1 minute with Dr. Brown: Will I get osteoporosis too?

Does osteoporosis run in the family?

When it comes to osteoporosis, genetics certainly play a role—but not nearly as much as many people believe. From Dr. Susan Brown’s perspective, your genes are more like a blueprint, not a final outcome. They may outline certain tendencies, such as bone structure or peak bone density, but they don’t determine how strong or resilient your bones will be over time.

Dr. Brown emphasizes that bone is living, constantly remodeling tissue. While genetics can influence your starting point, it’s your daily habits that determine how that blueprint is expressed. Nutrition, mineral intake, acid-alkaline balance, physical activity, and even stress levels all shape whether bone is being built up or broken down. This is why two people with the same family history can have very different bone health outcomes.

The empowering takeaway is that you are not at the mercy of your genes. By focusing on a pH-balanced, mineral-rich diet—rich in alkaline foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds—and ensuring adequate intake of key bone-building nutrients, you can actively support bone strength. Dr. Brown also highlights the value of testing first-morning urine pH as a simple way to assess whether your body has the mineral reserves it needs to maintain balance and protect bone.

Rather than seeing family history as a fixed fate, think of it as useful information—a signal to be proactive. With the right lifestyle and nutritional support, you can influence how your bones age and stay strong for years to come.

We cover topics like this in our comprehensive guide to natural osteoporosis treatment options.

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Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD

Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD

Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and New York State Certified Nutritionist with more than 40 years of experience in bone health research, clinical nutrition, and health education. She is the founder of the Center for Better Bones and the Better Bones Foundation, and author of Better Bones, Better Body — the first comprehensive guide to natural bone health. Her whole-body, alkaline-centered approach identifies 20+ nutrients essential for bone health and has helped thousands of women build stronger bones naturally. | Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_E._Brown | Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-E-Brown-PhD/e/B001HOFHX8/

Weekly wisdom from the woman who builds better bones

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