I love all the information you send me on your website, and now I really want to get the Save Our Bones Program. I have one concern, though. My eyesight is very bad, and I have a lot of trouble reading. And it keeps getting worse every year. What do you suggest?

-Coleen

Dear Coleen,

I’m glad you’re a Save Our Bones community member! And I have good news for you. First of all, the Save Our Bones Program is in large print, which makes it a lot easier for you and for everyone who has eyesight problems.

And don’t give up on your eyesight just yet. I recommend you try Dr. Gottlieb’s method to improve vision naturally. Dr. Gottlieb is an experienced optometrist and he created the scientifically based Read Without Glasses Method to help those who think are stuck with bad and deteriorating eyesight.

Click here to learn more about it →

And remember, always look at the bright side of life!

Question & Answer #2

What is the difference between low turnover and high turnover osteoporosis? Thanks!

-Dinah

Dear Dinah,

The characteristic of low turnover osteoporosis, also known as age-related or type II osteoporosis, is that bone resorption outpaces bone formation. In other words, when the normal bone remodeling cycle is disrupted.

High turnover osteoporosis or type I is caused by a sudden hormonal imbalance, particularly lower estrogen levels, which trigger calcium loss from the bones. While type I osteoporosis is usually associated with spinal compressions, type II is typically blamed for spinal and leg fractures.

Of course, this is the medical establishment’s view on osteoporosis, which they wrongly catalog as a disease. As a Save Our Bones community member you already know that osteoporosis is not a disease, as I clearly explain in the Program. You can also read a synopsis on this important topic here.

Once we get rid of this myth, we can ignore the different types of osteoporosis since as I wrote in the Save Our Bones Program, calcium loss leading to bone fragility is caused by a biochemical imbalance that can be easily corrected without any drugs.

Stay curious… and healthy!

Question & Answer #3

Vivian,

Trish

Dear Trish,

Here’s my favorite alkalizing soup stock recipe:

Enjoy!

Question & Answer #4

What is the best time to take bone building vitamins, AM or PM?

-Bridget

Dear Bridget,

As I write in the Save Our Bones Program, it is best to take the Foundation Supplements with food. I take them in the morning, so I don’t have to remember later in the day. The only supplement I also take with dinner is extra calcium, since the maximum absorbable dose is 500 mg at a time.

In good health!

Question & Answer #5

Are gluten free baked goods alkalizing or acidifying? ie: gluten free pizza, bread, cookies, etc.

-Mary

Dear Mary,

Gluten free ingredients are typically acidifying, since the wheat is most often replaced with other cereals such as corn or oats which have an acid ash residue. However, buckwheat, despite its name, is not related to wheat and it is both alkalizing and gluten free.

Stay healthy,

Question & Answer #6

You mentioned that lemons had calcium. Do limes also have calcium? 
I really enjoy all the articles you have sent.


-Brenda

Dear Brenda,

Lemons are one of the Foundation Foods listed in the Save Our Bones Program. In addition to being alkalizing, they contain vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. In fact, one lemon contains 15 grams of calcium.

You most probably already know that Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body. It’s necessary for the production of collagen, which maintains bones and cartilage.

While limes are a source of Vitamin C, they don’t contain calcium. However, they do have small quantities of potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus.

Be well,

Question & Answer #7

I am 70 years old and I have been taking calcium, but I have just read an article from England saying I should not take these supplements because of side effects, especially heart problems. What do you think?

-Pearl

Dear Pearl,

This is an excellent question! The flaw in a blanket statement condemning calcium as bad for the heart is that Mainstream Medicine basically ignores the difference between the types of calcium supplements.

To get all the details and my take on this controversial topic, you can read my blog post titled ‘Calcium and Heart Attack Alert: My Take’.

Best wishes,

Question & Answer #8

What would you recommend when a physician tells one has low vitamin D in the blood. I was told that my blood level is 22 (it should be at least 30). I’m already taking multivitamins, and have now added 1000 D3 per day. What is my next alternative should this not help?

-Claire

Dear Claire,

You are on the right track, but since Vitamin D is poorly absorbed from dietary sources (both food and supplements), you might want to consider upping the dose for the first month or two, perhaps to 2,000 IU (plus the 400 your multivitamin/mineral supplement most probably contains).

I also recommend you sunbathe for at least 20 minutes a day without using sunblock. To avoid this problem in the future, if you live in an area with few days of sunshine or if the weather doesn’t permit you to be outdoors in the winter, you might want to consider a sun lamp made specifically to increase or maintain Vitamin D levels. Should you need to use one, make sure you follow manufacturer’s directions to avoid skin problems.

So let the sunshine in!

Question & Answer #9

Re Forteo — is it true that Forteo can cause osteosarcoma?

-Debbie

Dear Debbie,

Indeed, osteosarcoma – a dangerous bone cancer – is a scary diagnosis. During laboratory trial studies prior to the drug’s approval, almost 45% of the rats treated with Forteo (teriparatide) at the highest dose developed osteosarcoma.

Fortunately, very few humans who’ve taken Forteo have reported contracting this lethal disease. But the drug is still riddled with mystery and other nasty side effects.

You can read more about Forteo here.

Keep asking questions,

Question & Answer #10

Dear Vivian,

-Irma

Dear Irma,

It depends whom you ask this question to. If you asked a doctor, he or she would tell you that there’s more than one medication that can help you. My answer to you is that all osteoporosis medicines carry unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. And what’s worse is that those who are willing to risk their health as a trade-off experience only temporary bone density improvement – if at all. That’s because osteoporosis drugs can’t be taken for more than a few years, precisely because of their terrible side effects.

Fortunately, you don’t have to take chances with your health in order to improve your bones and increase their density. If you haven’t yet, I urge you to download the free Natural Bone-Building Handbook, where I give you information on how to naturally reverse osteoporosis.

And if you wish to bring your bone health to the next level, get the Save Our Bones Program. Thousands have reversed their osteoporosis without taking drugs. I’m pretty sure that you’ll be truly inspired by the Real Life Results from Save Our Bones community members. I know I am!

To your bone health,

What do you think of the Ensure products for added protein? There are the high protein shakes with only 5 grams of sugar. Are these acceptable or are they too acidic?


-Marilyn

Dear Marilyn,

Getting a little extra protein is a good idea, especially if you are active. However, I don’t recommend Ensure, and here’s why. If you take a look at the ingredients, you’ll see that the first five (after water – and it doesn’t even say “filtered water”, so assume it’s tap water) are corn maltodextrin, sugar, milk protein concentrate, canola oil, corn oil, soy protein Isolate, all of which are acidifying. In addition, the corn maltodextrin, corn oil, and soy protein isolate are most likely derived from genetically-modified (GMO) crops. You may not know this, but corn maltodextrin is a refined sweetener similar to High Fructose Corn Syrup, now also called corn sugar (so beware!). As if this were not enough, Ensure contains “natural and artificial flavor.” And there’s no reason to use a protein supplement that contains so much added oil.

To add more protein to your diet, I recommend you use whey protein. It’s alkalizing and bone healthy. If you haven’t yet, read ‘The Whey to Bone Health’ where you’ll find lots of valuable info about whey and why it’s the healthiest source of extra protein.

Stay strong and active!

Question & Answer #2

Please comment on agave as a substitute for sugar.

-Marlene

Dear Marlene,

Agave is quite controversial because some brands may contain unbound fructose. And here’s why. In some cases, the syrup is refined, a process that uses chemicals which alters the way fructose is metabolized. The typical organic agave nectar has approximately 50% fructose, as is the case with table sugar or sucrose derived from cane sugar. In table sugar, every fructose molecule is bound to a glucose molecule. When agave is refined, a large number of fructose molecules end up unbound from glucose, and that is a problem (not that sucrose is a good choice either, but I’m using it for comparison purposes). The best way to avoid this issue is to get organic agave and to make sure the brand you get does not use chemicals in processing.

But there is controversy about the nectar’s ash residue as well. Some claim it’s a low acid food, others claim it’s neutral to slightly alkaline-forming. So based on these issues, I recommend honey or stevia as better alternatives.

Stay on track because it’s “sweet” to be healthy!

Question & Answer #3

Dear Vivian, There’s so much confusion regarding Strontium (ranelate, citrate, etc.). Please address the question of whether or not strontium is helpful for bone health and which kind is best.

-Ana

Dear Ana,

I don’t recommend strontium, either as a supplement or in its prescription form (strontium ranelate, sold abroad as Protelos and several other names). Strontium competes with calcium absorption, and because it’s denser than calcium, it can skew DEXA scan results. It also comes with several potential side effects that can include blood clots and fainting. And strontium can actually reduce the tensile strength of your bones, increasing the risk of fracture.

Because there’s been a lot of confusion about this, I want to emphasize that the small amounts of naturally-occurring strontium found in organic calcium supplements are not a problem. It’s only when strontium is used as a drug or supplement in much larger doses that it becomes an issue.

For the full scoop on strontium, read ‘Strontium Demystified’.

Here’s to getting “unconfused”!

Question & Answer #4

I would like to know what are the best exercises to reduce or stop my bones getting any weaker or thinner than they already have. Are there some good resources out there or do you have advice as to what exercises are best for a person with osteoporosis. I just found out recently I am losing height – it feels like I was robbed! I appreciate any help you can offer.

-Beverly

Dear Beverly,

For strong and healthy bones, you need both weight bearing and resistance exercises. A regular exercise program that incorporates these elements, as well as flexibility and balance, can increase your bone density and prevent falls and fractures.

In case you don’t know this, I’ve just recently released the Densercise System. It is a complete 4-week schedule for only 3 days a week (that’s all you need!), with different weight bearing, resistance and postural exercises for each day. It’s delivered to you instantly as a digital e-book so you can get started building your bones right away. You can get more info here.

To safe and bone healthy exercise!

Question & Answer #5

In addition to osteoporosis in my hips, I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. There is a group of vegetables that, even though they would be helpful to my bones, act as goitrogens and could interfere with what little thyroid function I might still have. Do you know if extracting the juice, as in juicing them, would put them into a “safer” state for me to consume? Thank you.

-Nancy

Dear Nancy,

Great question! There are two main types of foods that are considered to be goitrogens and could potentially interfere with production of thyroid hormones. The first is soy. Due to its phytoestrogen content and the fact that the large majority of soy crops are genetically modified (GMO), you’re actually better off avoiding it altogether.

The second category is cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and turnips. And although they’re not cruciferous, these foods are also considered to be goitrogens: millet, peaches, peanuts, radishes, spinach, and strawberries.

These foods contain isothiocyanates which block thyroid peroxidase, one of the enzymes that is essential to a healthy thyroid. To answer your question, juicing will not reduce the level of goitrogenic substances, but cooking will.

To a healthy thyroid AND healthy bones!

Question & Answer #6

The Dexa Scan T – score of my lower spine reads -4.0. Does this indicate a need for a medication such as Boniva? How would you treat this?

-Pauline

Dear Pauline,

First of all, keep in mind that there is much more to bone health than DEXA test score results. As I write in the Save Our Bones Program, bones typically don’t break because they are not thick enough; they break because they are not resilient enough. This means that they lack tensile strength, which is the ability to resist stretching or pulling. In the Save Our Bones Program I point out that less dense but healthy and renewed bones have better tensile strength than thicker and denser bones.

Mainstream medicine focuses so much on density because it needs numbers (i.e. fixed parameters) to prescribe drugs. Generally speaking, doctors prefer to follow a set protocol.

While density is one indicator of bone metabolism, let’s keep in mind that the main focus of bone health should be to prevent fractures. In general, osteoporosis drugs including Boniva, target density while ignoring tensile strength. And osteoporosis drugs also have a long list of side effects.

To find out more about Boniva, read my lighthearted spoof titled ‘Boniva” What If Sally Field Told the Truth?’.

And if you haven’t yet, I suggest you watch the RESTORE video presentation where you’ll discover how you can rebuild your bones without taking any drugs. You can also check out the inspiring real life success stories from our community members who have regained their bone health thanks to the Save Our Bones Program.

Always search for natural bone health solutions!

Question & Answer #7

Dear Vivian, what are your thoughts on barley grass. Does it help bones and is it easy to grow it at home? Thanks.

-Vanessa

Dear Vanessa,

Barley grass is a bone healthy and alkalizing plant that’s full of beneficial nutrients, including valuable minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and chlorophyll. It is a very good source of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C, B-vitamins, and beta-carotene (a Vitamin A precursor). All except the last are Foundation Supplements.

If you have a reasonably green thumb, you shouldn’t have any trouble growing your own barley grass. The growing cycle of barley grass is short, which makes it attractive for do-it-yourselfers. Here’s a link that gives you step-by-step instructions.

Think green for bone health!

Question & Answer #8

I’ve read that antidepressants are not helpful to bone health. I have tried to avoid their use, but circumstances have lead me to a major depression for which I also do counseling and cognitive behavioral groups. Without the use of these drugs, I would not sleep or function. I am post-menopausal and I do have osteopenia -1.9 but have been supplementing and exercising much as you have described. Do you know which type of anti-depressants might not be as ‘leaching’ to the bones? thank you!

-Vicki

Dear Vicki,

First, I’m sorry to hear about your issues with depression, and I wish you the very best moving forward. Unfortunately, all prescription anti-depressants (indeed, all prescription medications) are acidifying.
But here are a few natural alternatives that you might discuss with your medical team. In some studies St. John’s Wort has been found to be as effective as anti-depressants for mild to moderate depression. It may or may not be a viable solution for major depression.

SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, both of which are neurotransmitters that can affect mood and depression.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that your body can convert to serotonin

You might also look at the following supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and folic acid, all of which are Foundation Supplements as well. And if you haven’t already done so, consider eliminating sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

The above ideas are meant to inform you of natural options. However, it doesn’t mean that you should try them without first talking to your doctor(s). So don’t stop your current protocol until you discuss these alternatives with your health practitioner.

To your brighter future!

Question & Answer #9

I got diagnosed with Osteoporosis several months ago, and my doctor prescribed Fosamax, which I started taking without questioning. Soon after, I started getting pain all over my body and stopped the medicine. That is how I found Save Our Bones, searching the web for something natural to help my bones. Now I would like to get started on the Save Our Bones Program, but I wanted to tell you that I am quite overweight. My doctor told me that heavy people have denser bones. Is that true? Vivian, I’ve tried to lose weight many times in my life, but without success. Now I’m thinking maybe it’s all for the better. What do you think? Should I stop worrying about my weight? Thanks,

-Milvia

Dear Milvia,

Congratulations on your decision to follow the Program and ditch the drugs! To answer your question, mainstream medical “wisdom” believes that carrying extra weight strengthens bone, but it’s not so. If you haven’t yet, check out my blog post titled ‘Your Weight Affects Your Bones: True or False?’. In it I explain why this outdated concept is flawed and write about a recent study that separates fact from fiction about this topic. Because the truth is that carrying extra weight is not good for – and that applies to all aspects of health.

So give weight loss a try again – don’t give up. Now that you’ll get started on the Save Our Bones Program, pick lots of low-calorie high fiber goodies, and you’ll see the results.

And if you need to tame your appetite at first, you may want to check out this natural product that can help you get on track. Click here to watch the video for more info.

To your new-found health!

Question & Answer #10

Last week I had the biggest shock. I had a bone density test and it came back bad, with Osteoporosis. My doctor told me that it’s part of aging. He even said, “yes, we’re getting old” or something like that. I was very depressed. I also went to the eye doctor, and she told me that I need stronger glasses to read. I am so depressed! I’m 56 years old and feel young at heart. So now I was given Boniva for my bones (which I refuse to take) and have to buy new reading glasses. What do you think?

-Ingrid

Dear Ingrid,

I say that “age is in the eyes of the beholder”! Because your doctor has it all wrong. As I write in the Save Our Bones Program, bones are dynamic living tissue that renew themselves regardless of age. So don’t be depressed… be proactive! It’s good that you are a Save Our Bones community member and will get on the Program.

And before you go out to buy a new pair of reading glasses, you might want to try this scientifically proven method created by Dr. Gottlieb, an experienced optometrist. The Read Without Glasses Method can help you improve your vision naturally, so you’ll see clearly again.

So get on the Program and on the Method, and you’ll feel and see better.

And remember, always ask questions…

I’m a strict vegetarian for many years and I have the Save Our Bones Program. You write that vitamin B12 is important for bones, but here’s my problem. I don’t tolerate vitamin B supplements well, so I’d like to know which vegetables or fruits are a good source of B12. Thanks for all you do!

-Karen

Dear Karen,

Indeed, the highest food sources of vitamin B12 are found in animal protein such as liver, beef, and fish – a challenge to vegetarians. Yogurt has good levels of B12, and if you have it plain and sweetened with stevia, honey, or your favorite natural sweetener (besides sugar), it’s alkalizing. An excellent plant source of B12 is wheatgrass juice. In fact, one cup of wheatgrass juice provides you with more than the minimum daily requirement. This according to tests conducted at the Irvine Analytical Laboratories in California.

And wheatgrass also contains lots of other bone-healthy nutrients. Check out more very interesting information on wheatgrass here.

Keep saving your bones!

Question & Answer #2

Since you recommend not drinking tap water which contains fluoride, will only brushing my teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride prevent cavities?

-Sonia

Dear Sonia,

Several unbiased studies have shown that fluoride is not necessary to prevent cavities, and that it has great potential to harm your bone health. And the skin on the lining of your mouth was shown to absorb the chemicals in toothpaste. I don’t recommend fluoride, whether it’s in water or toothpaste.

For more about bone health and fluoride, read ‘Bone Health Alert: Fluoride’. And you’ll find recommendations for fluoride-free toothpastes here.

Stay cavity free… and fluoride free!

Question & Answer #3

I just started using a Rebounder and I am also taking Tap Dance lessons. I’d like to know if these forms of exercise are good for building bones. Thank you sincerely!

-Celestial

Dear Celestial,

Rebounding is an excellent low-impact weight-bearing exercise that can help develop balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility. Tap dancing is also a wonderful weight bearing exercise, in addition to being lots of fun! With either of these, make sure you check with your doctor to make sure these forms of exercise are okay for you.

I recommend a trampoline with a support bar such as the Sunny Health & Fitness 40″ Foldable Trampoline with Bar.

Enjoy your bouncing and tapping!

Question & Answer #4

Could you please let me know if it is advisable to do the Heel Lift and Jump exercise on a carpeted surface by people having osteopenia problem. And is brisk walking advisable?

-Maria

Dear Maria,

The Heel Lift and Jump can be done almost anywhere. You can do it outdoors on grass (as I demonstrate in the video), or indoors on a hard floor or carpeted surface. If you have any issues with your feet or knees, I advise doing it on a softer surface like carpet or grass (or on an exercise mat). And although you didn’t ask about this, Maria, others have – this exercise can be done either barefoot or in shoes.

And yes, brisk walking (or even walking at a moderate speed) is one of the best and most accessible weight-bearing exercise.

Keep jumping for your health…

Question & Answer #5

Just wanted to ask why you don’t suggest wearing both wrist and ankle weights together? Seems to me that if you were taking a walk, or working around the house, you could benefit twice as much by doing both?

-Jhones

Dear Jhones,

I’m glad you’re enjoying the material!

Good question. The main reason I don’t recommend wearing wrist and ankle weights at the same time is to prevent accidents. Wearing both can be a bit unwieldy and could throw you off balance as you move around. For that same reason, I recommend wearing weights around the house only while doing regular chores, not when you go for a walk or do other types of exercise.

Note: Jhones’ question refers to a recommendation I make in Simplecise, a free report you can get here.

To safe and bone healthy exercise!

Question & Answer #6

When you have osteoporosis in the lower lumbar spine is stair climbing a good way to strengthen the back muscles?

-Louise

Dear Louise,

Stair climbing is an excellent weight bearing exercise for increasing bone density in the hips, as well as in the whole body. Here’s something important to remember when you climb the stairs: keep your abdominal muscles tight to properly support your spine. For a specific exercise to strengthen your back muscles and increase bone density in your spine, check out my Spine Strengthener video.

Continue your “climb” toward bone health!

Question & Answer #7

Vivian, One doctor. prescribed Celebrex for my arthritis, now my other doctor wants me off (too many side effects) and to do Reclast? Your thoughts please. I so enjoy your book.

-Belinda

Dear Belinda,

Your doctor is right to be concerned about the side effects of Celebrex, but I don’t understand why he or she wants you to replace it with Reclast, which comes with its own set of potentially devastating side effects. I’ve written three blog posts about Reclast, so in case you haven’t yet, I urge you to read them:

ALERT: Reclast and Kidney Failure
ALERT: New Life-Threatening Reclast Side Effects
Reclast: The Miracle Oral Bisphosphonate Alternative?

Information is the best way to make decisions…

And remember, the choice is always yours!

Question & Answer #8

Thank you so much for your devotion to your work and for all of us who are concerned about our bones. My question is , what is happening to our bones when we shrink as we get older? Is it natural or can it be prevented and if so how?

-Joyce

You are most welcome, Joy! Thank you for the very kind words.

No, your bones do not have to shrink as you get older. If you follow a bone smart program like Save Our Bones, you can have healthy bones and an active lifestyle throughout your golden years.

However, as we age, we do tend to have issues with posture, which can make it appear as though we’re “shrinking” even when that’s not the case. If you have concerns about posture, I recommend you check out Posture Confidence, a series of great workout DVDs that are specifically designed to align your posture in only 10 to 15 minutes a day.

Stand tall and stay healthy…

Question & Answer #9

My husband and I started on the program about a month ago. We are loving it and my husband has lost the weight he wanted without any effort. However, he still has a craving for ice cream and is eating a fat free frozen yogurt almost every day. The product is “Eating Right” and the ingredients listed in order are non-fat milk, sugar, cultured non-fat milk, corn syrup etc. etc. I feel that the sugar and corn syrup alone are bad enough and wonder if I can find something else in a frozen dessert that would satisfy him.

-Jackie

Dear Jackie,

I’m so glad you and your husband are enjoying the program, and please give your husband my congratulations on his weight loss! That’s one of the “side effects” of the Save Our Bones Program: easy weight loss for those who need it.

You’re absolutely right to be concerned about the frozen yogurt. “Eating Right” is definitely a misnomer in this case; the large amount of sugar and corn syrup make it an acidifying food. But that doesn’t mean your husband has to give up his treat.

Your best option is to make your own frozen yogurt. Here’s one of my favorite recipes – it’s super quick and easy, and you don’t even need an ice cream machine.

Enjoy the yumminess!

Question & Answer #10

Does yoga work as well as weight training for bone health?

-Ginger

Dear Ginger,

As I write in the Save Our Bones Program, besides being a great stress reducer, yoga increases physical strength and flexibility, both of which are helpful in preventing fractures. Done consistently, yoga can be every bit as effective as weight training. Using your own body weight, yoga places healthy stress on your bones, and that stress triggers Wolff’s Law of Bone Formation, which I discuss in detail in the Save Our Bones Program.

And yoga has many other benefits as well. From the Save Our Bones Program:

This ancient Hindu discipline blends the body, the mind, and the spirit with the goal of achieving a state of perfect tranquility.

Practicing yoga on a regular basis can give a sense of emotional stability and clarity of mind. It consists of exercises and poses as well as calming breathing exercises, and is an excellent way to relieve stress.

Cardiologist Satish Sivasankaran and team published a study conducted at the Yale University School of Medicine on patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). After taking six weeks of yoga and meditation, study participants who had heart disease had a 69 percent improvement in endothelial function (the expansion and contraction of arteries, veins, and capillaries necessary for blood flow).

If you’re looking for an effective, easy to follow program that is focused solely on building and supporting your bones, take a look at the Densercise System, a four-week program that incorporates weight bearing, resistance, and postural exercises.

The Densercise moves are easy to do, and I’ve designed them so they’ll effectively increase your bone density in only 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.

Here’s to your bone health!

I have osteoporosis, and my doctor told me that the only way to get cured is to take the drugs. But I don’t want to, I’m really scared of them. I asked if there was a way to build bones without drugs, and he said that I’m stuck with the bones I have unless I follow his advice. I just found your website, so I’d like to know if what he told me is true.

-Eleanor

Dear Eleanor,

Perfect timing to find the Save Our Bones community! To answer your question, doctors seem to think that we’re stuck with what we have… unless we do what they say. But that’s not so, and I have to say that they might forget a basic principle of biology: that our cells are constantly reproducing and thus renewing themselves… if we provide them with the nutrients and with the environment they need. Bones are also made of cells that are alive and that need proper caring so they flourish, and that’s the basis of the Save Our Bones Program.

As a Biologist, I find this topic fascinating, and not only as it relates to bones. Because cells are the building blocks of all our organs in the body. So cell renewal is essential to health and to staying young and vibrant.

In fact, I’ve run into some eye-opening research about a natural substance found in a common food that has shown to help the body create rejuvenated cells, regardless of age. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading about it here.

Click here for more shocking discoveries about cell rejuvenation.

Stay young and inquisitive!

Question & Answer #2

Can you tell me why these drug companies are continually given air time to advertise bisphosphonates, which as we know thanks to you,Vivian, are so deadly? The Boniva adverts featuring Sally Field spring to mind in particular?

-Fran

Dear Fran,

Pharmaceutical companies have the right to advertise the products they sell, just like any other company. What would the criteria be to ban them from advertising? But here’s what’s important: the responsibility of making the decision whether to use them or not is in our hands, regardless of the ads.

I did pick up on Sally Field’s starring role in the Boniva advertisements, and wrote a blog post about it titled ‘Boniva: What If Sally Field Told the Truth’.

If you haven’t read it yet, check it out. And if you want a good laugh, watch this short video about the Boniva ads that was featured on Saturday Night Live.

Keep asking questions!

Question & Answer #3

My osteoporosis is in an advanced stage, with almost constant pain. I am doing exercises, taking supplements, etc. But I’m not sure what supplements post osteoporosis requires. Most articles, etc. that I read deal with prevention of Osteoporosis. Can you help me?

-Helen

Dear Helen,

I hope you’re feeling better. To answer your question, in the Save Our Bones Program you’ll find tons of information about the Foundation Supplements, which are the bone-healthy supplements that build and strengthen your bones. They are not difficult to find exotic products. In fact, the Foundation Supplements are vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are easily available just about anywhere.

You can also read about them – and get lots of helpful information on osteoporosis and osteopenia – in the free ‘RESTORE Report’. And if you’d like to bring your bone health to the next level, get the Save Our Bones Program. It’s risk free for one full year, so you have nothing to loose and everything to gain – including your bone density!

Best wishes,

Question & Answer #4

Can I overdose on Magnesium supplements? Thanks for clarifying.

-B. Oliver

Dear Oliver,

Most magnesium overdoses occur when ingesting too much Milk of Magnesia (an over-the-counter laxative and antacid) or Epsom salts. Some of the side effects of magnesium overdose are nausea, diarrhea, a slower heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting. An overdose can be more severe if someone has kidney issues.

On the other hand, it is impossible to overdose on magnesium from eating foods that contain it. And – you guessed it – magnesium is listed in the Save Our Bones Program as a Foundation Food.

With all the emphasis on calcium to stave off osteoporosis, magnesium has been all but forgotten by mainstream medicine. You see, every organ in the body requires magnesium for proper function. It also activates enzymes and contributes to energy production.

And because of its important role in bone health, magnesium is also listed In the Save Our Bones Program as a Foundation Supplement, where -among other things – I explain how magnesium acts synergistically with calcium. The recommended ratio between calcium and magnesium is 2:1, and the RDA is 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men.

To your bone health!

Question & Answer #5

I switched to the raw whole foods calcium product. The suggested amount is 750 mg daily. Is that enough? I was taking 1200 in the regular calcium supplements.

-Anne

Dear Anne,

The answer to your question is: it depends on your diet and lifestyle. If you follow the Save Our Bones Program, then 750 mg of calcium is plenty. Why? Because the Program is designed to help you retain most of the calcium where it belongs: in your bones. If you’re not following the Save Our Bones Program and are eating an imbalanced diet and perhaps taking acidifying osteoporosis drugs, then no amount of calcium is enough.

Think about this: almost everyone with an osteoporosis diagnosis is told by their doctor to take lots of calcium. So if calcium would be the answer, why are doctors also prescribing the drugs?

Stay natural!

Question & Answer #6

My husband is a chemical engineer and believes it is not wise to drink distilled water. Do you have any concerns about distilled water?

-Diane

Dear Diane,

I recommend drinking distilled water with a few drops of lemon to detoxify and to balance your pH. In The Missing Link, which is part of the Save Our Bones Program, I write this:

“All water, including distilled water, is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, so it is electrically neutral. However, the negative and positive charges are unevenly distributed. The electronic (negative) charge is concentrated at the oxygen end of the molecule. This ever-so-slight charge imbalance coupled with the highest level of purity found in distilled water helps create an alkaline environment, even though distilled water does test acidic for its pH.

The unencumbered and subtle negative charge in distilled water attracts the positively charged acidic waste products and helps flush them out of the body. Perhaps this is why another common myth about drinking distilled water is that it causes essential minerals to leach out of the body, but nothing could be further from the truth.Thanks to the cleansing action of distilled water, your body will have a more alkaline pH, which is essential to your bone health, as I write in the Save Our Bones Program.”

Here’s to the “chemistry” in your marriage!

Question & Answer #7

What is the role of vitamin K in calcium absorption? I know that it is a blood thinner and one should consult with a physician before taking it, but I also hear that it helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth. If it is so, what type of K should one take and how much?

-Margots

Dear Margot,

This is an excellent question, because just like I wrote in my answer about magnesium, vitamin K is also often forgotten by mainstream medicine. However, please note that Vitamin K is a blood thickener, not a blood thinner. Yet a large number of studies scientific studies confirm Vitamin K’s positive effects on bone-building processes. In fact, this vitamin is listed as one of the Foundation Supplements in the Save Our Bones Program. To get all the details and dosage information, read my comprehensive article titled “Vitamin K: Your Osteoporosis Knight in Shining Armor”.

Enjoy!

Question & Answer #8

I have been told I have osteopenia in the lumber spine -1.8 Also osteoporosis in the femoral hip -2.9 I have no pain or stiffness whatsoever,I am very supple. I am wondering if this is normal?

-Jane

Dear Jane,

Of course it is normal ! If you have the Save Our Bones Program you already know that osteoporosis is not a disease. And that the DEXA scan machines that focus only on bone density are not good (and reliable) bone health indicators. Because contrary to what the medical establishment wants us to believe, bone density is but one of the many components of bone health. Very dense and non-renewed bones may be more prone to fracture than supple and renewed bones.

Warm regards,

Question & Answer #9

In a 24 hour urine test my doctor said I spill too much calcium into my urine and not to bother to take calcium supplements because I’m not absorbing them. Should I not take any calcium supplements?

-Margaret

Dear Margaret,

Your doctor is giving you only half the story… You can – and should – take action to make sure you retain the calcium you take. That’s one of the basics of reversing osteoporosis and therefore, one of the main goals of the Save Our Bones Program. Please read my answer above to Anne about calcium.

And here’s my gift to you (and to your doctor): ‘The Ultimate Calcium Guide’.

To your strong bones!

Question & Answer #10

I have rheumatoid arthritis and take 9.5mg of prednisolone daily. I am following your programme of diet and supplements and find your ongoing tips very interesting and useful but can all of the things I am doing really negate the damage the steroids are doing to my bones.

-Brenda.

Dear Brenda,

Congratulations on your decision to follow the Save Our Bones Program, especially since you’re taking prednisolone on a daily basis! As you surely know, corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and to suppress the immune system. Unfortunately, these synthetic steroids deplete the body of key vitamins and minerals such as B6, Vitamins D and K, zinc, and potassium. So pay special attention to those, since they are also Foundation Supplements (except for potassium).

Keep up with the Program and have a healthy and happy 2012,