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Healthy Bones Healthy You! Build Strong, Vibrant Bones Naturally to Rewrite Your Aging Story and Live Without Limits
Take back control of your bone health to live a full, vibrant life! Ten years after publishing her groundbreaking book
Your Bones
, bone-health expert Lara Pizzorno has teamed up with Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, a pioneer in science-based, natural medicine, to show you the latest clinically-supported strategies to build strong, healthy bones.
Your DEXA bone scan results are back and your doctor is concerned. The options you’ve been offered (and their potential side effects) leave you scared. Are frail, thinning bones something you have to accept as a natural part of aging? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Lara Pizzorno has a message for Healthy, vibrant bones are your birthright!
And Lara knows firsthand! When diagnosed with osteopenia in her early 40s, she got busy. Working with her husband Joe, a respected naturopathic physician, the couple identified why she was losing bone. Then, they embarked on finding natural approaches to support her health. Fast forward 30 years, and Lara’s bone density—at age 72—matches that of a healthy 30-year old!
Researchers now understand what causes osteoporosis—and how to stop it. Lara and Joe cite hundreds of peer-reviewed research studies to give you a bone-building road map. Bone loss is not inevitable. The problem is that our food supply lacks the nutrients strong bones need. Even worse, our typical diet introduces loads of sugar, salt, and other harmful ingredients that derail bone remodeling. Add to that the tsunami of common chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins in our environment, and you have the perfect recipe for osteoporosis.
The good news is you can avoid or lessen the impact of every single one of these bone-wreckers. Joe, author of The Toxin Solution, reveals simple ways to cleanse your body from the poisons in our water, air, food, and everyday products to encourage our natural healing process. Lara details nutrients our bones need—from vitamin A to zinc—many of which are missing from conventional foods. (Studies show most of us are deficient in at least some of these.)
If you’ve tried everything and are still losing bone, Lara and Joe help you pinpoint the exact causes. Learn what lab tests can provide insight on your vitamin status; hormone levels; digestive, parathyroid, kidney, liver, and thyroid function; and markers of bone remodeling. And discover how to overcome bad genetics. (Lara has many negative DNA variations that impact bone.)
Plus, Lara shares her favorite weight-bearing exercises—barre3, yoga, and Pilates—and how to modify moves to be safe and beneficial for any fitness level.
Here’s the amazing part! While Healthy Bones Healthy You! is designed to help you strengthen your bones, expect benefits that go well beyond. The things your bones require—an array of nutrients, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, and weight-bearing exercise—match the needs of your organs to remain healthy and vibrant. When you follow the strategies provided here to build Healthy Bones, you’ll also create a Healthy You!
Here’s a sampling of
Media misinformation on the safety and effectiveness of calcium and the often missed vitamin you MUST also take (not just vitamin D)How chronic diseases contribute to bone deterioration. And what you can do to boost the function of your kidneys, liver, and other organs to encourage bone formationStrategies to overcome bone loss that runs in your family
Your DEXA bone scan results are back and your doctor is concerned. The options you’ve been offered (and their potential side effects) leave you scared. Are frail, thinning bones something you have to accept as a natural part of aging? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Lara Pizzorno has a message for Healthy, vibrant bones are your birthright!
And Lara knows firsthand! When diagnosed with osteopenia in her early 40s, she got busy. Working with her husband Joe, a respected naturopathic physician, the couple identified why she was losing bone. Then, they embarked on finding natural approaches to support her health. Fast forward 30 years, and Lara’s bone density—at age 72—matches that of a healthy 30-year old!
Researchers now understand what causes osteoporosis—and how to stop it. Lara and Joe cite hundreds of peer-reviewed research studies to give you a bone-building road map. Bone loss is not inevitable. The problem is that our food supply lacks the nutrients strong bones need. Even worse, our typical diet introduces loads of sugar, salt, and other harmful ingredients that derail bone remodeling. Add to that the tsunami of common chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins in our environment, and you have the perfect recipe for osteoporosis.
The good news is you can avoid or lessen the impact of every single one of these bone-wreckers. Joe, author of The Toxin Solution, reveals simple ways to cleanse your body from the poisons in our water, air, food, and everyday products to encourage our natural healing process. Lara details nutrients our bones need—from vitamin A to zinc—many of which are missing from conventional foods. (Studies show most of us are deficient in at least some of these.)
If you’ve tried everything and are still losing bone, Lara and Joe help you pinpoint the exact causes. Learn what lab tests can provide insight on your vitamin status; hormone levels; digestive, parathyroid, kidney, liver, and thyroid function; and markers of bone remodeling. And discover how to overcome bad genetics. (Lara has many negative DNA variations that impact bone.)
Plus, Lara shares her favorite weight-bearing exercises—barre3, yoga, and Pilates—and how to modify moves to be safe and beneficial for any fitness level.
Here’s the amazing part! While Healthy Bones Healthy You! is designed to help you strengthen your bones, expect benefits that go well beyond. The things your bones require—an array of nutrients, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, and weight-bearing exercise—match the needs of your organs to remain healthy and vibrant. When you follow the strategies provided here to build Healthy Bones, you’ll also create a Healthy You!
Here’s a sampling of
Media misinformation on the safety and effectiveness of calcium and the often missed vitamin you MUST also take (not just vitamin D)How chronic diseases contribute to bone deterioration. And what you can do to boost the function of your kidneys, liver, and other organs to encourage bone formationStrategies to overcome bone loss that runs in your family
- GenresHealthNonfiction
634 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
160 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 7, 2023
‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ is an in-depth guide that will help you protect and strengthen your bones for a vibrant and healthy life.
Bone health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked until it becomes a concern. As we age, the risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, and related fractures increases, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, especially women over the age of 40.
However, with the right knowledge and strategies, we can actively protect and strengthen our bones. In this review, we will explore ‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ – a book that challenges the notion of bone health loss as an inevitable part of ageing.
About the authors
Lara U. Pizzorno, MA, LMT, is an experienced writer and editor with over 25 years of experience in writing for physicians and the public.
She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and currently serves as the Editor of Longevity Medicine Review and Senior Medical Editor for SaluGenecists, Inc. Her recent publications include ‘Your Bones’ and contributions to the ‘Textbook of Functional Medicine,’ ‘Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal,’ and ‘Textbook of Natural Medicine.’
Dr. Joe Pizzorno, N.D., is a renowned expert in science-based natural and integrative medicine. He played a significant role as the co-founder and served as the president of Bastyr University for 22 years. Bastyr University, the first and largest fully accredited university of natural medicine in the United States, owes much of its success to his leadership.
Acknowledging his expertise, Dr. Pizzorno was appointed by both Presidents Clinton and Bush to two prestigious government commissions. In these roles, he provided valuable advice to the President and Congress on the integration of natural medicine into the healthcare system.
What is the book about?
‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ is a groundbreaking book that offers clinically-supported strategies to build strong, healthy bones and take control of your bone health for a full, vibrant life.
Drawing from their extensive knowledge and research, the authors emphasise that frail, thinning bones do not have to be accepted as a natural part of ageing. The book presents evidence-backed insights into what causes osteoporosis and provides a comprehensive bone-building road map.
The authors reveal that the lack of essential nutrients in our food supply, combined with harmful ingredients and environmental toxins, contributes to bone loss. However, they offer hope by showing how to avoid or mitigate the impact of these bone-wreckers. Dr. Joe Pizzorno shares simple ways to cleanse the body from toxins, while Lara Pizzorno outlines the nutrients crucial for bone health.
The book includes guidance on lab tests to assess vitamin status, hormone levels, and markers of bone remodeling, helping readers pinpoint specific causes of bone loss. Lara Pizzorno also shares her favourite bone-strengthening exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, with modifications for various fitness levels.
Key takeaways from ‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’
1. Take it easy on salt to protect bone health
The book takes a deep dive into the effect of nutrition on our bones. It discusses how excessive sugar, imbalanced fats, wheat and gluten consumption might exacerbate bone health. Interestingly, salt consumption also poses a significant threat to our bones, causing calcium loss and stimulating bone resorption. The average American consumes excessive sodium, far surpassing the safe upper limit from an early age. For postmenopausal women, the impact is even more severe, as they lose more calcium relative to sodium in the urine, leading to increased bone loss.
To safeguard bone health, it is crucial to monitor salt intake and opt for fresh, organically grown foods while avoiding processed foods that are typically high in sodium. Incorporating bone-boosting spices can also enhance flavour without compromising bone health.
2. Most chronic conditions exacerbate bone health
Most chronic diseases from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues to fatty liver and IBS worsen the health of our bones.
One of the conditions that may lead to significant bone loss is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD disrupts the absorption of calcium from the intestines and the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium from the kidneys, causing secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic inflammation, ultimately resulting in bone loss.
Phosphate additives in processed foods contribute to the bone-damaging effects of CKD. Moreover, deficiencies in critical nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 further exacerbate CKD-related bone loss.
To mitigate the impact of CKD on bone health, it is essential to limit phosphate intake from processed foods and ensure adequate consumption of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2.
3. Low-impact exercise can significantly improve bone health
Exercise is crucial for overall health, and specifically for bone health, as it activates osteocytes, which stimulate bone renewal. The book presents three effective bone-building exercises: barre3, Pilates, and yoga (especially Iyengar Yoga). These exercises are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and can be modified to suit individual needs.
Barre3 is a functional training program that corrects imbalances caused by sedentary lifestyles and promotes bone strength. It targets major muscle groups, such as the upper back and shoulders, to prevent spinal wedging and fractures. The exercises include functional moves that engage core muscles, glutes, and hips, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of injuries.
Pilates focuses on strengthening and stabilising core muscles, which are essential for supporting the spine and hip joints. By targeting smaller interior muscles, Pilates effectively stimulates bone strengthening. Modifications are provided for those with osteoporosis to ensure safe and effective exercises that support bone health.
And lastly, yoga is highly effective in building fracture-free bones. The practice activates osteocytes, the most abundant type of bone cell, by producing muscle contractions that stimulate bone renewal. Holding the body in novel positions for an extended period of time during yoga applies mechanical force to the entire body, unlike other forms of exercise.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Provides a wealth of valuable, well-researched and comprehensive information on reversing bone loss and strengthening bones through dietary ingredients, real food, supplements, and exercise.
• Offers actionable tips and suggestions that can be easily incorporated into daily life to promote overall health and prevent harmful diseases and illnesses.
• The book is well-organised and easy to read.
Weaknesses:
• Some readers might find the self-promotion of the author’s websites and supplement to be distracting and lacking in objectivity.
Best quotes from ‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’
“Excessive salt intake causes the average postmenopausal woman to lose 1 mmol every day from her total bone mass. This totals 14 grams per year. Since our bodies contain 1,200 g of calcium, at this rate, we’ve lost half our bone mass in 40 years.”
“Yoga builds fracture-free bones by producing muscle contractions that activate osteocytes in areas most susceptible to fracture. Osteocytes, the most abundant type of bone cell, are mechanosensors.”
“Another Swedish study assessed the cadmium urine levels of 2,688 women along with a DEXA scan of their bone mineral density (BMD). Those with cadmium levels of 0.75 or greater mcg/g creatinine had a much greater chance of osteoporosis – 245% at the femoral neck and 197% at the lumbar spine – than those with less than 0.50 mcg/g creatinine.”
Final takeaway
‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ offers evidence-based strategies to build strong, healthy bones and take control of one’s bone health for a full, vibrant life. It delves into the impact of nutrition, toxins, and chronic conditions on bone health, providing readers with a comprehensive bone-building roadmap.
Suitable for individuals of all ages, this book is a must-read for those seeking to prevent osteoporosis, improve bone health, and lead a life of strength and vitality.
Bone health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked until it becomes a concern. As we age, the risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, and related fractures increases, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, especially women over the age of 40.
However, with the right knowledge and strategies, we can actively protect and strengthen our bones. In this review, we will explore ‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ – a book that challenges the notion of bone health loss as an inevitable part of ageing.
About the authors
Lara U. Pizzorno, MA, LMT, is an experienced writer and editor with over 25 years of experience in writing for physicians and the public.
She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and currently serves as the Editor of Longevity Medicine Review and Senior Medical Editor for SaluGenecists, Inc. Her recent publications include ‘Your Bones’ and contributions to the ‘Textbook of Functional Medicine,’ ‘Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal,’ and ‘Textbook of Natural Medicine.’
Dr. Joe Pizzorno, N.D., is a renowned expert in science-based natural and integrative medicine. He played a significant role as the co-founder and served as the president of Bastyr University for 22 years. Bastyr University, the first and largest fully accredited university of natural medicine in the United States, owes much of its success to his leadership.
Acknowledging his expertise, Dr. Pizzorno was appointed by both Presidents Clinton and Bush to two prestigious government commissions. In these roles, he provided valuable advice to the President and Congress on the integration of natural medicine into the healthcare system.
What is the book about?
‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ is a groundbreaking book that offers clinically-supported strategies to build strong, healthy bones and take control of your bone health for a full, vibrant life.
Drawing from their extensive knowledge and research, the authors emphasise that frail, thinning bones do not have to be accepted as a natural part of ageing. The book presents evidence-backed insights into what causes osteoporosis and provides a comprehensive bone-building road map.
The authors reveal that the lack of essential nutrients in our food supply, combined with harmful ingredients and environmental toxins, contributes to bone loss. However, they offer hope by showing how to avoid or mitigate the impact of these bone-wreckers. Dr. Joe Pizzorno shares simple ways to cleanse the body from toxins, while Lara Pizzorno outlines the nutrients crucial for bone health.
The book includes guidance on lab tests to assess vitamin status, hormone levels, and markers of bone remodeling, helping readers pinpoint specific causes of bone loss. Lara Pizzorno also shares her favourite bone-strengthening exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, with modifications for various fitness levels.
Key takeaways from ‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’
1. Take it easy on salt to protect bone health
The book takes a deep dive into the effect of nutrition on our bones. It discusses how excessive sugar, imbalanced fats, wheat and gluten consumption might exacerbate bone health. Interestingly, salt consumption also poses a significant threat to our bones, causing calcium loss and stimulating bone resorption. The average American consumes excessive sodium, far surpassing the safe upper limit from an early age. For postmenopausal women, the impact is even more severe, as they lose more calcium relative to sodium in the urine, leading to increased bone loss.
To safeguard bone health, it is crucial to monitor salt intake and opt for fresh, organically grown foods while avoiding processed foods that are typically high in sodium. Incorporating bone-boosting spices can also enhance flavour without compromising bone health.
2. Most chronic conditions exacerbate bone health
Most chronic diseases from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues to fatty liver and IBS worsen the health of our bones.
One of the conditions that may lead to significant bone loss is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD disrupts the absorption of calcium from the intestines and the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium from the kidneys, causing secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic inflammation, ultimately resulting in bone loss.
Phosphate additives in processed foods contribute to the bone-damaging effects of CKD. Moreover, deficiencies in critical nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 further exacerbate CKD-related bone loss.
To mitigate the impact of CKD on bone health, it is essential to limit phosphate intake from processed foods and ensure adequate consumption of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2.
3. Low-impact exercise can significantly improve bone health
Exercise is crucial for overall health, and specifically for bone health, as it activates osteocytes, which stimulate bone renewal. The book presents three effective bone-building exercises: barre3, Pilates, and yoga (especially Iyengar Yoga). These exercises are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and can be modified to suit individual needs.
Barre3 is a functional training program that corrects imbalances caused by sedentary lifestyles and promotes bone strength. It targets major muscle groups, such as the upper back and shoulders, to prevent spinal wedging and fractures. The exercises include functional moves that engage core muscles, glutes, and hips, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of injuries.
Pilates focuses on strengthening and stabilising core muscles, which are essential for supporting the spine and hip joints. By targeting smaller interior muscles, Pilates effectively stimulates bone strengthening. Modifications are provided for those with osteoporosis to ensure safe and effective exercises that support bone health.
And lastly, yoga is highly effective in building fracture-free bones. The practice activates osteocytes, the most abundant type of bone cell, by producing muscle contractions that stimulate bone renewal. Holding the body in novel positions for an extended period of time during yoga applies mechanical force to the entire body, unlike other forms of exercise.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Provides a wealth of valuable, well-researched and comprehensive information on reversing bone loss and strengthening bones through dietary ingredients, real food, supplements, and exercise.
• Offers actionable tips and suggestions that can be easily incorporated into daily life to promote overall health and prevent harmful diseases and illnesses.
• The book is well-organised and easy to read.
Weaknesses:
• Some readers might find the self-promotion of the author’s websites and supplement to be distracting and lacking in objectivity.
Best quotes from ‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’
“Excessive salt intake causes the average postmenopausal woman to lose 1 mmol every day from her total bone mass. This totals 14 grams per year. Since our bodies contain 1,200 g of calcium, at this rate, we’ve lost half our bone mass in 40 years.”
“Yoga builds fracture-free bones by producing muscle contractions that activate osteocytes in areas most susceptible to fracture. Osteocytes, the most abundant type of bone cell, are mechanosensors.”
“Another Swedish study assessed the cadmium urine levels of 2,688 women along with a DEXA scan of their bone mineral density (BMD). Those with cadmium levels of 0.75 or greater mcg/g creatinine had a much greater chance of osteoporosis – 245% at the femoral neck and 197% at the lumbar spine – than those with less than 0.50 mcg/g creatinine.”
Final takeaway
‘Healthy Bones Healthy You!’ offers evidence-based strategies to build strong, healthy bones and take control of one’s bone health for a full, vibrant life. It delves into the impact of nutrition, toxins, and chronic conditions on bone health, providing readers with a comprehensive bone-building roadmap.
Suitable for individuals of all ages, this book is a must-read for those seeking to prevent osteoporosis, improve bone health, and lead a life of strength and vitality.
January 20, 2026
This book is essential reading for anyone approaching menopause or who is concerned about an osteoporosis diagnosis. In recent years, we've seen a (thankful) surge in discussions and publications about the menopause and hormone replacement therapy. The next wave in this topic that's upcoming is bone health. Bone and muscle health is a foundation for healthful living, and everyone needs to know the information in this book. The fact that I've only just come across it now suggests it is a book that's not being promoted enough.
I've been studying bone health for the past year through various social media channels, and thought I had read and heard pretty much all the information out there. I was therefore surprised how much new information I gained through this book. For example, I didn't know about excess salt consumption potentially causing calcium to leach from bones. I also wasn't aware that aged teas can contain higher levels of fluorine and heavy metals. I also didn't know that osteoporosis can be the cause of cardiovascular disease, not just the other way around. It would seem that this book could also still prove valuable to trained nutritionists and practitioners working in the diet and bone health space.
Everything is VERY clearly explained, although there could be rather too much information to take in to someone who is completely new to researching bone health. I also didn't like the intermittent references to Algae Cal, a supplement that includes algae as a source of calcium. While this supplement looks promising, there are some questions around it--not necessarily dubious ones, but there are some details about the product content that are not immediately obvious to a consumer. It's also a product that is only accessible to those privileged financially.
I've been studying bone health for the past year through various social media channels, and thought I had read and heard pretty much all the information out there. I was therefore surprised how much new information I gained through this book. For example, I didn't know about excess salt consumption potentially causing calcium to leach from bones. I also wasn't aware that aged teas can contain higher levels of fluorine and heavy metals. I also didn't know that osteoporosis can be the cause of cardiovascular disease, not just the other way around. It would seem that this book could also still prove valuable to trained nutritionists and practitioners working in the diet and bone health space.
Everything is VERY clearly explained, although there could be rather too much information to take in to someone who is completely new to researching bone health. I also didn't like the intermittent references to Algae Cal, a supplement that includes algae as a source of calcium. While this supplement looks promising, there are some questions around it--not necessarily dubious ones, but there are some details about the product content that are not immediately obvious to a consumer. It's also a product that is only accessible to those privileged financially.
June 23, 2024
When the author was diagnosed with osteoporosis in her 30’s, she and her doctor-husband researched her bone loss and a natural treatment for it. The book examines in great detail how bones are damaged by toxins and heavy metals in our food, in addition to the Standard American Diet, and followed by a comprehensive coverage of vitamins, minerals and other tools to build healthy bones. As usual, I give it 3 stars, as I have no medical or pharmaceutical training. If you are serious about treating your bone problems, this may be the book for you, as it covers the material with exhaustive details and citations.
April 21, 2024
Some helpful info, some questionable in my opinion and from other things I've read. Often hard to know who/what to believe. I do think soy and canola oil are not good and she recommends using those.
Regarding best form of calcium to take she says not to use hydroxyapatite, which I've been taking for awhile as recommended from other sources. She recommends AlgaeCal, I assume she is somehow financially invested with them.
I liked all the info on Vitamin D and K, found that helpful.
Also good exercise advice.
Regarding best form of calcium to take she says not to use hydroxyapatite, which I've been taking for awhile as recommended from other sources. She recommends AlgaeCal, I assume she is somehow financially invested with them.
I liked all the info on Vitamin D and K, found that helpful.
Also good exercise advice.
January 20, 2023
Very informative…
February 2, 2023
osteo
I liked the information and it has a lot of information to help to reverse bone loss I would recommend several of my Freind who have osteoporosis
I liked the information and it has a lot of information to help to reverse bone loss I would recommend several of my Freind who have osteoporosis
August 2, 2023
very comprehensive information
Excellent information and quite comprehensive! As a bonus, it’s well-written. Lots of actionable information. A must read for women over 40.
Excellent information and quite comprehensive! As a bonus, it’s well-written. Lots of actionable information. A must read for women over 40.
August 7, 2025
I would give this 5 stars because of the detailed information but the detailed information overwhelmed me! 😬😂 I’m keeping this as a resource to refer back to as there is no way to remember it all!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews