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World Youth Day: As more youngsters get addicted to smoking, know how it impacts the bones

Smoking can affect organs at any age. However, childhood and teenage years are the prime time for building bone mass and health. Doctors say that smoking at that age can severely constrict the skeleton and cause bone-related ailments like osteoporosis in later life.

Ashima Sharda Mahindra

Updated Aug 12, 2022, 08:25 IST

Nicotine and toxins in cigarettes affect bone health and generate a staggering number of free radicals that attack the immune system, rendering it weak and open to infections.

New Delhi: Tobacco is one of the world's leading reasons of death, killing almost 6 million people every year, according to statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, most smokers take up the habit in their teenage years.

On World Youth Day it is important to note that teenagers who smoke accumulate less bone during the growth period and carry a higher risk of developing various diseases later in life.

According to statistics globally the number of youths who smoke is estimated to be around 24 million.

How does smoking impact bones?

Health experts believe that nicotine and toxins in cigarettes affect bone health and generate a staggering number of free radicals that attack the immune system, rendering it weak and open to infections.
Smoking also makes bone loss worse during the menopausal years and adds to increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that leads to bone breakdown.
Smoking upsets the production and balance of hormones like estrogen that keep the bones strong and sturdy.
Nicotine in tobacco kills osteoblasts, the bone-making body cells and so whenever a young person suffers a fracture, it takes a long time to heal because of obstructive blood supply to the blood vessels.

Improving bone health

It is very important that beyond quitting smoking, the youth should focus on strengthening and protecting bones for the future. Make sure to:

Exercise regularly to encourage healthy bone replacement
Eat a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D so that bones become stronger. Eat green leafy vegetables, low fat dairy products and take supplements with doctor’s advice.
Avoid excessive alcohol as along with smoking, drinking also interferes with absorption of calcium and vitamin D
Get a bone density checkup done regularly.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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