Most people know that drinking alcohol is harmful to the liver, but few know that the more you drink, the more brittle your bones become. A survey in the United States found that long-term heavy drinking is a major cause of osteoporosis in men. Excessive alcohol consumption makes bones brittle.
Why does excessive drinking lead to osteoporosis?
When the body has an excessive amount of alcohol, it inhibits the normal metabolism of bone cells. The bone destroyed is greater than the bone formed, leading to a loss of bone mass, which gradually results in osteoporosis. Furthermore, the suppressed activity of bone cells in drinkers interferes with the absorption and utilization of calcium and magnesium, which is also an important factor in inducing and exacerbating osteoporosis.