What science says about people who have never broken a bone as weird theory goes viral
There are a number of scientific reasons which could explain why you've never broken a bone, as a bizarre 'divine protection' theory has gone viral.
For most people, part of growing up involves falling off the monkey bars in a playground, slipping while walking down the stairs or bashing your ankle while swinging a scooter around, which ends up with a trip to the hospital and a broken bone.
For especially unlucky souls, a freak accident in adulthood has led to several weeks in a plaster cast or on crutches.
But what about those of us who've never broken a bone? Well, if you were to ask the spiritualists among us, never breaking a bone is supposedly the gift of divine protection or a sign that we're reaching the end of our reincarnation cycle.
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Which, for someone who is yet to break a bone (unless a fracture after stubbing your pinky toe counts), is a pretty comforting thought.
However, for the scientifically minded among us, arguments about good karma and benevolent spirit guides aren't likely to cut it.
So, here is a list of medical reasons why you've been lucky enough to avoid spending six weeks in a plaster cast.
Genetics and bone-related diseases
Like most things, genetics may very well play a factor in the reason why you haven't snapped your ankle or fractured your wrist.
Your genetics play a factor in the strength of your bones, with some people developing genetic mutations which allow them to have super dense bones. Meanwhile, those with a family history of developing bone health conditions, such as osteoporosis, will also find themselves at a greater risk of having a lower bone density.
Research suggests that certain hormone-related disorders, such as an overactive thyroid gland or decreased levels of oestrogen and testosterone, can also lead to weaker bones.
However, your genetic make-up doesn't always determine whether or not you'll break a leg, as there are various other factors which are just as important.
Diet and lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle will also have a major influence on the health of your bones. According to guidance from the NHS, eating foods which contain calcium and vitamin D (which helps the body absorb calcium) is crucial for looking after your bones and avoiding crutches.
Adults are advised to consume around 700mg of calcium a day, with the mineral being found in the following:
- Dairy foods (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
- Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and okra
- Tofu, soya beans and plant-milks with added calcium
- Nuts
Regular exercise will also help increase your bone strength but that doesn't cancel out the fact that spending your days running, cycling or playing football would put you at a greater chance of picking up an injury - which includes broken bones.
Age
The Royal Osteoporosis Society notes that bone density begins to decrease from your late thirties onwards, which means that escaping childhood without a broken bone doesn't mean you're out of the woods entirely.
Going through the menopause also puts you at a higher risk of breaking a bone, as levels of oestrogen decrease.
Combine the above with the fact that we're less steady on our feet as we age and chances are that you're broken bones are still to come.
Some people really are just lucky
Psychosomatic factors such as the impact of stress and a person's overall mind-body wellness shouldn't be entirely discounted when it comes to analysing our health.
After all, there are numerous studies examining how our psychological state impacts our physical body, however, it turns out that some people really are just lucky when it comes to not breaking a bone.
So perhaps it is divine intervention, or maybe it's just your lucky day.
Topics: Health, Science, Social Media
Brenna Cooper