Not Only Disturbing Mental Health, Prolonged Stress Can Affect Bone Health

Stress has long been more commonly associated with difficulty sleeping, mood swings, or reduced concentration. However, its impact does not stop at mental health. Stress that lasts for a long time can also affect bone condition and contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis.

This was explained by the National Osteoporosis Foundation South Africa (NOFSA) in an article titled “The Link between Stress, Mental Health and Bone Health” published on 17 July 2024. NOFSA explains that the relationship between mental health and bones involves various biological, psychological and lifestyle factors.

Stress is actually the body’s natural response when facing pressure or threat. Under normal conditions, this response helps a person cope with difficult situations. Problems can arise when stress occurs continuously.

One of the hormones that plays a role in the stress response is cortisol. According to NOFSA, persistently high cortisol levels can inhibit the activity of bone-forming cells, or osteoblasts, while increasing the process of bone tissue breakdown by osteoclasts. This condition can affect bone density.

In other words, chronic stress not only makes the body feel tired, but can also disrupt the natural processes that maintain bone strength.

The relationship becomes more complex when stress develops into anxiety disorders or depression. People experiencing mental health problems may experience changes in eating patterns, move less, or adopt less healthy habits.

NOFSA also notes a link between depression and lower bone mineral density. Meanwhile, anxiety disorders are associated with an increased risk of fractures. Research in both humans and animals also provides an indication of the possible link between chronic stress and bone mass loss.

Maintaining bone health is apparently not enough just by paying attention to calcium intake. Managing stress is also an important part of a more holistic approach.

NOFSA recommends regular physical activity as well as stress management techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT. Calcium intake, vitamin D and a nutritious diet are also still needed to support bone health.

Ultimately, caring for your bones means caring for your body as a whole. Maintaining mental health, staying active, eating nutritiously and paying attention to bone health can be simple steps to maintain quality of life in the long term.