The "Beyond Calcium" Solution for Stronger Bones
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 23, 2024
Are you tired of being told to chug milk and pop calcium pills for strong bones?
Well, hold onto your hat because I’m about to turn everything you thought you knew about bone health upside down…
It turns out your skeleton has been keeping secrets from you.
And trust me, this is one spooky, bone-building revelation you won’t want to miss…
Nutritionists have been singing the same old skeleton-building tune for years: “Calcium, calcium, calcium!”
But the fact is your bones are MORE than just a calcium bank.
For optimal bone strength and density, your skeleton craves a nutrient-rich cocktail, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, protein, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, silicon—all working in harmony to build and maintain your body’s structural foundation.
But there’s even MORE to this bone-building story.
We’ve long known that vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. But a groundbreaking new study has uncovered another bone-boosting superhero hiding in plain sight.
You’ve probably heard of folate before because it’s a vital nutrient for pregnant women.
Well, it turns out this common nutrient could also be critical for keeping your bones strong well into your golden years.
A study published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders tracked the bone health of 2,297 participants with an average age of 63.69 years.
The researchers found that a HIGHER folate intake was linked to a LOWER risk of osteoporosis. This link was especially solid in women and folks over 60.
So, what does all of this mean for you and your bones? There are three essential takeaways…
- Your bones DO need calcium, but not as much as many mainstream nutritionists push on you.
- It’s a TEAM effort. For healthy bones, you must also load up on all those OTHER bone-friendly nutrients: vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, protein, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, and silicon.
- If you’re a woman over 60, increasing your folate intake could slash your osteoporosis risk.
To boost your folate levels, eat more folate-rich foods, including leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards), legumes (lentils, beans, peas), citrus fruits, avocado, and eggs.
P.S. “Osteoporosis Proof” your bones with this breakfast staple (boosts folate TOO!)
Source:
Zhou, L., Deng, W., Wu, Q. et al. Association between dietary folate intake and the risk of osteoporosis in adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 25, 487 (2024).
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...