Myriad Detrimental Effects of Smoking on Bone Health

Irrespective of age, effects of smoking on a person’s bone health cannot be overlooked.

From infancy till thirty years of age are the most important years when bone mass builds up and develops. Smoking during adolescence would hamper optimal bone mass development leading to a smaller skeletal structure and lesser bone mass in comparison to a non-smoker.

Effects of smoking on bone health continue even in forty and fifty year old people. Females in 40-50 years age group start losing estrogen that is vital for bones and those who indulge in smoking face swifter bone loss with greater associated complications.

Deleterious effects of smoking to Bone Health

Nicotine and toxic constituents present in a cigarette affects bone health in a multitude of ways. Cigarette smoke generate vast quantities of free radicals which are particles assaulting and overwhelming the body’s innate defence system resulting in a string of unfavourable overall damaging reactions inclusive of all cell, organ and hormone types that play a part in maintaining ideal bone health.

Toxic constituents disturb the hormonal balance (such estrogen) needed for strong bones. As a consequence, the liver would produce greater amounts of estrogen-obliterating enzymes that are causal to bone loss. Menopausal women face the maximum damage as it further worsens bone loss which only augments the already existent bone mass loss.

Moreover, Nicotine & free radicals obliterate the bone-producing cells (osteoblasts) and even harms blood vessels leading to pitiable blood delivery of oxygen. Recurrent fractures are prevalent among smokers and researches have shown that after suffering fracture, smokers have unsatisfactory healing due to improper blood delivery.

Since blood vessel damage occurs due to smoking, additionally harm to nerves in the lower extremities is also inevitable that could cause further falls and bone fractures. Smoking is known to raise risk of suffering fracture twofold and heavy smoking raises that risk even further.

Could Smoke Cessation bring about improvement in Bone Health?

Bone development is a gradual process taking protracted times for fixing the damages inflicted due to smoking, many of which are irreparable. The time for recovery is directly proportional to how heavy smoking a person has indulged in.

However, a latest study shows that subsequent to a year’s time of staying smoke-free, a set of women in their post-menopause phase showed improvement in their bone density in comparison to those women that kept smoking.

Handy Pointers for Smoke Cessation

The best way to quit smoking is cutting back on the habit and phasing it out. Specialists recommend setting a relinquish date and sticking to that, getting help and support, getting and using medicines and being ready for a likely setback.

Most importantly, deciding on what one would do in place of smoking is a crucial aspect of ceasing smoking. It all boils down to opting for living a healthy life without dependence on the awful habit of smoking.