Long COVID and Osteoporosis: How Chronic Fatigue Affects Bone Health with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian & Margie Bissinger
Release Date: 04/01/2025
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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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...
info_outlineHappy 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_outlineDo you feel exhausted all the time, no matter how much you rest? It’s not just in your head. Chronic fatigue is real and often has deeper, hidden causes that need attention.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician and expert in chronic fatigue. She has twenty years of clinical practice, helping thousands of patients with complex illnesses and deep fatigue.
Dr. Tufenkian shares her personal journey of dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome and how it inspired her to create a comprehensive system to heal the root causes of these conditions.
She discusses the five core causes of long-term fatigue, including mitochondrial dysfunction, infections, and toxins, and explains how addressing these can restore energy and vitality.
Join us and learn about natural solutions to boost your energy, heal your body, and regain control of your life.
“There's a way of allowing your body to rest so that you can start to regenerate. Beginning to establish a structure of a rest routine into your day can really help you recharge." ~ Dr. Jenny Tufenkian
In this episode:
- [01:25] - Meet Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, fatigue expert
- [07:06] - The impact of long COVID on bone health
- [10:24] - What is myalgic encephalomyelitis?
- [16:00] - Five root causes of long-term fatigue
- [29:40] - Determining the root cause of your chronic fatigue
- [32:20] - Why people don't get the help they need
- [36:21] - Impact of mental-emotional health on fatigue
- [37:10] - Healing strategies to restore your energy
- [39:52] - Key supplements and therapies for fatigue
- [40:41] - Regaining vitality and avoiding burnout
- [44:24] - Details about Dr. Jenny Tufenkian's Summit
- [48:50] - Finding your path to healing
Resources mentioned
- Dr. Jenny Tufenkian's Website - https://drjennytufenkian.com/
- Join the Brain Fog, Chronic Fatigue, Long COVID, Memory Loss, and Pain Breakthrough Summit - https://drjennytufenkian.com/long-covid-summit-waitlist/
- Fullscript - https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mbissinger
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.