Health

American Double Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Vonda Wright, Talks About Osteoporosis

Published

4 years ago

January 4, 2021

Though bones may feel rock solid, they are actually filled with tiny holes in a kind of honeycomb pattern. Bone tissue gets broken down and rebuilt all the time.

“With aging, humans start to lose more bone mass than we build, and those tiny holes within the bones begin to expand, thinning the solid outer layer. In other words, our bones become less dense. Hard bones become spongy, while spongy bones end up becoming spongier. When this loss of bone density becomes intense, that is what is called osteoporosis,” says Dr. Vonda Wright, American double board certified orthopedic surgeon. “More than 10 million people are estimated to have osteoporosis throughout the nation, and this truly is an astonishing number.”

Dr. Wright has cared for athletes and active people of all ages since 1989, specializing in shoulder, hip and knee arthroscopy. She is currently serving as the inaugural Chief of Sports Medicine at the Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute and is President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Heart Association. Dr. Wright also actively promotes National Women’s Health Week & Annual Women’s Health Conversations. Below, we join her in conversation to learn more about osteoporosis in aging women and what can be done to prevent it.

“Bones can break as a result of accidents. If your bones are dense enough, they can withstand most falls,” says Dr. Wright. “However, bones deteriorated by osteoporosis are more vulnerable to breaks. The hip is a common candidate for osteoporosis, and is most vulnerable to fractures. A broken hip can lead to a downward spiral of disability. Osteoporosis is also common in the wrist, knee and the spine,” says Dr. Wright.

Osteoporosis in Aging Women

Dr. Vonda Wright reveals that the hormone estrogen enables women to make and rebuild bones. “However, as with menopause, the woman’s estrogen levels drop, eventually speeding up the bone loss. This explains why osteoporosis is most common among older females,” she says.

Dr. Wright recommends that women get screened for osteoporosis regularly after the age of 65. Additionally, women under this age with a high risk for fractures should also be screened regularly.

Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis

Thankfully, osteoporosis is preventable. “There is a lot that can be done to diminish your risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium, vitamin D, and exercising is a where to begin,” Dr. Wright says. She explains that calcium is the vital mineral that maintains bone strength. This mineral can be easily obtained from the food you eat— including milk and milk products and dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach—or from dietary supplements. She further emphasized that women over age 50 should take at least 1200 mg of calcium each day.

Vitamin D is also essential as it allows the body to absorb calcium. “With aging, your body necessitates more vitamin D that is produced by your skin in the sunlight. Alternatively, you can intake vitamin D from dietary supplements or from specific foods, like milk, eggs, fatty fish, and fortified cereals,” says Dr. Wright.

Exercise strengthens bones, too, particularly weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, tennis and dancing. The pull in the muscles acts as a reminder for your bone cells to keep the tissue dense.

Smoking, on the other hand, deteriorates bones. The same goes for heavy drinking. Additionally, some drugs may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.

“And even if you have osteoporosis, it is never too late to get serious about your bone health. As your bones are rebuilding all the time, you can always promote more bone growth by providing them with exercise, calcium, and vitamin D,” says Dr. Wright. “In fact, this is precisely why exercise is essential, for it shapes balance and confidence, thus preventing fractures. Some exercises even provide loads necessary to build bone mass, along with improving balance and coordination—empowering you to catch yourself before you topple.”

Health

Snack Smarter: The Rise of Low-Calorie Almond Butter for Active Lifestyles

Published

2 weeks ago

June 10, 2025

Michelle Langton

The snack aisle is shifting. For those who balance a busy life with a commitment to health and fitness, the rise of low-calorie almond butter offers a new way to snack smarter. American Dream Nut Butter is at the center of this change, blending clean ingredients with dessert-inspired flavors and added protein to create almond butter that is both nutritious and enjoyable.

Why Almond Nut Butter Is Key to Clean Eating

As consumers become more mindful of their food choices, the spotlight is increasingly on nutrient-dense snacks that provide sustained energy without excess calories. Almond butter, especially in low-calorie varieties, meets this demand by offering a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein in a compact form. Compared to traditional spreads, such as peanut butter, almond butter often provides a smoother, lighter alternative with a different nutritional profile.

For those who track macros or embrace meal prepping, almond nut butter fits neatly into their plans. Its balance of fats and protein supports satiety, helping to keep hunger at bay between meals or during workouts. American Dream Nut Butter elevates this concept with high-protein options that blend the wholesome qualities of almonds with a subtle sweetness inspired by classic desserts.

How Much Protein is in Low Calorie Almond Butter for High Performance?

One common question around almond butter is: how much protein does almond butter contain? While natural almond butter provides a moderate protein boost, American Dream Nut Butter takes it a step further by creating blends that enhance protein content without relying on artificial sweeteners or fillers. This approach suits those seeking fuel for recovery or sustained energy throughout their day.

These protein-enhanced almond butters can work as a pre-workout snack, a post-exercise treat, or simply as a midday pick-me-up that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle. The brand’s small-batch production method ensures each jar maintains a fresh, creamy texture that spreads easily or drizzles beautifully over everything from oatmeal to fruit.

Buy Almond Butter: Unique Flavors from American Dream

American Dream Nut Butter distinguishes itself with unique flavor profiles, such as Cinnamon Toasties and Cookie Batter. These offerings embrace the idea that healthful snacks can still delight the palate, using clean, natural ingredients to create indulgent taste experiences without sugar bombs or artificial additives. Each batch is hand-whipped in-house, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and care.

Their dedication to natural flavors and nutrient density allows consumers to enjoy a dessert-inspired snack while keeping their wellness goals intact. Whether you’re looking to buy almond butter that tastes like a treat or are curious where you can find almond butter crafted with both nutrition and flavor in mind, American Dream Nut Butter offers an accessible option.

Almond Nut Butter: Fuel for Athletes and Busy Parents

Almond butter’s versatility makes it appealing for a wide range of active lifestyles. For athletes, it provides a balanced blend of nutrients that supports energy and recovery without unwanted additives. For busy parents or professionals juggling multiple demands, it’s a convenient, clean snack that fits into hectic schedules without compromise.

The brand’s YouTube channel offers video insight into how these nut butters are crafted, revealing the hands-on process that ensures quality in every jar. By choosing American Dream Nut Butter, consumers support a product that embodies family values and a personal story of overcoming dietary challenges to create wholesome alternatives that everyone can enjoy.

Where Can You Find the Best Almond Butter & More? The Future Is Here

The growing interest in low-calorie nut butter reflects a broader shift in how people approach snacking—valuing nutrition, flavor, and mindful eating in equal measure. American Dream Nut Butter’s approach, which combines protein-rich formulas with all-natural ingredients and enticing flavors, shows how almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter can evolve from a niche health food into a daily staple for those who want to snack smarter.

For more on the evolving nut butter market and how it aligns with fitness trends, check out this feature on the rise of healthy high-protein nut butter. To explore American Dream Nut Butter’s full collection and shop their almond butter selections, visit their website.

American Dream Nut Butter invites you to experience healthy nut butters that strikes a balance between enjoyment and mindful nutrition—perfect fuel for active days and wellness routines alike.

*Images sourced from American Dream Nut Butter