Most women are told the same thing when osteopenia or osteoporosis shows up on a scan: “Take calcium.”

Some are told to add more dairy.

But what if that advice is outdated — and in many cases, making things worse?

In today’s episode of The Longevity Lounge, Dr. Cherine and functional nutritionist Meg Lambke break down everything you think you know about bone health… and uncover what actually moves the needle for stronger, more resilient bones as we age.

This episode clears up the myths, the misinformation, and the marketing hype — especially around milk. You’ll learn why dairy is not the bone-building solution it’s been sold as, why calcium alone won’t fix low bone density, and what your body really needs to rebuild bone from the inside out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✓ Why dairy falls short — and can even make bone health worse

• Why milk is fortified (not naturally rich) in calcium

• The inflammatory, insulin-spiking effects of dairy

• How dairy contributes to mucus, gut irritation, weight gain, and poor nutrient absorption

• What research shows about dairy intake and fracture risk

✓ The real biology of bone health

• Why bone isn’t “static” — it remodels every day

• How osteoblasts and osteoclasts work together

• Why stress, poor sleep, insulin spikes, and sedentary living accelerate bone loss

• How estrogen, digestion, and protein intake affect bone turnover

✓ The nutrients your bones actually need

More than calcium, you need:

• Magnesium (mandatory for calcium regulation)

• Vitamin D3 + K2 (directs minerals into bone, not soft tissue)

• Protein + amino acids (the backbone of bone matrix)

• Collagen (up to 70% of bone structure is collagen)

• Zinc + trace minerals

• Geranylgeraniol (GG) to support bone formation, hormones, and CoQ10 production

✓ The supplements that make a difference

Dr. Cherine and Meg break down two research-driven Designs for Health formulas:

• OsteoBen® – ideal for peri- & postmenopausal women; includes D3, K2, magnesium, zinc, and genistein for estrogen-receptor support

• OsteoForce® – broad-spectrum foundational bone formula with GG-Gold™, D3, K2, minerals, and tocotrienols

They also discuss the value of Whole Body Collagen, especially for women noticing weaker nails, thinning hair, or joint stiffness.

Lifestyle Strategies You’ll Hear About

• The minimum protein targets for women over 40

• Why resistance training (even wall push-ups!) is non-negotiable

• How stress acidifies the body and accelerates bone loss

• Why morning sunlight improves mood, hormones, and bone health

• Why movement — not medications alone — ultimately protects your bones

Join Dr. Cherine and Meg for a grounded, myth-busting conversation that brings clarity — and action steps — to one of the most confusing areas of women's health.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

If this episode hit home for you and you’re worried about your own bone health, hormones, or digestion, Meg can help you create a personalized plan. 💛

🔗 Get all the details or schedule a discovery call with Meg here:

https://go.hfcwellness.com/functional-nutrition342921?_kx=WJZUNkz0Csr9oQnR7x0R2w.XxPyZk

🔗 Helpful Links and Resources:

✨ Shop Primal Complete Protein – Fuel your body with our premium, scientifically-formulated protein powders.

👉 Shop Here: https://drcherine.myshopify.com/

✨ Visit Dr. Cherine’s Virtual Dispensary – Explore our curated selection of professional-grade supplements.

👉 Access the Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/cherinevanwagner

✨ Join The Ultimate 30 Day Fitness Challenge – Meal plans, daily workouts, motivation, and a thriving community to support your journey.

👉 Get Started Here: https://cf.drcherine.com/optin1709306163311

📱 Connect with Dr. Cherine:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/doctorcherine

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drcherine/

• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.cherine

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