Oxalates - Good or Bad for Bones: Dr. Bhanote on the Stronger Bones Lifestyle Podcast

Dr. Monisha Bhanote was recently featured on the Stronger Bones Lifestyle Podcast, where she delved into oxalates and their impact on bone health. As a quintuple board-certified physician and founder of Wellkulå, Dr. Bhanote combines her expertise in integrative medicine, functional culinary medicine, and cytopathology to provide a comprehensive understanding of how oxalates can influence our bones. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in maintaining strong, healthy bones through mindful dietary choices.

You can listen to the full episode here or in your favorite podcast player.

In This Episode, We Cover:

1. Understanding Oxalates and Their Sources

Dr. Bhanote begins by explaining oxalates, naturally occurring compounds found in various plant-based foods, including leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and certain fruits. While these foods are typically associated with good health, oxalates can bind to minerals like calcium, potentially forming crystals that may impact bone health.

2. Oxalates and Bone Health: The Good and the Bad

Oxalates present a double-edged sword when it comes to bone health. On one hand, many oxalate-rich foods provide essential nutrients that support bone strength. On the other hand, high levels of oxalates can hinder calcium absorption, which is vital for maintaining bone density. Dr. Bhanote stresses the importance of balance—consuming oxalate-rich foods in moderation and ensuring that your diet provides enough calcium to offset potential drawbacks.

3. The Role of Gut Health in Oxalate Management

Gut health is crucial in managing how our bodies process oxalates. A healthy gut microbiome can break down oxalates more effectively, reducing the risk of crystal formation. Dr. Bhanote highlights the need for a balanced, diverse diet to support gut health, which in turn helps in the effective management of oxalates, ultimately benefiting bone health.

4. Practical Tips for Managing Oxalate Intake

For those mindful of oxalate intake, Dr. Bhanote provides actionable strategies to balance oxalates in the diet while supporting bone health:

  • Pair Oxalate-Rich Foods with Calcium-Rich Foods: Eating calcium-rich foods alongside oxalate-rich foods can help prevent oxalates from binding to calcium in the digestive tract, thereby reducing the risk of crystal formation.

  • Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for flushing oxalates through the kidneys, helping to minimize the chance of crystal formation.

  • Diversify Your Diet: Ensuring a varied diet helps you gain a wide range of nutrients while avoiding an over-reliance on high-oxalate foods.

5. Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Dr. Bhanote also addresses common concerns and misconceptions surrounding oxalates, particularly the belief that they should be avoided entirely to protect bone health. She explains that while it’s essential to be mindful of oxalate intake, especially for those prone to kidney stones, it’s not necessary to eliminate them entirely. A balanced diet, rich in various nutrients, is the best approach to supporting bone health while still enjoying oxalate-containing foods.

Listen to the Full Episode

Dr. Monisha Bhanote’s insights on oxalates offer valuable information for anyone looking to optimize their bone health through diet. By understanding how oxalates work in the body and learning how to manage their intake, you can support strong bones without giving up nutritious, plant-based foods.

Listen to the full episode here or on your preferred podcast platform to learn more about this topic and gain more practical tips from Dr. Bhanote.


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About the Author

Monisha Bhanote, MD, FCAP, ABOIM, is one of the few quintuple board-certified physicians in the nation. She combines ancient wisdom with mind-body science to naturally bio-hack the human body through her expertise as a cytopathologist, functional culinary medicine specialist, and integrative lifestyle medicine doctor. Known as the Wellbeing Doctor, Dr. Bhanote has diagnosed over one million cancer cases, provides health programs at DrBhanote.com, and leads wellness workshops and retreats worldwide. Featured in Shape, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Living, Dr. Bhanote serves on several clinical advisory boards and is a go-to health and wellness expert for Healthline, Psych Central, and Medical News Today.

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