Episode 168

Published September 1, 2026

In this episode, Phoebe Liebling joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to discuss bone loss, mixed messaging in fitness and nutrition culture that can damage bone density, and the critical role of estrogen in bone remodeling.

Their conversation also covers:

• The invisible and non-linear nature of bone loss
• Estrogen as a stimulant for osteoblast activity and calcium retention
• Common habits like chronic underfueling, excess cardio, and fasted training and how they can quietly contribute to bone loss
• How typical DXA scans begin at 65, missing the fastest bone-loss window which occurs much earlier during perimenopause
• A practical framework for reversing bone loss through nutrient-dense eating, protein intake, and targeted supplementation

Key Moments

0:47 Episode Introduction

2:07 Introduction to Bone Health and Personal Journey

8:01 Understanding Bone Health and Its Importance

16:03 Personal Experience with Osteoporosis Diagnosis

23:54 The Role of Hormones in Bone Health

30:36 DUTCH Direct

31:04 Screening and Preventive Measures for Bone Health

35:50 Understanding Osteoporosis: A Dynamic Process

38:40 Root Causes of Bone Health Issues

43:27 Building a Personalized Treatment Plan

48:58 Nutritional Foundations for Bone Health

58:23 Realistic Approaches to Reversing Osteopenia

About our speaker

Phoebe Liebling is a Registered Nutritional Therapist and founder of Liebling Health, with over a decade of clinical experience helping clients get to the root cause of hormonal, digestive, and metabolic health concerns. Her approach to bone health is shaped by her own experience: after being diagnosed with osteoporosis following premature menopause, she used nutrition and lifestyle strategies to rebuild her bone density, an approach she now applies with clients at every age and hormonal stage. 

Show Notes

Learn more about Phoebe Liebling and follow her on Instagram @lieblinghealth!

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