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A recent study suggests that individuals living in “green” neighborhoods may have a lower risk of developing Osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones vulnerable to fractures due to weakness.
A recent research has discovered that residing in more environmentally-friendly regions is correlated with stronger bone density and a reduced likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
Scholars suggested that reduced levels of air pollution in environmentally-friendly communities may play a role.
However, they note that osteoporosis is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The study, which was published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, analyzed information from nearly 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank research.
During the extensive research, data has been gathered on individuals’ level of exposure to green environments, assessed by a widely utilized method known as the normalised difference vegetation index. This index utilizes satellite images to calculate the amount of greenery in a person’s residential location.
The Biobank research also offers information on various health results, such as the presence or development of specific conditions like osteoporosis, and their estimates of bone mineral density (BMD).
The study also factored in the genetic risk scores of participants, as reported by researchers.
According to a new study (PA), those living in areas with abundant foliage may have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
The participants in the research had a mean age of 56 and were monitored for an average duration of 12 years.
Within the monitoring period, 9,307 individuals received a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Analysis using statistics showed that individuals living in more environmentally friendly communities had greater bone strength and a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis during the follow-up period.
The researchers from Central South University in Changsha, China, conducted a nationwide prospective cohort study to investigate how living in a green area might affect bone health.
This study’s results suggest that living near green spaces is linked to increased bone density and a reduced chance of developing osteoporosis.
According to them, the connection between levels of greenery and osteoporosis was determined to be influenced to some extent by air pollution.
According to prior research, being exposed to polluted air can affect bones by causing a deficiency in vitamin D, disrupting hormonal balance, inducing inflammation, and causing “oxidative stress”.
Additionally, the researchers note that residing in a neighborhood with more vegetation may provide individuals with increased chances to engage in physical activity, which may contribute to lowering the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
According to the authors, there is a stronger relationship between greenery and osteoporosis for those with a lower genetic risk.
Sarah Leyland, a clinical advisor at the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), shared her thoughts on the study, stating that the ROS is pleased to see research examining the potential link between our environment and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. She also noted that these issues are expected to become more prevalent as our population ages.
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Unfortunately, this study does not offer any conclusive proof that green spaces have a positive impact on bone health.
Having access to outdoor areas for physical activity and working out will greatly contribute to developing and maintaining strong bones throughout our lifetime.
Source: independent.co.uk
