Doctor answers weird theory about people who’ve never broken a bone
Spend more than a few minutes down the rabbit hole titled 'spiritual explanations for day-to-day occurrences' then you'll likely be aware of the theory that never breaking a bone is a sign of divine intervention.
But if you've somehow missed the memo, a TikToker recently went viral after claiming that anyone who hasn't spent an extended period of time in cast is 'protected by the higher powers' or possess a lot of 'good karma'.
Which is of course a pretty comforting theory, but it's one which is pretty difficult to measure the accuracy of.
So what does it mean if you've never broken a bone? Well, it can actually be down to a mix of genetic, lifestyle and health reasons, according to Dr Suhail Hussain and The Royal Osteoporosis Society.
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Why some people more likely to break a bone, explained
Although believing you've been divinely chosen or protected by the power of good deeds is something which will no doubt brighten your day, it's not likely to protect you from actually breaking a bone.
"We all know people who seem to trip and fall frequently but then bounce back up, and laugh it off," Dr Hussain recently told LADbible, adding: "Conversely, someone else trips over a curb and ends up in a cast."
"So why does this happen? Turns out, it’s not all random or down to divine protection," he continued.
"[It's] a mix of your genes, lifestyle, and even what you eat could be making your bones weaker or stronger."
So what can we do to give our bodies the best chance of avoiding a dreaded break or fracture?
It's in the genetics
If you're the sort of person who snaps their ankle after skidding down the bottom few stairs then you've got your parents and grandparents to thank for that.
Explaining how the strength of your skeleton is something which comes down through DNA, Dr Hussain explained: "Bone strength is largely inherited. That includes how dense your bones are, how well your body processes calcium, and even how your skeleton is built.
"Some of us are naturally more prone to thinner bones — and those can snap more easily under pressure."
This is a finding which the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) agrees with, as the size and strength of your skeleton can impact your likelihood of developing weaker bones.
"Research also shows that if one of your parents broke their hip, you’re more likely to break a bone yourself. Hip fractures have a high mortality rate and can sometimes cause permanent disability," a ROS spokesperson added to LADbible.
So you might want to dig out the family medical records before taking up skateboarding or parkour as a hobby.
Age is another important factor. The ROS notes that a person's bone density begins to decline after the age of 30, with women who've been through the menopause at a particular risk of developing brittle bones or osteoporosis.
Lifestyle also plays a factor
However anyone who comes from sturdier stock shouldn't take this as a green light to live dangerously, as your body's input and output also impacts your likelihood of breaking a bone.
ROS emphasises the importance of eating a balanced diet, as your bone health depends on eating 'a variety of foods' which contain 'essential nutrients' as well as 'vitamin D'.
Dr Hussain notes that people who smoke, consume excess amounts of alcohol and take part in a limited amount of exercise are also at risk.
"Lifestyle plays a huge role in whether or not you’ll suffer a fracture one day. In fact there is probably more you can do to protect yourself from this phenomenon than you realise," he added.
What you can do to minimise your risk of breaking a bone
So what can you do if you're worried that genetics aren't on your side or you haven't been following the best of diets?
Well don't despair, as there's a number of things you can do to give your body the best chance.
"If broken bones run in your family, don’t just hope for the best. Be proactive," Dr Hussain says, recommending that people load up on 'calcium-rich foods' such as leafy greens or dairy and almonds, while the ROS urges people to lead an active lifestyle such as walking, jogging and weight lifting.
If you're particularly worried then make an appointment with the GP, as it's possible to get bone density (DEXA) scans to check your bone health, with Dr Hussain adding that they are 'painless and quick'.
Brenna Cooper