By WHN Editorial Team The gut microbiome, home to trillions of bacteria nestled within the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, shapes and supports so many facets of our well-being – from proper digestion and enhanced nutrient absorption to strengthened immune function and balanced inflammation response. Thanks to exciting new research, we can now add bone metabolism and healthy bone tissue formation to this growing list of benefits – and we also know more about why antibiotics are a danger for wiping these bone-building benefits away. First, the good news. Take a peek at just some of the ma ..read more

By Dr. Susan Brown, PhD When conventional doctors diagnose a woman as having osteoporosis or osteopenia, they are likely to prescribe so-called bone-building drugs like Fosamax, Reclast, Forteo, Evenity, Tymols or Prolia. The problem with this approach is that bone drugs should be a last resort for most women with bone health concerns, not a first choice. That’s because changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle often yield better results for bone health with zero negative side effects — especially for women who have never experienced a fracture and whose bone loss is simply a product o ..read more

By Dr. Susan Brown, PhD When conventional doctors diagnose a woman as having osteoporosis or osteopenia, they are likely to prescribe so-called bone-building drugs like Fosamax, Forteo, or Prolia. The problem with this approach is that bone drugs should be a last resort for most women with bone health concerns, not a first choice. That’s because changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle often yield better results for bone health with zero negative side effects—especially for women whose bone loss is simply a product of menopause.   There is a small percentage of women who will be ..read more

By WHN Editors Strong bones are essential, especially in your 40s and beyond, when bone loss and risk for osteoporosis increase. Maintaining healthy, durable bones as you age is also associated with improved lung function, decreased back pain, and even a lower risk of hearing loss. Clearly, bones are a foundational part of full-body health! If you’re looking for strategies to naturally build up your bones, check out these four simple, science-backed ideas you can put into practice today. Pack a picnic for your bones Tomatoes and watermelons are popular picnic ingredients — that your bones lov ..read more

By Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD Have you noticed jars are harder to open, walking upstairs is more tiring and you can’t throw a baseball as far as you used to? These are signs of normal age-related muscle loss. After age 30, most people lose as much as 3–8% muscle mass per decade, and this loss accelerates around age 50 for both men and women. By age 80, most women have lost, on average, 50% of the strength in their back muscles, while men have lost 64%. This normal rate of aging muscle loss is strikingly similar to normal aging bone loss, which can cost up to half of the peak bone mass ..read more

By Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD Your bones and your body are engaged in an important conversation. Our skeleton might seem like a silent partner that quietly provides us with a solid framework, a place for muscles to attach, an incubator for red blood cells and a gigantic storehouse for alkaline mineral compounds. In reality, however, our bones are anything but silent. Like text messages pinging back and forth on a smart phone, our bones and our bodies are in constant conversation. What are they talking about? Bones are the body’s “great communicator” When your body talks to your bones, it does so ..read more

By Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD I really can’t say enough good things about spices. Not only can the right spice nearly instantly transform a basic dish into something much more flavorful, but they can be added to almost everything — from rubs on meat to cooked vegetables to salad dressings.  Plus, many of my preferred spices for taste are also good for your bones. Here’s a look at what’s in my bone-supporting spice rack: Cinnamon. Studies of this warm, fragrant spice show that it reduces bone breakdown and may help prevent osteoporotic bone loss. Sprinkle it on apples or frozen bana ..read more

By Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD Some clients come to me wondering about the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis. Often, they have just been told that their “diagnosis” of osteopenia means they need bone drugs to prevent a life-altering fracture. Woman thinking about the difference osteoporosis and osteopenia. I’m not surprised by their confusion, because most physicians are just as confused when it comes to fracture risk. But the evidence is clear: osteoporosis and osteopenia are not the same thing, and their risk of fractures is not the same either. Here is the difference between osteo ..read more

By Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD Science has learned some amazing things about nutrients for bone health and osteoporosis in recent years. The outmoded thinking that says bone nutrition is all about calcium has been shown by research to be an oversimplification at best. Yes, calcium is critical for bone health — but our bones are so much more complex than we ever imagined! Bones play a number of surprising roles in the body, from regulating blood calcium and blood sugar to storing needed minerals to supporting and protecting the body’s organs and tissues. Getting the full complement of nutrien ..read more

By Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD I always look forward to new research that delves into different ways to use foods to strengthen bones. It’s fascinating how foods can literally be a make or break factor in the body’s ability to replenish important bone-building nutrients and provide other compounds that protect and nurture our bones. Remember, our bodies are capable of building bone strength if we give them the consistent support they need. The first step in using food to build stronger bone is to follow an alkaline diet. Next, you want to fill that alkaline diet with a rich array of true ..read more