The gut microbiome is a vast and diverse community of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. Far from being harmful, many of these microbes are essential for keeping you healthy. They help digest food, regulate the immune system, synthesise vitamins and even influence your mood and brain function.
In recent years, research has uncovered another important job these microbes are involved in: regulating bone health.
The gut microbiome is a vast and diverse community of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. Far from being harmful, many of these microbes are essential for keeping you healthy. They help digest food, regulate the immune system, synthesise vitamins and even influence your mood and brain function.
In recent years, research has uncovered another important job these microbes are involved in: regulating bone health.
Scientists refer to the communication between the gut and the bones as the gut-bone axis. Here’s how it works:
Nutrient absorption
A healthy microbiome supports the digestion and absorption of key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D – all vital for bone formation and strength. If your gut isn’t absorbing these properly, your bones might not be getting what they need to stay strong.
Inflammation control
An imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation in the body1. Inflammatory markers called cytokines can disrupt the activity of bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and increase the activity of bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts), leading to bone loss over time2.
Hormonal influence
The gut microbiome plays a role in regulating hormones like oestrogen3, which has a direct impact on bone density.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
When good gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre, they produce SCFAs like butyrate, which help to reduce inflammation and promote the formation of new bone by influencing the activity of osteoblasts4.
Scientists refer to the communication between the gut and the bones as the gut-bone axis. Here’s how it works:
Nutrient absorption
A healthy microbiome supports the digestion and absorption of key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D – all vital for bone formation and strength. If your gut isn’t absorbing these properly, your bones might not be getting what they need to stay strong.
Inflammation control
An imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation in the body1. Inflammatory markers called cytokines can disrupt the activity of bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and increase the activity of bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts), leading to bone loss over time2.
Hormonal influence
The gut microbiome plays a role in regulating hormones like oestrogen3, which has a direct impact on bone density.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
When good gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre, they produce SCFAs like butyrate, which help to reduce inflammation and promote the formation of new bone by influencing the activity of osteoblasts4.
Here are a few science-backed tips to take care of your gut for better bone health:
Eat more fibre: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes – fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Include fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are rich in healthy bacteria.
Limit processed foods and added sugars: These can harm your microbiome and increase inflammation.
Consider a probiotic: Especially strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which have been studied for bone health benefits.
Stay active: Regular exercise helps regulate both gut health and bone strength.
Here are a few science-backed tips to take care of your gut for better bone health:
Eat more fibre: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes – fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Include fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are rich in healthy bacteria.
Limit processed foods and added sugars: These can harm your microbiome and increase inflammation.
Consider a probiotic: Especially strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which have been studied for bone health benefits.
Stay active: Regular exercise helps regulate both gut health and bone strength.
By nourishing your microbiome, you’re not just aiding digestion – you’re building a stronger foundation for your entire body. Targeting gut health may therefore be a promising avenue to explore for those with osteopenia and osteoporosis.
By nourishing your microbiome, you’re not just aiding digestion – you’re building a stronger foundation for your entire body. Targeting gut health may therefore be a promising avenue to explore for those with osteopenia and osteoporosis.
“A year ago we stayed in Ambleside. Owing to my arthritic knee and how my osteoporosis was impacting...
Helen has been using the Marodyne since January 2024 and has already experienced noticeable improvements...
Catherine received her Marodyne back in February 2023 and has been using it twice a day ever since. Here...
Pauline has been using the Marodyne for several years, alongside HRT and supplements. “I have maintained...
Anne got in contact with us in June 2024 to tell us about her success using the Marodyne LiV. Anne takes...
‘Twiggy’ was diagnosed with osteoporosis in February 2022. “While doing my shoulder surgery, the suture...
After having been diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 57, Danah sought out ways to help her situation....
Diana Moran was diagnosed with osteopenia aged 74. Diana admits she was both surprised and disappointed...
Julie Robinson has spent her career helping women to stay active and healthy. Formerly a PE teacher,...
In 2023, David got in touch with us to tell us the story of his wife, Barbara. Barbara was diagnosed...
Jane Ryan, author of the ‘Missing Dad’ teen spy thriller series, has always led an active lifestyle;...
We are here for any advice you may need on bone health, Low-intensity Vibration therapy and the Marodyne LiV.
Be the first to hear the latest Marodyne LiV success stories and updates from the world of bone health by signing up to our monthly newsletter.