Understanding The Value Of Online Personal Training

The Connection Between Men, Smoking, And Osteoporosis

28 April 2017

Edward Payne

Osteoporosis is a problem that is typically more common in women than men. However, men who smoke heavily dramatically increase their chance of developing this disease. Here is why men need to quit smoking immediately and the osteoporosis treatments they can get to manage this disease.

Smoking Is A Secondary Cause In Men

While aging is the primary cause of osteoporosis, smoking is one of the main secondary causes of this problem in men. What is interesting is that smoking can also lead to two other secondary causes of osteoporosis: excessive alcohol consumption and pulmonary diseases.

Alcohol and tobacco use are often connected. In fact, studies show that men who smoke regularly are four times more likely to drink alcohol regularly. These bad habits lead to the development of dangerous pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, that can cause a further complication of osteoporosis.

Why Smoking Causes This Problem

So why exactly does smoking cause osteoporosis in men? It starts by releasing free radicals in the body that attack the body's natural defenses. When these chemicals are released, the body act in a dramatic way. For example, your liver will start releasing problematic chemicals and your mind will release high levels of cortisol, which leaches nutrients from bones.

As this problem spreads, bone density will start disappearing in the body. This issue is especially problematic if men start smoking very early in life. As a result, it is important to manage this situation quickly and to do what is necessary to stop it from becoming a major problem.

Treatment For This Problem

The first step in managing this problem is to quit smoking immediately. While men usually have an easier time quitting smoking than women, that is not always the case. There are many gender differences that influence a person's need to smoke. Men need to identify why they smoke and find a method that works for them. Talking to a doctor can help here.

After quitting smoking, it is important to begin exercising regularly and to increase intake of calcium and vitamin D. However, some medications can help manage this problem. There are currently four medicines used for osteoporosis in men, including Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast IV, and Forteo SQ. The type used will vary, depending on the unique need of the man.

While osteoporosis is not as common in men as it is in women, those men who smoke may already have put themselves at risk of developing it. That's why it is so important to manage this disease early and minimize its potential spread.

Share