Venturing into space is the ultimate adventure, filled with sights the vast majority of humans will never be able to experience. However, living in a gravity-free environment has significant health risks for humans, including osteoporosis and kidney stones. Here why this occurs and how astronauts—and you—can maintain and increase bone mass.

Understanding Space & Bone Loss

What Causes Bone Loss in Space?

Floating through space is certainly exhilarating, but it can also be difficult on the muscles and skeletal system. Because of the reduced loading stimuli of gravity, bones lose mass, resulting in osteoporosis. The average proximal femoral bone has been shown to lose about 1.5% of its mass per month, or about 10% of its total mass over a six-month stay in space, and it takes three to four years to return to its normal state.

While people on Earth absorb nearly all the calcium they ingest, astronauts lose about 250 milligrams a day during space flight. This increases the risk of developing kidney stones since the body excretes calcium through the kidneys and bladder.

How Do Astronauts Prevent Extreme Symptoms?

To ward off this extreme bone loss, astronauts exercise vigorously in space—about two and a half hours a day. This helps provide resistance for their bones, even during zero-gravity space flight. Astronauts also consume a diet designed for their nutritional needs. Meals contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, and some space flight teams have even taken medication like bisphosphonates to help ward off osteoporosis.

You don’t have to be journeying into space to experience bone loss. Osteoporosis is common for those on the surface of the planet, but you can boost your musculoskeletal strength with help from the team at OsteoStrong O’Fallon. Based in St. Charles County, MO, this biohack system focuses on osteogenic loading to improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Learn more about their innovative techniques by visiting them online, and call (636) 238-8696 to schedule a session.