yes' to healthy living is a good first step, 

"Take the focus off 'not drinking' or 'not smoking’”

 and

   Save your Bones.