Exam Room Podcast
Jun 9, 2026

Building Muscle and Bone After 50 | Brenda Davis, RD

You can build strong bones and muscles as you age without eating meat or dairy foods.

Subscribe:

Registered dietitian Brenda Davis joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain how a well-planned plant-based diet can support strength, bone health, and independence after 50.

Can plant protein really support muscle? What nutrients matter most for preventing osteoporosis and sarcopenia? And how much protein do older adults actually need?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How much protein older adults may need
Whether plant protein can support muscle as well as animal protein
The best plant-based protein sources for aging muscles
Why some vegans may have higher fracture risk
How to get enough calcium without dairy
Why spinach is healthy but not the best calcium source
The role of vitamin D, B12, omega-3s, and other nutrients
How resistance training and weight-bearing exercise help protect bones
Why a high-quality plant-based diet matters more than just “going vegan”
Brenda’s practical, nonjudgmental approach to healthy eating

Brenda also discusses her upcoming book, Plant-Powered Seniors, and shares simple food swaps that can help increase protein from 40 grams a day to 70 grams a day without overhauling your entire diet.

This is a must-watch conversation for anyone over 50, anyone caring for aging parents, anyone worried about osteoporosis, and anyone wondering whether a plant-based diet can truly support strength and longevity.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.