Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted June 17, 2025

“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question.

What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur and hip areas.”

—Good to the Bone

Hi Good,

Even medical professionals often oversimplify the concept of bone density.

Yes, it’s true—bones are mainly made of calcium. But that’s only part of the story, and focusing too much on calcium alone can lead us down the wrong path, putting us at risk for osteoporosis.

Bones are living, dynamic tissues—not just chalky blocks of calcium.

They’re made up of a complex matrix that includes collagen (for flexibility), minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium (to support strength and structure), and living cells that are constantly breaking down and rebuilding bone.

Think of it like a house. Calcium forms the bricks, sure—but you still need mortar, steel beams, insulation, and workers to keep the house sturdy and standing.

If you keep dumping more bricks into the foundation without reinforcing the rest of the structure, the house won’t hold up for long.

That’s why real bone health depends on more than popping a calcium pill. Avoiding osteoporosis requires a mix of key nutrients, weight-bearing exercises, proper hormone balance, and even better gut health—all of which help bones grow stronger, not just denser.

Here are some natural approaches that I recommend to my own patients which support healthier bones:

Vitamin D3: This crucial vitamin helps your body absorb calcium properly. Many seniors are deficient in vitamin D, so spending 15 to 20 minutes in morning sunlight several times weekly or supplementing with vitamin D3 (typically 1,000-2,000 IU daily) can boost your bone health.

Vitamin K2: This often-overlooked nutrient helps direct calcium into your bones rather than your arteries. Found in fermented foods and grass-fed animal products, K2 works synergistically with vitamin D3.

Magnesium: Essential for bone formation and strength, magnesium helps regulate calcium levels. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes are excellent sources.

Boron: This trace mineral helps your body retain calcium and magnesium. It’s found in prunes, raisins, nuts, and legumes.

Weight-bearing exercise: Activities that make you work against gravity are crucial for stimulating bone growth. Walking, dancing, or gentle strength training can strengthen the spine and hips.

Balance exercises: Tai chi, yoga, or simple standing balance poses, help prevent falls while also providing gentle stress on bones that encourages rebuilding.

Collagen: The protein matrix that gives bones their flexibility can be supported through collagen supplements or bone broth.

Probiotics: Improving your gut health with probiotics allows your body to better absorb calcium.

The key is to think of bone health as a whole-body approach—combining proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle factors to create the optimal environment for your bones to thrive.

Remember, building stronger bones is a gradual process that requires consistency. Work with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust your bone health plan as needed.

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag.

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.

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