Thyroid and Bone Health: Natural Strategies with Dr. Susan Brown
For many Thyroid Thrivers, bone health doesn’t always get the spotlight—but for those of us living with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or other thyroid issues, it’s far more important than we might realize. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can impact bone strength, and when you add perimenopause or a dairy-free lifestyle into the mix, the questions can really start piling up.
- How do thyroid levels impact bone strength?
- Is my thyroid medication affecting my bones?
- Am I getting enough calcium without dairy?
- Which foods support bone health if I’m dairy-free?
- What about co-factors like magnesium and vitamins K & D?
- Do I need a supplement—and are calcium supplements safe?
These are questions I hear often inside my Thrivers Club community—and I’ve wrestled with them myself. That’s why I invited one of the world’s leading experts on bone health to join me for this episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites.
Meet Dr. Susan E. Brown
My guest is Dr. Susan E. Brown, medical anthropologist, clinical nutritionist, and founder of the Center for Better Bones. For decades, she’s been teaching women how to protect and strengthen their bones naturally, and in this conversation, she shares practical, science-backed strategies anyone can start using today.
Scroll down to listen on your favorite podcast platform, or watch the interview on YouTube!
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers before making changes to your diet, health care, or exercise regimen.
Podcast Links:
- Listen on the Podcast Page
- Listen / Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
- Listen / Follow on Spotify
- Watch / Subscribe on YouTube
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Many of us in the thyroid community eat dairy-free for reasons related to inflammation, gut health, or autoimmunity. While this can support our health in meaningful ways, it raises new questions about bone health. Dr. Brown emphasizes that with the right foods, supplements, and lifestyle practices, it is possible to thrive without dairy while still protecting your bones.
Here are some of the other key takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Brown:
- The thyroid and bone health connection: How both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can influence bone density.
- Calcium clarity: How much calcium women really need, whether food alone is enough, and when (and how) to supplement wisely.
- Dairy-free bone strategies: How to protect your bones even if you don’t consume dairy. (And is dairy all it's cracked up to be for bone health?)
- The co-factor connection: Why nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium are just as essential to bone health as calcium.
- Lifestyle habits that matter most: From strength training to stress management, we discuss the daily choices that help keep bones strong.
- Beyond numbers: Why bone density scans aren’t the only (or best) indicator of fracture risk.
- Mind-body connection: The surprising ways emotional well-being and resilience influence bone strength.
Why Bone Health Matters for Thyroid Thrivers
As Thyroid Thrivers, we know that every system in the body is connected—and our bones are no exception. When thyroid function, hormones, or gut health are out of balance, it can quietly impact bone strength. The good news is that with the right nutrition, movement, and self-care, we can support our bones just as intentionally as we support our thyroid, creating a stronger foundation for lifelong health.
Healthy bones are built on more than just calcium—they depend on balanced hormones, nutrient absorption, and low inflammation, all of which are affected by thyroid health. Both underactive and overactive thyroid function can accelerate bone loss, especially during perimenopause and menopause. By paying attention to your thyroid, nutrition, and lifestyle habits now, you can protect your bone density and overall vitality for years to come.
About Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD
Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, CNS, is a medical anthropologist, clinical nutritionist, and pioneer in the field of natural bone health. With more than 40 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to helping people naturally build and maintain strong, resilient bones.
She is the founder and director of the Center for Better Bones and Alkaline for Life, which is dedicated to the art and science of creating and maintaining optimum pH balance and is home to over 30 professional-grade nutritional supplements.
She’s also a prolific educator and author. Her books include:
- Better Bones, Better Body: Beyond Estrogen and Calcium
- Natural Bone Health: A Practitioner's Guide to Healthy Bone, Joints and Muscles
- The Acid Alkaline Food Guide
Dr. Brown’s work has been pioneering in the natural approach to bone health. Using science-based natural methods, she teaches women how to build strong bones for life. Her masterclass, the Better Bones Solution, brings together her vast clinical experience and the latest science to provide a ground-breaking program for lifelong bone strength.
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Learn more about Dr. Brown at BetterBones.com
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Dr. Brown's Free Guide to Bone Health Testing
Get Started: Download Your Free Grocery Guide
If you’re ready to strengthen your bones and support your thyroid through nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods, I’ve got a free resource to help you take that first step with confidence.
My Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide makes it simple to fill your kitchen with foods that nourish your thyroid, your gut, your hormones, your brain, and your bones. You’ll find 130+ delicious, whole-food options, from protein and produce to healthy fats and fiber-rich foods—all 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free.
Use this free resource to see how colorful, empowering, and customizable thyroid-friendly eating can be!
🛒Click here to download your free Grocery Guide
Final Thoughts
Your bones are supporting you from the inside out every single day. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to start supporting them back. Whether you’re navigating thyroid disease, perimenopause, or dairy-free living, the natural strategies Dr. Brown shares in this episode can help you build a foundation of strength that lasts a lifetime.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast for more expert interviews, thyroid-friendly nutrition tips, and inspiration for your healing journey!
Your bones are living tissue, capable of renewal and resilience when given the right support.
Wishing you strong bones and vibrant health,
P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:
- 3 Experts, 3 Opinions on Soy and Your Thyroid
- The Healing Power of Colorful Plant Foods with Dr. Deanna Minich
- What Your Thyroid Test Results Really Mean with Mary Shomon
- Thyroid-Healthy Eating 101: What to Eat & Avoid for Energy & Healing
- Adrenal Health and Your Thyroid with Dr. Izabella Wentz
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