By Dr. Amy Davis, MD
When most people think about osteoporosis, they think, “I just need more calcium.” While calcium is certainly important, healthy bones depend on much more than one nutrient. In fact, osteoporosis is often the result of several factors working together over many years.
Our bones are constantly changing. Your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone every day. As we age—especially after menopause—this process can slow down, causing bone loss to happen faster than bone building. Over time, bones become weaker and more prone to fractures.
A functional medicine approach looks beyond the diagnosis to ask an important question: Why is bone loss happening?
Common contributors include low vitamin D, inadequate calcium intake, magnesium deficiency, hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, digestive issues that reduce nutrient absorption, certain medications, lack of strength training, and poor nutrition. Identifying these underlying factors allows us to create a more personalized plan to support long-term bone health.
Lifestyle also plays an essential role. Eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of vegetables, quality protein, healthy fats, and mineral-rich foods provides the building blocks your bones need. Weight-bearing activities like walking, resistance training, and balance exercises help stimulate new bone formation while reducing the risk of falls.
When supplementation is appropriate, we often recommend a comprehensive approach rather than calcium alone. One protocol we commonly use at Crossing Back to Health is AlgaeCal Plus® with Strontium Boost®. AlgaeCal Plus provides plant-based calcium from marine algae along with vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium, and trace minerals that work together to support bone health. Strontium Boost contains strontium citrate, which helps support healthy bone remodeling when used appropriately. This protocol is backed by AlgaeCal’s Stronger Bones for Life Guarantee, and we’ve found it to be an effective option for many of our patients when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
It’s important to remember that supplements are only one part of the picture. The healthiest bones are built through proper nutrition, regular exercise, healthy vitamin D levels, and addressing the root causes that may be contributing to bone loss.
If you have osteopenia, osteoporosis, or simply want to protect your bones as you age, don’t wait until a fracture occurs. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference.
At Crossing Back to Health, we’re committed to helping you understand the “why” behind your health concerns. Together, we can create a personalized plan to support stronger bones, improve your overall health, and help you stay active and independent for years to come. Call our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lifelong bone health. 636-778-9158. 485 Wildwood Pkwy, Suite 2, Ballwin, MO 63011. www.crossingbacktohealth.com.