Dr Chandra Sekhar Dannana, Senior Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at CARE Hospital, Hyderabad (India) shared with Onlymyhealth that bone health depends not only on the amount of calcium or vitamin D you supplement but is also closely related to the condition of the intestines. The intestines are not only a place to absorb nutrients but also directly affect bone strength through many important mechanisms.
intestines and nutrient absorption
Dr. Chandra Sekhar Dannana says you can eat enough calcium-rich foods like green vegetables, milk or almonds, but if your gut is not healthy and does not absorb these nutrients well, your bones will not benefit. The gut microbiome, the host of beneficial bacteria in the gut, plays a key role in supporting the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When this microbiome is weakened by stress, long-term medication or digestive diseases, the absorption is reduced, directly affecting bone strength.
Chronic inflammation of the intestines - the cause of bone weakness
Weakened intestinal lining can create conditions for toxins and food debris to leak into the blood, stimulating a silent chronic inflammatory reaction in the body. This chronic inflammation not only damages overall health but also promotes faster bone breakdown, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
The role of the intestines in balancing hormones
The intestines also play an important role in regulating hormones, especially estrogen - an important hormone that helps protect bone density. An imbalance of the gut microbiome can reduce estrogen levels, especially in premenopausal and menopausal women, increasing the risk of bone loss. In addition, autoimmune thyroid diseases are also related to intestinal health and affect the formation and destruction of bones.
Diet and lifestyle support the intestines, protect bones
beneficial bacteria in the gut when fermented by fiber create short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which help reduce inflammation, strengthen the intestinal lining and stimulate bone-forming cells to function. Therefore, a diet rich in green vegetables, lentils, whole grains and fermented foods will help improve the microbiome, support nutrient absorption and protect bones. At the same time, a healthy lifestyle such as drinking enough water, exercising regularly and limiting processed foods also contributes to maintaining healthy intestines and strong bones.
