Weak Bones? Could It Be Your Gut?

Tests for Osteoporosis

While there is an obvious link between Vitamin D, Calcium and Osteoporosis, did you ever think your digestion could decide how strong your bones are? Poor nutrient absorption due to celiac disease or faulty gut microbiome can also lead to Osteoporosis. Why is it called a silent disease? Because it doesn't show up in a regular x-ray untill 30% of the bone mass is lost. Unless you break a bone, you dont go around looking for Osteoporosis. What to look out for instead? Low impact fractures of the spine and hip are one of the markers. 

Let’s go back to the start first. What is Osteoporosis? 

Bone is a living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis happens when replacement doesnt happen at the same rate as breaking down. This causes our bones to become weak and brittle that even a cough could cause it to break. While it can affect anybody, asian women at menopausal age are most prone to it. The first signs to look out for are muscle weakness and muscle fatigue.

A quick parental hack here: How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. Humans can attain bone mass uptil their early 20s, after which this process slows down. By 30s, most people reach their peak bone mass. Get your kids moving, people. Movement is like depositing cash in your account. Just in this case, it's better bone mass in your children.

Get ahead of the disease with these tests for diagnosing it:

While imaging tests/ scans are the primary means to detect it, certain blood tests (directly or indirectly) could also help you identify and treat early.

Gut profile: Gut permeability, i.e. leaky gut can lead to increased bone loss. A diet high in fiber is associated with better bone mass. Diet and exercise can, in this case, lead a patient to remission. 

Thyroid: An excess of thyroid hormone  can increase the rate of bone loss and if it continues for a long period then there is a higher risk of developing osteoporosis

Vitamin D: Helps identify the risk of bone loss and fractures. It also assists in absorption of calcium. 

Calcium: If the body doesnt get enough calcium from food sources, it draws the same from the bones, making them weak. After all calcium is the building block of bones. 

Rheumatoid Athritis: Population suffering from RA is prone to getting osteoprosis because of lack of exercise and steroid use. 

Diabetes: Sugar and bone health are related. Sugar speeds up bone deterioration and can increase the risk of fractures in young and elderly alike. It basically sets the stage for osteoporosis from an early age itself. 

Simple advice for maintaining bone health:

• Monitor and maintain Vitamin D and Calcium levels.
• Include movement. Engage in physical activity daily
• Reduce Sugar
• Pay attention to your hormones
• Eat all colours: more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods