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“Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord – Ezekiel 37:4 (ESV)

There are 206 bones in the human skeleton that provide the structure for our bodies. Bones are made up of connective tissue reinforced with calcium and specialized bone cells. [1] Though most are aware that physical injury can cause bone fracture or loss, not many know that mental stress can have a similar effect. Scripture shows that a person’s state of mind can adversely affect their bones. Research shows high stress levels influence bone biology and metabolism which can eventually lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. [2] Below are a few scripture which speak about bone health, and research which concur with what the Bible says.

SCRIPTURE VERSES

WHAT STUDIES AND RESEARCH HAVE SHOWN

Good news refreshes the bones. (Proverbs  15:30)

 

Let the bones that you have broken rejoice. (Psalm 51:8)

Depression has a negative effect on fracture healing. [2]

Stress alters the levels of growth hormones by modifying the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, growth hormone-releasing hormones, and growth hormone-inhibiting hormones. When this balance is upset by chronic stress, a decrease in growth hormones can develop, leading to bone loss. [3]

Scientists at the University of California have discovered that laughter relaxes tense muscles and reduces production of stress-causing hormones.

“Visualizing positive emotional states can induce hem in the body, with beneficial effects on health. The mind cannot differentiate between an imagined state and a real "external" state. So, if you vividly imagine a positive state, you may experience the benefits as if they are real. [4]

A crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

 

 

A 2014 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that bone density was 52% higher in postmenopausal women who reported feeling satisfied with their lives when compared with those who said they were unsatisfied.

Depression in adults has been linked to reduced bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and increased incidence of fractures. [5] 

Depression induces bone loss and osteoporotic fractures, primarily via specific immune and endocrine mechanisms, with poor lifestyle habits as potential contributory factors. [6] 

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, found that men with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) had lower bone mineral density than those who were not depressed. 

Visualize yourself laughing, joyful and full of energy. While imagining the feeling itself, the more vivid you make it, the more effective it will be. You can also repeat positive phrases to yourself that can literally lift your spirits, your energy levels and your health. [4] 

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. (Psalm 32:3)

Chronic stress invites inflammation into the body. And with increased inflammation comes increased cortisol levels which increases bone resorption and blocks calcium from entering the bones. [7]

The scripture as well as the studies above, underscore the importance of managing your emotions and reducing stress with respect to optimizing healthy bone conditions. Just as Ezekiel prophesized to dry bones and they came back to life, you too can improve your bone health by speaking and leaving right.

REFERENCES

  1. Better Health Channels –Bones.
  2. Chunzi Nie, Zhan Wang, and Xufeng Liu. The effect of depression on fracture healing and osteoblast differentiation in rats.
  3. Rheumatology Advisor. Cause or Effect? The Link Between Psychological Stress and Osteoporosis
  4. Anastasia Stephens. How Mood Affects Our Health.
  5. Elizabeth B Weller et al. Impact of depression and its treatment on the bones of growing children.
  6. Giovanni Cizza. Major depressive disorder is a risk factor for low bone mass, central obesity, and other medical conditions.
  7. Grisworld Home Care. Why Stress is Harmful to Bone Health.