There are many bone-loving foods that get a twinkle light shone on them at this holiday time of year and and my Chocolate Almond Date Boney Treats gets a real twinkle. As Skelly and I were making our holiday menu lists, and checking them twice, Skelly realized that the last month of the year can turn into a food free-for-all. 

Inroad to Building Stronger Bones

This can be especially helpful food information for those who are using nutrition as an inroad to building stronger bones.

These featured foods include nuts, root vegetables, leafy greens and fish (when they are of the wild variety) and many are likely to be found at one or more holiday gatherings including, possibly, your own festive meal table.  It’s good news to keep in mind, particularly if you are a person who does a lot of cooking, baking and entertaining during this time of year. (more…)

There are times throughout the day when my Skelly holds her breath out of fear, fatigue or stress and that's not good for bone health. There are many ways that we manipulate breath, from holding it or allowing it in/out on a shallow level to taking in tiny gulps when stressed.

“It’s amazing how many folks do not breathe into their lower lungs and belly,” said Dr. Thomas J. Francescott, ND, a naturopath who practices in New York’s upper Hudson Valley. “Breathing has the ability to help stress hormones, vagus nerve (runs from the brain through the face and thorax down to the abdomen, containing parasympathetic fibres) and general relaxation.  In terms of bone health, stress plays a big role in bone breakdown.  So simple techniques to oxygenate the tissues can help to build bones" 

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This interview offered by Dr. Richard Eastell Director, The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism Faculity of Medicine, Dentistry and Health University of Sheffield, UK was presented by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Bone turnover markers.  What are they and who needs them?

Bone Quality:

Since I started working in the field of bone health there is a common thread that drives a bigger question. 

Is the DXA test (which measures bone density) the only way to determine the overall health of your bones?

But what about bone quality?

OSTEOPOROSIS AND BONE QUALITY

Dr. Lani Simpson interviewed the researcher and developer of the Trabecular Bones Score TBS software, Dr. Didier Hans.

They discussed bone density testing, with a special focus on the TBS score.

The recording and notes are now available.

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Holy Basil is twice the spice and benefits the body, inside and out.

While basil may conjure images of fresh pesto and caprese salad, holy basil (or, tulsi) swaps the spice cabinet for the medicine cabinet. 

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My bones love berries because that means summer.  Do you adore the summer as I do?    Spending time with friends at the beach and getting lots of bone-building sunshine.  And eating plenty of brilliant fresh summer berries.

Even though berries are tiny, they pack a powerful punch when it comes to your bones.  Their beautiful reds, blues, blacks, and purples tell you that they are full of natural antioxidants.  Yet they have such a short shelf-life.

There is a trick keeping your berries mold free.

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Sauerkraut: a traditional gift for your gut, your bones and our overall health.

Do you know where sauerkraut originated?   You will be surprised.

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Guest blog post by Keith McCormick, DC

Vitamin D: It's not just about Osteoporosis and Bone Health

There are numerous reasons why I chose the title, The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis, for my book. Not only should we look at the whole body when searching for causes of bone loss, but the fact that there are so many pieces of the "bone puzzle" that fit into other parts of the body, we really can't separate skeletal physiology from the other organs and tissues during the diagnostic process.

Take vitamin D for instance. We all know that vitamin D is important for bones because it helps us absorb more calcium from the gut. But did you know that vitamin D is also important for the immune system to effectively ward off disease?

And, it does so much more!

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I love my bones and I love finding new ways to feed my bones.

My bones were jumping for joy having found The Healthy Bones Nutrition Plan and Cookbook - Medicine Through Food Guide by Dr. Laura Kelly and Helen Bryman Kelly.  Inside the book offers a recipe for Bone-Building Calcium-Rich Vinegar.

"Just one tablespoon of Bone-Building Vinegar equals 350-400 mg of calcium (1,000-1,200 recommended for menopausal and post menopausal women)".[1]