The human body is a complex system with so many interconnected parts. One connection that’s recently been getting a lot of attention is the link between gut health and bone health, specifically osteoporosis.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis (“porous bone”) is a condition where bones weaken and become brittle due to losing density and mass. Having osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures — which can be a severe health risk, especially in older adults.
That’s why it’s vital to know what you can do to strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis.
How Does Gut Health Relate to Osteoporosis?
Several studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating bone metabolism, immune system function, and inflammation. Additionally, the gut microbiome influences the absorption of nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium, essential for maintaining bone health.
Certain bacteria in the gut also produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which regulate the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, the cells responsible for breaking down and building bone, respectively.
However, when the gut microbiome is out of balance — known as dysbiosis — it may contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Dysbiosis can lead to chronic inflammation, which can increase bone loss and decrease bone formation. So, taking care of your gut microbiome is essential to maintain optimal bone health.
How to Maintain a Healthy Gut Microbiome
Here are some things you can do to keep your gut microbiome healthy:
- Eat a balanced diet: Your gut microbiome thrives on a diverse range of foods, including fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can cause dysbiosis.
- Add probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics contain live microorganisms that maintain or improve the “good” bacteria in the gut microbiome. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut and improve overall balance. Adding these to your diet can help boost your gut health.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the digestive system running smoothly and flushes out harmful bacteria.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity has been linked to a healthier gut microbiome. It also helps to build and maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Gut Health Testing at the Office of Leigh Ann Scott, M.D.
To ensure you know exactly what’s going on with your gut health, we offer gastrointestinal testing with the GI Effects Test.
This test reveals exactly what is unbalanced in the gut so that measures can be taken for healing. It addresses three critical areas for gut health:
- digestive function
- gut inflammation
- the gut microbiome
These areas affect not only GI health but overall health as well.
Assessing and normalizing GI function can have profound effects on your overall health, leading to improvement in many conditions — and potentially lowering your risk for developing osteoporosis.
We offer GI testing to both existing and new patients. If you are a current patient of ours, just let your provider know, and we will arrange the testing for you. If you are a new patient, please give our New Patient Coordinator a call, and she can go over pricing and protocols.
Our Providers Can Help!
Our providers at Leigh Ann Scott, M.D. are devoted to understanding our patient’s health concerns and symptoms. We use scientific-based protocols to find the root cause of hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and more.
We believe that spending quality, personalized time with each patient provides the foundation to help you achieve optimal health and wellness. Our system incorporates provider consultation, comprehensive health assessment, and laboratory testing in a warm and caring environment.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a free phone consultation. She can explain our protocols and fees in more detail, answer any questions or concerns you have, and explain how our approach can help with hormonal balance, anti-aging, and disease prevention so that you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy life!
Contact our New Patient Coordinator at 972-960-4800
Or complete the form below, and she will contact you. There is no obligation to do this consultation.
"*" indicates required fields
