Winter Maladies: Natural Approaches
June Russell's Health Facts
Smoking - Osteoporosis
Hip fracture is higher in smokers, as smoking undermines bone strength and increases the likelihood of osteoporosis. (Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, Health after 50, June 2001)
The tissue of smokers does not get an adequate blood supply to promote healing, and smokers are at a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Male smokers are also affected because smoking negatively affects the production of bone cells. Women who smoke, because of their earlier menopause (an average of 5 years earlier) add to the risk of osteoporosis. (“Smokers at a Higher Risk for Osteoporosis,” seniorhealth.about.com - March 2001)
Cigarettes don't just damage the heart and lungs - they also interfere with the healing of bone and muscle injuries, and they lead to higher rates of complications after surgery. (CBS HealthWatch, Aug. 2000)
Smoking delays the healing of fractures, and in some smokers bone healing is indefinitely delayed. Nicotine restricts blood flow to all tissues (that is why smokers have grey rather than pink skin), especially in the newly forming tissues that are involved in bone repair. Furthermore, tobacco smoke chemicals are poisons that also inhibit the development of new tissue cells. (Physician and Sportsmedicine, Oct. 1998, in Health Gazette newsletter, Nov./Dec. 1998)
Women with a smoking history have significantly lower bone density and are much more likely to suffer fractures that those who never lit up. Smoking decreases estrogen levels. (Tufts University Newsletter, May 2000)
Smoking, which causes the liver to metabolize estrogen faster than normal, increases osteoporosis risk. Tobacco use also leads to increased risk of early menopause which can accelerate bone weakness - one of the many reasons not to smoke. (“Your Health,” Energy Times magazine, 1998)
Studies show that women who use tobacco have a 50% higher risk of osteoporosis than nonsmokers. (“Healthy Living,” McCall’s, April 2000)
Older women who smoke have poorer muscle strength, agility and balance,
and generally feel older than their nonsmoking contemporaries. (JAMA, in ASH
newsletter, Jan./Feb. 1995)