Are you always tired even after a full night's sleep? Do you rely on coffee or sugar to get through the day, or put off activities because you just don't have the energy?

You shouldn't automatically dismiss persistent fatigue as a normal part of aging. And some of the underlying factors that affect your energy may also have implications for your bone health.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician who specializes in chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions. We explore potential root causes of ongoing exhaustion, including hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, and chronic infections.

We also discuss the relationship between stress hormones and bone health, the efficacy of normal bloodwork and what it might not reveal, and how to recognize when exercise is doing more harm than good.

Understanding what's behind your fatigue can be an important first step toward feeling better and supporting your bones.

"A lot of the root causes I'm looking at that lead to people's energy going down also make it so that your bones can't be as healthy." ~ Dr. Jenny Tufenkian

In this episode:

[00:00] - Why constant fatigue shouldn't be dismissed as aging

[04:08] - Five potential root causes of persistent fatigue

[07:48] - How cortisol may affect your bones

[11:58] - Chronic infections, toxins, and other possible causes

[18:31] - Fatigue caused by thyroid issues or reactivated viruses

[23:54] - What chronic viral infections may mean for bone health

[26:42] - When exercise helps and when to scale back

[36:11] - Practical ways to support your energy

[41:20] - Dr. Jenny's resources and how to get support

Resources

- Dr. Jenny's Free Cold and Flu Guide - https://drjennytufenkian.com/flu-prevention-and-treatment/

- Dr. Jenny's website - https://drjennytufenkian.com/

- Osteoporosis Exercises for Stronger Bones & Preventing Falls - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones-and-prevent-fractures

- Margie's Membership: The Happy Bones Club - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/bones-club

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.

You may be exercising, watching your nutrition, and taking steps to protect your bones, but are you paying attention to the things that can make your efforts more effective?

On this World Osteoporosis Day episode, I'm joined by my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, to share the often-overlooked pieces of a comprehensive bone-health plan.

We discuss bone turnover testing, why comparing DEXA results matters, and exercise components beyond lifting weights. We also explore nutrition, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, protein, and the connection between stress, happiness, and bones.

The best part? You don't have to change everything at once. Small, consistent steps can help you build healthier habits and support your overall well-being.

Tune in to discover what might be missing from your osteoporosis plan and choose one simple step to start with today!

"When you take care of your health, you're taking care of your bones too." ~ Dr. Craig Bissinger

In this episode:

- [01:36] - Bone turnover tests, besides the DEXA scan

- [09:40] - Tips for exercise, beyond weightlifting

- [14:45] - What you should know if you have an injury

- [24:04] - Nutritional needs for bone health

- [32:37] - The connection between stress and bone health

- [37:42] - Small changes that can make a difference

Resources

- Get Discounted Supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/mysupplementsforless

- Osteoporosis Testing Guide - https://tinyurl.com/osteoporosistestingguide

- Core and Pelvic Floor Exercises - https://vimeo.com/1237458197/e1e6630e9a?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

- Slides I showed in the podcast - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DQ_aAOocKTx_hA8OZ68UpDK2WX2apZWX/view?usp=sharing

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.