Today’s post features a few key takeaways from a recent Wellness Your Way podcast interview.  Find the full episode here and be sure to subscribe to Wellness Your Way so you don’t miss future episodes!

Guest Bio: Dr. John Neustadt

Dr. John Neustadt has published over 100 research reviews and has written four books. His most recent book, Fracture-Proof Your Bones: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis, was published in 2022. Dr. Neustadt earned his naturopathic medical degree from Bastyr University where he was awarded the Founder’s Award for academic and clinical excellence. He opened his clinic, Montana Integrative Medicine (MIM), in 2005 in Bozeman, Montana. Dr. Neustadt specialized in hard-to-treat, chronic degenerative diseases through an integrative approach that emphasized identifying and correcting the underlying causes of disease. Dr. Neustadt loves spending time with his wife, business partner, and best-selling author, Romi, their two children, and dogs.

Top Insights from Dr. John Neustadt’s Interview

1. In women with osteoporosis, it is predicted that 44% will break a bone (20% for men). This is the most dangerous thing that can happen. After breaking a bone, there’s a 36% chance that death will occur within a year. Of women who survive, 50% never regain their pre-fracture level of mobility and pain-free lifestyle they had before.
2. Women who are 50 and older are at a greater risk of getting an osteoporosis fracture than getting breast cancer. Even though this risk exists, osteoporosis still remains a very silent disease. Women are often not screened and the first symptom they have is a broken bone.
3. Medications can induce osteoporosis. There are a lot of medications that damage bone, create osteoporosis, and increase fracture risk. These include anti-depressants, acid-blocking medications, etc. Most doctors aren’t aware of the bone damage risks when prescribing medications.
4. Chronic inflammation and inflammatory disorders are known to cause and exacerbate osteoporosis. Inflammation also increases fracture risk. This can be seen in autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel disease, etc.
5. The Mediterranean diet is associated with lower osteoporosis risk. There is also a lower risk for hip fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, all-cause mortality, and so much more! This diet is plant-forward, high in whole foods, whole grains, and lean proteins.
6. People are not getting enough protein to maintain muscle mass and bone. There are over 200 proteins in bone, not just minerals. Higher amounts of protein are needed than what’s recommended by the US RDA.
7. Supplementing with calcium is important for many people and is safe. Most women do not hit the recommended 1200mg of calcium daily and therefore need to supplement. The average daily intake of calcium is 800mg for women.

Want to hear the full episode, including why osteoporosis is a global health issue, why diet is the beginning of long-term health, the importance of protein for bone health, what to look for when buying supplements, and so much more?

Head over here to catch the full episode with Dr. John Neustadt!

For another take on calcium supplements including the research Megan mentioned in the interview, head here! 

Now it’s your turn!  What is one thing you learned from this interview?

️ Want to hear about this topic in audio format? → Check out the podcast episode here!