Many listeners ask whether foods like spinach, nuts, and beans could be affecting their calcium absorption and overall bone strength. Learn what's in these foods, how they work, and what you can do to reduce risk.

In this episode, I share a masterclass recording from Dr. Kim Millman, a Stanford, UCSF, and USC-trained integrative medicine physician and osteoporosis expert, to explore the role of oxalates and their impact on bone health.

We also cover strategies to reduce oxalate impact safely, including boiling, steaming, soaking, fermenting, and pairing high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods. We discuss how supplements like calcium citrate and probiotics such as ProbioMed 50 can support mineral balance and oxalate clearance. Dr. Millman also highlights the importance of a healthy gut and bile flow to reduce oxalate absorption.

I love how this conversation blends practical, evidence-based strategies with real-world applications, empowering listeners to take control of their nutrition, support calcium absorption, and protect their bones effectively.

"Oxalates are not necessarily a problem for everyone. It's not as if I'm saying that anyone with bone disease has a problem with oxalates. But it's something to be on your radar." ~ Dr. Kim Millman

In this episode:

- [03:33] - Oxalates and why they matter

- [05:54] - Symptoms from high oxalate intake

- [11:52] - Top foods that contain high oxalate levels

- [14:54] - Soluble vs. insoluble oxalates and absorption factors

- [16:51] - Gut bacteria, probiotics, and oxalate metabolism

- [25:02] - Testing options available

- [26:18] - How to know if you have an oxalate problem

- [29:09] - Dietary strategies to reduce oxalates safely

- [32:27] - Tips for managing oxalate intake for better bone health

- [35:17] - Possible benefits of removing oxalates

- [40:01] - Bile flow and oxalate absorption

Resources

- Dr. Millman's Class: Restore & Rebuild: 100 Days to Healthier Bones (next class starts August 15th) - https://themillmanclinic.com/randr (Use coupon code HAPPYF26100 for a $100 discount)

- Oxalate resources from Dr. Millman - https://themillmanclinic.com/oxalates?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=oxalates_podcast

- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements

- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (video series) - https://tinyurl.com/strongerbonesexercises

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Are you wondering what's new in osteoporosis research for 2026? In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, as we review the most exciting osteoporosis updates from 2026. We share insights from the Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis in Washington, DC, covering everything from new medications and bone-building drugs to the latest research on estrogen therapy and early screening strategies.

We discuss the FDA's new endpoint for drug approval, which could speed up the availability of new medications like the oral version of Forteo. We also review the removal of the estrogen black box warning, showing that for many women, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially for those under 60 or within 10 years of menopause. We also dive into bone turnover markers that track bone building and breakdown in real time, helping you see progress in months rather than years.

Finally, we discuss new screening guidelines, early detection for women, and the importance of interdisciplinary care. Tune in to learn how you can be proactive in protecting and strengthening your bones.

"By changing the criteria for assessing the quality of the drug, they've chosen a different parameter, which is the Bone Mineral Density [BMD]...You're going to have a much more rapid evaluation, and henceforth new drugs will be able to come to the market earlier." ~ Dr. Craig Bissinger

In this episode:

- [01:23] - FDA approves total hip BMD as endpoint for drug trials

- [01:57] - Oral Forteo: First pill version of anabolic drug

- [04:29] - Removal of estrogen black box warning and implications

- [10:16] - Estrogen for bone health, heart, and colon protection

- [11:36] - Short-course anabolic therapy vs. maintenance therapy

- [16:35] - Importance of medication sequencing

- [24:30] - Bone turnover markers for monitoring progress

- [32:04] - New screening guidelines for women

- [37:55] - Bone medication and cardiovascular risk

- [40:07] - The use of AI in diagnostics

- [43:18] - Interdisciplinary care and referrals to physical therapy

Resources

- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements

- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (video series) - https://tinyurl.com/strongerbonesexercises

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Could the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in your environment be affecting your bone health? In this episode, I'm joined by Valerie Burke, also known as the "Shungite Queen," to explore the potential impact of EMFs on bone health and how shungite, a rare carbon-based rock from Russia, may help mitigate those effects.

We discuss the science, history, and properties of shungite, including its molecular structure with fullerenes and its unique interaction with electromagnetic fields. Valerie explains the ways EMFs may adversely affect bone health, including voltage-gated calcium channels, bone marrow interference, thyroid disruption, and decreased melatonin production.

She also walks us through different grades of shungite, how to recognize authentic pieces, and practical tips for using it in daily life, whether as jewelry, desktop pieces, or even infused in water. I also share my own curiosity and personal experiences with keeping shungite near my workspace to create a more grounding and protective environment.

This conversation will help you make informed choices about EMF exposure while exploring innovative ways to support bone health, wellness, and stress reduction.

"Shungite water is another way you can use shungite for your health, for just the fullerenes, the carbon 60, and the detox properties. Elite Shungite sort of energizes the water in a way that nothing else can."
~ Valerie Burke, MSN

In this episode:

- [02:55] - What is shungite? Origins and molecular properties

- [05:34] - How EMFs affect bones: voltage-gated calcium channels

- [08:29] - Bone marrow, thyroid, and melatonin disruption

- [12:06] - Various grades of shungite and how to identify genuine shungite

- [15:31] - Placement strategies: desk, jewelry, and energy fields

- [21:21] - Valerie's backstory and how she discovered shungite

- [23:41] - Stories from shungite users

- [30:04] - Valerie's osteoporosis story

- [38:26] - Shungite water infusion and its detox benefits

Resources

- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - tinyurl.com/osteoporosisexercises

- Valerie's Shungite product collection (Use coupon code Happybones for 10% discount - one use per customer. This discount runs from 6/16/26 to 7/5/26) - https://shungitequeen.com/discount/Happybones?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fevergreen

- Link to article with research on EMFs and bone health - https://shungitequeen.com/blogs/shungify/4-ways-emfs-damage-bones-how-to-protect-your-health

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.