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Bone health isn’t just about your DEXA scan results—it’s about how you live, move, and feel. In my recent interview on the Stronger Bones Lifestyle Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kimberly Zambito, an orthopedic surgeon and pioneer in bone health innovation. She’s not only an expert in her field, but she’s also one of the few women in a male-dominated specialty—and she’s on a mission to help women reclaim power over their bone health.
We dove deep into how traditional approaches like DEXA scans are failing many women, especially those who are petite, and why new tools like REMS technology are giving us more accurate and hopeful insights.
Why This Matters to You
If you’ve ever been told you have osteoporosis or osteopenia—and felt confused, scared, or overwhelmed—this episode is for you. The current medical system often focuses on prescriptions and scare tactics rather than education and prevention. Dr. Zambito reminds us:
“You are more than your T-score.”
She shares powerful, practical advice for women who want to age strong, prevent fractures, and feel confident in their bodies again—without being rushed into unnecessary medication.
Four Ways to Take Charge of Your Bone Health Today
- Start with Movement You Can Sustain
Incorporate balance and strength training into your weekly routine. Start slow and work with a qualified instructor who understands bone-safe movement. - Ask for More Than a Prescription
Don’t be afraid to request physical therapy, a nutrition consult, or balance training from your doctor. You deserve a whole-body approach—not just a pill. - Use Technology That Works for You
DEXA scans have limitations, especially for petite women. Ask your doctor about REMS ultrasound technology, which offers insights into both bone density and quality. - Focus on Lifestyle, Not Fear
Strong bones come from consistent habits: healthy nutrition, mindful movement, better posture, quality sleep, and lowering stress—not panic.
👉 Learn more about REMS and bone quality at Dr. Zambito’s free resource site:qualisos.com
Listen to the Full Episode – Available now on Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.
Together, we’re building stronger bones—and stronger lives.
Podcast Subscribe Links - Reversing Osteoporosis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, vegetables, and fruits. They are part of a plant’s defense mechanism against predators and can be found in high concentrations in foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, and certain beans.
Regarding bone health, oxalates can bind to minerals such as calcium in the gut, forming calcium oxalate. This compound is not easily absorbed by the body, meaning the calcium that could have been utilized for bone strengthening is instead excreted. This process can potentially lead to lower calcium availability for bone health, which can be particularly concerning for individuals at risk of osteoporosis or other bone-related issues.
However, for most women, dietary oxalates do not pose a significant threat to bone health, especially if their diet is balanced with enough calcium and they do not have a history of kidney stones.
Your gut is crucial for stronger bones for several reasons:
- Nutrient Absorption: The gut is where most nutrient absorption occurs. For bones to be healthy and strong, they need a variety of nutrients, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. A healthy gut efficiently absorbs these essential nutrients from your diet and facilitates their transportation to the bones.
- Gut Microbiome and Bone Health: Research has shown that the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria living in your intestines) can influence bone density. Certain gut bacteria help in producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which have been shown to promote bone health. SCFAs can enhance the absorption of minerals necessary for bone strength and play a role in reducing inflammation, which can negatively affect bone health.
- Hormone Regulation: The gut helps regulate hormones that are involved in bone metabolism, including insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones like estrogen. For example, estrogen is vital for bone density, and gut health can influence estrogen levels through the enterohepatic circulation, where estrogens are processed in the liver and intestines.
- Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, which can stem from poor gut health, is linked to many conditions that compromise bone strength, such as osteoporosis. A healthy gut helps to reduce systemic inflammation, protecting bones from inflammatory damage.
- Immune System Modulation: The majority of the immune system is located in the gut. An imbalance in the immune system can lead to autoimmune conditions, some of which affect the bones. Maintaining gut health helps to ensure the immune system works correctly, protecting against autoimmune reactions that could impact bone health.
In essence, maintaining a healthy gut contributes significantly to stronger bones by ensuring the effective absorption of vital nutrients, regulating hormones, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy immune system. Therefore, a diet rich in bone-healthy nutrients, prebiotics, and probiotics, along with lifestyle factors that promote gut health, is key to maintaining strong bones.