Air Pollution Can Affect Your Bones - Study

At a time when Delhi, capital of the country, is reeling under serious threat of air pollution and smog, a new study further throws an alarming bell among its residents.

Air pollution causing serious respiratory and lung disease is a very common phenomena, but air pollution causing bone fracture is something very unusual. But a new study has found that exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of bone fractures by causing loss of mineral density.

The study held that high rates of hospital admissions for bone fractures were found in communities with elevated levels of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a major component of air pollution.

For the study, the researchers had taken into consideration osteoporosis-related fracture hospital admissions among 9.2 million people between 2003-2010. During the study it was found that even a small increase in PM2.5 concentrations would lead to an increase in bone fractures in older adults.

The follow-up was conducted for another eight years among 692 middle- aged, low-income adults. Researchers found that participants living in areas with higher levels of PM2.5 and black carbon, a component of air pollution from automotive emissions, had lower levels of parathyroid hormone (a key calcium and bone-related hormone) and greater decreases in bone mineral density.

According to the researchers, the particulate matter, including PM2.5, is known to cause systemic oxidative damage and inflammation, and this in turn could accelerate bone loss and increase risk of bone fractures in older individuals.

The study was recently published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.

Meanwhile, here is a must have diet for stronger bones. Take a look.

1. Include Dairy Products:
Having a good amount of calcium in the body is essential in order to have strong bones. Including dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt on a regular basis helps in having strong bones and prevents osetoarthritis.

2. Tofu:
Tofu is one of the best food to include for stronger bones. Tofu is rich in protein, iron and other bone healthy minerals like manganese, selenium and phosphorous.

3. Include Nuts:
Nuts contains essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy fats that are needed to keep the bones healthy. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts are few of the nuts that are considered good for the bones. Snacking on a handful of nuts on a regular basis helps.

4. Green Vegetables:
Green vegetables are a must have for good bone health. Rich source of calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C and phytonutrients all contribute in making the bones healthy. Spinach, broccoli and cabbage are a few of the best green vegetables that helps in having healthy bones.

5. Eggs:
Eggs are yet another important source of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role is keeping the bones healthy. This apart, eggs also contain a significant amount of calcium. Having boiled eggs in boiled form helps.

(With Agency Inputs)