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.

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