Is Alcohol Good for Bones?
Though there are numerous studies which still suggest that alcohol is dangerous for the bones, there are some like these which claim that moderate alcohol consumption is essential for promoting bone health. Researchers go a step ahead in stating that a drink or two is not harmful but helpful in reducing the risks of osteoporosis in women and also in protecting the bones against fractures.
33 separate studies combined together have arrived at the conclusion that “moderate” drinking can help restore bone health by lowering the risks of hip fracture and lower bone mass.
Studies revealed that as against people who completely restricted themselves to alcohol consumption, those who did drink about half to one cup of alcohol in one day were reported to be 20% less prone to the risks of hip fractures. In addition, people who drank more than 2 drinks in one day were 39% more likely to suffer from hip fractures.
For women, moderate drinking implies one drink and less in one day while for men it implies two drinks and less in one day.
“Bones” are living and growing tissues. Bone mass is maintained through a process called “remodeling” which regulates the removal and replacement of bones. Experts opine that a number of things contribute to healthy building bones right from one’s childhood to adulthood.
Some healthy actions for healthy bone building include:
- Eating a balanced diet that includes calcium, vitamins and minerals
- Regular exercise and activity
- Protecting bones against injury or fall
- Limited alcohol consumption
- Avoiding excessive dieting
- Medical or professional help for building healthy bones
Healthy living is the “key” to better building bones.
A study conducted on women at London’s St. Thomas Hospital also reveals that women who took an average of 8 drinks in a week had denser bones than who consumed little. Though it was not ascertained that moderate alcohol consumption led to bone growth, it did reveal that moderate drinking contributed to greater mineral bone density.
Again, though some studies are very clear about excessive smoking and drinking affecting the bones, UK researchers claim that moderate drinking of beer can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis because of the high silicon contents which is required for bone formation.
Though experts are not certain about how alcohol consumption can affect bone density, some opine that hormones can explain. It is speculated that alcohol increases he circulation of estrogen which contribute in strong and healthy bones.
