The Best Lab Tests for Osteoporosis in 2025 With Dr. Kim Millman and Margie Bissinger, MS, PT, CHC
Release Date: 02/18/2025
Micronutrient Testing for Stronger Bones With Mira Dessy & Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Did you know that missing just a few essential micronutrients could be the reason behind your bone loss? In this episode, Mira Dessy, also known as the Ingredient Guru, reveals how targeted testing and personalized nutrition can help prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones stronger for longer. Mira, a holistic nutritionist and author, shares insights on why micronutrient testing is crucial in preventing bone loss and treating osteoporosis. Most conventional blood tests overlook intracellular levels. However, this specialized testing offers a comprehensive view of nutrient absorption and...
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Relieve Chronic Pain Through These Proven Mind-Body Strategies With Jane Hogan & Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Chronic pain affects millions and often leaves us feeling powerless. But what if there’s another way to approach it, one that doesn’t rely on painkillers or surgery? In today’s episode, I speak with Jane Hogan, a functional medicine health coach, also known as The Wellness Engineer, about her powerful, mind-body approach to relieving chronic pain. Jane blends proven, leading-edge science with ancient, spiritually inspired practices to help people release chronic pain through the mind, body, and breath, empowering them to become creators of their health. She is the author of...
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5 Powerful Steps to Avoid Disease and Live Longer With Brian Vaszily
Happy Bones, Happy Life
For centuries, people have sought a cure for diseases to prolong their lives. What if the secret to longevity and vitality wasn’t complicated? In this episode, Brian Vaszily, a world-renowned expert in healthy aging and longevity, reveals five powerful, science-backed steps that can help us live longer, healthier lives. Brian has spent over 25 years researching natural health solutions, and he’s here to break down simple, effective strategies that everyone can apply. We dive into the power of mindful decisions and how impulsive behaviors such as stress-eating and digital distractions can...
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Is Low Stomach Acid Weakening Your Bones? with Andrea Nakayama and Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Did you know that low stomach acid could be silently harming your bones? In this episode, I’m joined by Andrea Nakayama, a functional medicine nutritionist, who dives deep into the surprising connection between stomach acid and osteoporosis. We discuss why so many people with osteoporosis have low stomach acid and don’t even know it, and how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat heartburn, may be making the problem worse. Andrea explains how stomach acid plays a vital role in absorbing key nutrients essential for bone health, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12, and...
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Avoid These Environmental Toxins If You Have Osteoporosis With Dr. Aly Cohen and Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Did you know that everyday household things can harm your bones? Even the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat could be putting our bones at risk. In this episode, Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist and expert in integrative medicine, takes us on an enlightening journey into the harmful effects of environmental toxins on bone health. She explains how common chemicals disrupt our hormones and weaken bones, particularly for individuals with osteoporosis. However, here’s the good news – small, manageable changes can help protect our bones and overall...
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Gluten: A Root Cause of Osteoporosis—What You Need to Know With Dr. Craig and Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
We all know gluten affects digestion, but did you know it could be weakening your bones? In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, a functional medicine physician who shares . We explain the chain reaction: gluten damages the gut, leading to inflammation, which in turn impairs nutrient absorption and ultimately affects the bones. We also discuss how common gluten sensitivity is (even without obvious symptoms), why “leaky gut” is more serious than it sounds, and what you can do to protect your bone health, starting with your gut. If you’ve been dealing with...
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Address These 4 Root Causes of Osteoporosis To Build Stronger Bones With Dr. Kim Millman and Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Osteoporosis is more than just a condition; it’s a reflection of underlying factors affecting your bone health. Understanding these factors is crucial, yet not many people are aware of them. In today’s episode, Dr. Kim Millman returns to share information from The Healthier Bones Masterclass. She delves into the top four root causes of osteoporosis and bone loss, examining how gut health, hormones, blood sugar levels, and stress affect your bones. Dr. Millman also shares valuable insights on the role of personalized approaches to treating osteoporosis. We then discuss how...
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Boost Balance & Bone Health with Dual Tasking with Dr. Mike Studer & Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Every 11 seconds, someone ends up in the ER from a fall, and many of those are preventable. What if you could strengthen both your body and your brain at the same time, while reducing your risk of falling? In today’s episode, fellow physical therapist Dr. Mike Studer and I discuss the remarkable benefits of dual tasking, which combines physical movement with cognitive challenges to enhance balance, coordination, and bone health. This simple yet powerful approach has been shown to reduce fall risk and boost brain function, especially as we age. I’ll walk you through some easy...
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The Path to Lasting Health: Small Steps for Osteoporosis & Wellness with Margaret Floyd Barry & Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the health advice out there, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by functional nutritionist, author, and educator Margaret Floyd Barry, who shares a grounded, encouraging path for moving from information overload to lasting results. She wrote two wonderful books to share health information in an easily understandable format. Her first book, Eat Naked, dispels misconceptions about nutrition and empowers readers to adopt a whole-foods approach to eating. A year later, she followed up with a cookbook, The Naked Foods Cookbook, which she...
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Breakthrough Hip Protectors to Prevent Osteoporosis Fractures: Natasha Williams & Margie Bissinger
Happy Bones, Happy Life
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in older adults, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down once more with Natasha Williams, a passionate health advocate and the founder of a new, innovative hip protector. Her mission is to help reduce fractures and give people the confidence to live fully, without the fear of falling. Natasha shares the story behind this smart, discreet, and highly effective wearable device, which is already making a difference in senior care settings and at home. Whether you're concerned for yourself or a loved one, this...
info_outlineOsteoporosis is often diagnosed during routine screenings, with doctors relying on bone mineral density (BMD) tests to assess bone strength in the spine and hip. While BMD testing is valuable for detecting low bone density early, predicting fracture risk, and monitoring treatment progress, it only tells part of the story. Understanding your full osteoporosis risk requires a deeper look at the underlying factors affecting bone health.
In this episode, Dr. Kim Millman, an integrative medical doctor and founder of The Millman Clinic, discusses the updated lab tests that provide deeper insights into bone metabolism, hormone balance, gut health, inflammation, and nutrient levels—all critical factors in osteoporosis prevention. She also shares the surprising link between cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Join us as we discuss the latest updates on osteoporosis lab testing. Discover which tests matter most and how they can help prevent fractures before they happen. With the proper testing, you can start your journey to healing and take control of your bone health!
“Just the mere fact that you have bone loss makes you more likely to have cardiovascular disease... Once I realized and understood that, I knew I had to understand where the links were coming from and how we could test to figure out where in the pathway we could intervene so that we could prevent and also have the opportunity to improve the strength and resiliency of our bones." ~ Dr. Kim Millman
In this episode:
- [03:27] - The link between heart health and bone health
- [05:12] - Studies about coronary artery plaque and bone density
- [10:12] - Shared risk factors between heart disease and osteoporosis
- [13:32] - How to use Dr. Millman's interactive testing tool
- [16:03] - Webinar: Essential Lab Testing for Unbreakable Bones
- [46:52] - How to get help from Dr. Millman
- [50:19] - Details about the next Restore & Rebuild class
Resources mentioned
- RESTORE & REBUILD – 100 DAYS TO HEALTHIER BONES - https://themillmanclinic.com/randr (Early bird price $797 until Feb 28th; Use coupon code HAPPYBONES25 $100 off until Feb 28th)
- Dr. Millman's free lab testing guide: https://themillmanclinic.com/bonestesting
- Dr. Millman's Essential Lab Testing Guide (Basic and Heart testing for just $31) - https://themillmanclinic.thrivecart.com/essential-lab-testing-guide/
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (free) - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones-and-prevent-fractures-1
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.