The Better Bones Blog
by Dr. Susan Brown, PhD.
Dr. Susan Brown’s 2022 Crystal Ball Predictions
Each year for the past decade, I’ve sifted through new research and thinking to foresee what’s coming next in bone health. I am excited by all the advancements that could be on the horizon in 2022. Here’s a look at my top predictions. 1. Awakened by the pandemic, self-care and self-education become a priority for […]
What’s the cause of your osteoporosis? Diagnostic tests and what they mean
One of the basic principles of the Better Bones Program® is that all osteoporosis, all excessive bone loss, or all real increased risk of low-trauma fracture has a cause. To better understand any undetected causes of bone loss, it is important to obtain a medical work-up — that is, further tests — that can help […]
The Alkaline Diet Preserves Muscle
Muscle mass is a major predictor of quality of life and longevity. Aging muscle loss begins around age 30 and accelerates after 50. Both men and women lose 30 to 40% or more of their muscle with age, and, with poor health, one loses even more. Aging muscle loss can lead to reduced functional capacity, […]
Weighing In on Wearing Weights: How Weighted Vests and Weighted Belts Can Help You
Making the most of your exercise session The many benefits of using a weighted vest or belt How much weight should you put in a weighted vest or belt? MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXERCISE SESSION Most of us realize that physical exercise is essential for building and maintaining muscular/skeletal strength. For most of us, […]
Tomatoes: Summer’s unexpected bone builder
It’s tomato season! The brilliantly-colored summer treats common in all our gardens are major players in one of today’s leading-edge research topics in osteoporosis: how oxidative damage causes the inflammation which leads to bone breakdown. What makes tomatoes so interesting to the scientists studying the effects of oxidative damage? Tomatoes are particularly highly in a […]
Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: What They Mean for Bone
Studies from around the world document that a diet high in whole-food vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices reduces disease risk. Witness a new study from Iran (1) reporting reduced inflammation and lower bone breakdown in those consuming more plant foods; a Spanish study (2) linking higher plant intake to lower blood pressure; a […]