<p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/ama37/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=220718-pod-ama37&utm_content=220718-pod-ama37-podfeed"> View the Show Notes Page for This Episode</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=220718-pod-ama37&utm_content=220718-pod-ama37-podfeed"> Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=220718-pod-ama37&utm_content=220718-pod-ama37-podfeed"> Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter</a></p> <p>In this "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) episode, Peter dives deep into the topic of bone health and explains why this is an important topic for everyone, from children to the elderly. He begins with an overview of bone mineral density, how it's measured, how it changes over the course of life, and the variability between sexes largely due to changes in estrogen levels. From there he provides insights into ways that one can improve bone health, from exercise to nutrition supplements to drugs. Additionally, Peter discusses what happens when one may be forced to be sedentary (e.g., bedrest) and how you can work to minimize the damage during these periods.</p> <p>If you're not a subscriber and listening on a podcast player, you'll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/members/private-podcast-feed/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=220718-pod-ama37&utm_content=220718-pod-ama37-podfeed">private RSS feed</a> or on our website at the <a href="http://peterattiamd.com/ama37/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=220718-pod-ama37&utm_content=220718-pod-ama37-podfeed">AMA #37 show notes page</a>. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=220718-pod-ama37&utm_content=220718-pod-ama37-podfeed">here</a>.</p> <p>We discuss:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Overview of bone health topics to be discussed [1:45];</li> <li>Bones 101: bone function, structure, and more [5:15];</li> <li>Bone mineral density (BMD), minerals in bone, role of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and more [8:30];</li> <li>The consequences of poor bone health [13:30];</li> <li>The devastating nature of hip fractures: morbidity and mortality data [17:00];</li> <li>Where fractures tend to occur in the body [23:00];</li> <li>Defining osteopenia and osteoporosis [24:30];</li> <li>Measuring BMD with DEXA and how to interpret scores [27:00];</li> <li>Variability in BMD between sexes [34:15];</li> <li>When should people have their first bone mineral density scan? [36:45];</li> <li>How BMD changes throughout the life and how it differs between men and women [39:00];</li> <li>How changes in estrogen levels (e.g., menopause) impact bone health [44:00];</li> <li>Why HRT is not considered a standard of care for postmenopausal bone loss [47:30];</li> <li>Factors determining who may be at higher risk of poor bone health [50:30];</li> <li>Common drugs that can negatively impact BMD [54:15];</li> <li>How children can optimize bone health and lay the foundation for the future [57:45];</li> <li>Types of physical activity that can positively impact bone health [1:02:30];</li> <li>How weight loss can negatively impact bone health and how exercise can counteract those effects [1:10:45];</li> <li>Nutrition and supplements for bone health [1:14:15];</li> <li>Pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for those with low BMD [1:17:15];</li> <li>Impact of extreme sedentary periods (e.g., bedrest) and how to minimize their damage to bone [1:22:00]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Connect With Peter on <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterattiamd/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peterattiamd/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kGsMa0LygSX9nkBcBH1Sg">YouTube</a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Early Bone Health
Individuals should focus on bone health early in life, as it is a critical priority not just for themselves but also for their children, influencing long-term well-being.
2. Maintain Adequate Vitamin D
Maintain adequate levels of vitamin D, specifically D3, because it increases the gut’s absorption of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and preventing conditions like rickets.
3. Ensure Calcium Intake
Ensure sufficient intake of dietary or supplementary calcium, as virtually all of the body’s calcium is stored in bone, playing a vital role in bone health and overall cellular activity.
4. Seek Professional Medical Advice
Do not disregard or delay seeking medical advice from healthcare professionals for any medical condition, as the podcast content is for general informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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