On its own, depression is enough to sideline you from your normal daily life…but now researchers are linking it to an equally debilitating illness – osteoporosis.

This isn't the first time this relationship has made headlines, but the most recent article detailing this risk was the most comprehensive one to date, reviewing 13 years' worth of studies on the topic. And, after examining the collected results, the researchers determined that there is a distinct connection between the two conditions.

What's not quite as clear is what's causing it, though they theorise that the disruptions in the endocrine and immune systems that occur as a result of depression may play a role.

Regardless of the cause, the important thing to keep in mind is that if you're one of millions who struggles with depression, you need to pay close attention to your bone health.

Dr. Wright recommends a simple urine screening called the NTx test to keep frequent tabs on your bone mineral density. Unlike bone density scans which can only show changes over a prolonged period of time, NTx tests can monitor bone loss on a daily basis.

Any doctor and most chiropractors can order this test for you. It can be performed right in your doctor's office. You don't need to fast or go through any special preparations beforehand, the results are generally available in a day or two.