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In last week’s episode, Dr. Jeff Gross and I uncovered why the healthcare system is failing so many of us — especially women facing bone loss and osteoporosis. In part two, we go even deeper into the topics that often never get mentioned in the exam room: hormones, vitamin D, regenerative medicine, parasites, and even alternative cancer treatments.
This is a conversation that challenges the status quo and empowers you to take control of your health.
Hormones and Heart Health: The Missing Link
One of the most surprising — and overlooked — facts is that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Yet the majority of women don’t experience heart attacks until after menopause. Why? According to Dr. Gross, it comes down to hormones.
For decades, women have been told that hormones cause cancer and strokes. But as he explained, it’s actually the absence of hormones that raises those risks. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), when done correctly, can support heart health, bone density, and overall vitality.
If you’ve ever been told “this is just part of aging,” it’s time to ask deeper questions.
Vitamin D: More Than Just a Supplement
We all know vitamin D plays a role in bone health, but Dr. Gross took it to another level. While most labs say 30–100 ng/mL is “normal,” he aims for optimal levels closer to 130–150 ng/mL — much higher than most people are told.
Why does this matter? Because vitamin D is not just a vitamin; it’s a pro-hormone that regulates bone metabolism, immune health, and inflammation. Many of us aren’t getting enough from food or the sun, especially with modern diets, sunscreen use, and indoor lifestyles.
Action Step: Get your vitamin D tested, and don’t settle for “normal”—aim for optimal. Work with a functional provider who can help you safely supplement if needed.
Regenerative Medicine for Bone Density
As we discussed in part one, Dr. Gross uses regenerative therapies like stem-cell–derived exosomes. In this episode, he explained how they can improve bone density in high-risk areas like the hips and spine—the same areas measured on a DEXA scan.
But there’s a catch: regenerative therapies are most effective when your body is already optimized with hormones, vitamin D, and proper nutrition. This is where a whole-person approach makes all the difference.
GLP-1s: Beyond Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications are making headlines for weight loss, but Dr. Gross highlighted their potential for reducing inflammation and promoting longevity. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, they may play a role in preventing chronic diseases tied to inflammation, like cancer and dementia.
As he said, sometimes reducing excess weight isn’t just about vanity — it’s about restoring mobility, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Parasites, Cancer, and Alternative Therapies
This part of our conversation may raise eyebrows, but it’s too important to ignore. Dr. Gross shared that parasites may play a role in certain cancers, and simple treatments like ivermectin or anti-parasitic medications can sometimes make a difference.
We also discussed high-dose IV vitamin C and curcumin, both of which have research supporting their role as complementary cancer therapies. While these aren’t often offered in traditional oncology settings, patients deserve to know their options.
The Bigger Picture: Be Your Own Advocate
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from this episode is that you have the right to question your doctor. If your provider discourages you from asking questions, it may be time to find a new one.
As Dr. Gross said, “I want to be questioned. I learn from my patients, and we research together.” That’s the essence of functional medicine—working as a partner in your care, not just a prescription dispenser.
Key Takeaways
- Hormone optimization can protect your bones and your heart.
- Aim for optimal—not just normal—levels of vitamin D.
- Regenerative medicine works best when your foundation (hormones, nutrition, exercise) is strong.
- GLP-1s may be valuable for more than weight loss, especially for inflammation and longevity.
- Complementary cancer therapies like IV vitamin C and curcumin deserve attention.
- Never stop asking questions. Your health depends on it.
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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.