Confirmed: Stress Reduces Bone Density

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Lifestyle

Evidence-Based
3 min Read

“We can’t control the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” This is more than just one of my favorite quotes. Remembering its wisdom-filled words during the difficult times that followed my shocking osteoporosis diagnosis, back in 2004 helped me mitigate the effects of that stressful period in my life.

The stress quickly evaporated once I discovered the truth about osteoporosis, and that it can be reversed naturally.

But sometimes, stress can become chronic, and that needs to be addressed, especially since…

Excess Stress Hurts Our Health and Our Bones

Reducing stress is crucial to bone health as well as to our general health. You see, short-term stress releases chemicals into the bloodstream, and in particular the hormone cortisol, that give the brain and the body a temporary boost.

But if stress continues over the long-term, the same biological compounds that can improve certain abilities can end up doing some real damage to our mental, emotional and physical health. As far as the latter is concerned, the most common symptoms are elevated blood pressure and glucose, digestive issues, cardiovascular symptoms, and even a compromised immune system.

Study Proves Cortisol Reduces Bone Density

In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I wrote that cortisol has a detrimental impact on bone health. To give you one example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has shown greater bone mineral density loss when higher cortisol levels are found in the blood.1

So in order to stay healthy, it’s important to remember that…

Psychology and Physiology are Linked

The ancient Latin quote “mens sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a healthy body) sums it up best. We can’t expect complete health if we overlook our state of mind, and vice versa. If you have the Program, chances are you’re already following some steps to reign over your stress. But sometimes you might need a little more targeted help.

One of the most effective ways to dramatically lower your stress level and protect yourself from stress-related physical and emotional problems is meditation. It has been shown to dramatically lower stress levels by reducing the amount of stress hormones the body makes, and by increasing the hormones and neurochemicals that allow us to relax.

Stay healthy!

References

1 Dennison E at al. “Profiles of Endogenous Circulating Cortisol and Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Elderly Men.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. September 1, 1999 vol. 84 no. 9 3058-3063. doi: 10.1210/jc.84.9.3058