My osteoporosis adventures are fascinating, with unexpected twists and turns that I am able to share with you right here on this blog. For example, while working on the Save Our Bones Program, I found a breakthrough bone cell study funded by no less than the NASA Space Agency.
Plants: Nature’s air filters
Today I want to share with you another breakthrough NASA discovery that you can easily implement to improve your bone health. It has to do with specific plants that are particularly effective at removing indoor toxins.
All plants take in CO2 (carbon dioxide) and release oxygen. This is important to your health in general and also to your bone health. I explain in the Save Our Bones Program that exposure to CO2 increases bone loss and that opening windows at home to prevent CO2 accumulation is an important Save Our Bones Program “Action! Step”.
But the NASA study titled “Foliage Plants for Removing Indoor Air Pollutants from Energy Efficient Homes” by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, Anne Johnson, and Keith Bounds goes further.
The researchers spent two years testing 19 different house plants for their ability to remove the three most commonly found indoor pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Dangerous bone-thinning chemicals may be lurking inside your home
The above chemicals acidify your body pH and cause calcium to leech out of your bones and into your blood stream. And because this toxic trio emanates mostly from products used in home construction and decoration, it is more than likely that you are exposed to them.
Let’s take a closer look at the source of the three indoor pollutants that can rob your bones of their density and cause other undesirable health symptoms.
Benzene: it is used as a solvent and is present in oils, paints, dyes, plastics, rubber, detergents, tobacco smoke and synthetic fibers.
Formaldehyde: it is found in practically all indoor environments because it emanates from urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), particle board or pressed wood products used in furniture manufacturing, adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings, and many household cleaners. Heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke are also a source of formaldehyde.
Trichloroethylene: Trichloroethylene is mostly used in metal degreasing and dry cleaning, as well as in paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives.
Pick your bone-smart plants
Fortunately for us, the NASA researchers found that many house plants are very effective in actually removing these harmful chemicals from indoor environments.
Here is a list of Nature’s most efficient air cleaning plants that will not only insure you don’t breathe in chemicals that acidify your body and sabotage your bone health, but will also beautify your home. Best of all, they are all easily available at any nursery and do very well indoors.
The best plants that remove formaldehyde:
Azalea, Philodendron, Spider plant, Golden Pothos, Bamboo palm, Corn plant, Chrysanthemum, Mother-in-law’s tongue.
The best plants that remove benzene:
English Ivy, Dracaena marginata, Janet Craig, Warneck Dracaena, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Peace lily.
The best plants that remove trichloroethylene:
Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Peace lily, Warneck Dracaena, Dracaena marginata.
According to the NASA study, one plant should be used for every 100 to 120 square feet of living space, and the plants should be in at least six inch containers with nothing covering the potting soil. Make sure that the plants you choose are safe for pets.
A quick and easy solution at your reach
As with all the “Action! Steps” in the Save Our Bones Program, this is one more easy solution to take control of your bone health.
So from Save Our Bones Mission Control, over and out.
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May 11, 2012
Thank you ,Ita.
April 22, 2012
I really want to try this program .but will it help my Osto Arthritis?
mARCY
April 22, 2012
Hi Marcy, The Save Our Bones Program is designed for osteoporosis and bone health. This is a separate condition than osteoarthritis, and we make no claims for other conditions.
March 15, 2012
Upload pictures of plants with name so that I can put some plants indoor to ward off ostoporosis
March 13, 2012
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for article on plants, I have many spier plants in the garden but none in the house, so will pot up and keep in doors. Will try and get some of the others.
Thanks again.
Goldie
December 22, 2011
Vivian. Thanks for this info. I had always heard that plants were good for the air in the house, but since I got new windows all round, Nothing wants to grow. I do have one spider and some pothos, which I think will grow anywhere. Everything is trying to get me outdoors more. lol
December 13, 2011
Thank you, Vivian, for so much interesting and useful information, about bone health.
November 6, 2011
Thanks for the info about plants,love them have a mother in laws tounge did,t know it was that good , love your program and emails thanks again. joyce mccarter
November 6, 2011
Dearest Vivian,
Thank you so much for all the good info. you gave to all of us,especially about the HOUSE PLANTS.THE PROBLEM IS I HAVE NOT SPACE IN MY FLAT, ALSO IN THE ROOF TERRACE I HAVE ONLR THE HERBS AND CITRUS PEANUTS AND SWEET POTATOS BECAUSE I USE THE TOPS AS VEGETABLES ALSO FENNEL,VEGETABLES.
TAKE CARE
LOVE FROM
JUVY
September 4, 2011
Thank you Vivian,
This is very interesting to me because I know so little about plants. I will certainly buy one of these . What an easy way to take care of our bones!
Selma
August 24, 2011
I have a lot of allo vera plants – are they good for anything?
August 18, 2011
In the above article you said “exposure to CO2 increases bone loss”. In a previous article you gave the recipe for one of your favorite drinks – water and wedges of lemon and cucumber slices. You mentioned plain soda water would provide a nice zip. Is carbonated soda or club soda a poor choice to drink?
August 10, 2011
Thanks for a great information!
August 6, 2011
I so appreciated this article ! I did not suspect the dangers lurking in the air, and the article was very specific about which house plants are best for removing the toxins.
Thank you !
June 5, 2011
I recently purchased your program. Much of the info I already knew, but I also learned some new things. Thanks for the work you have put into this program. I am trying to follow the program for the most part, however, I am at a loss as to the right organic calcium, omega-3, and multi-vitamin to take. For the past 3 months, I was taking a calcium regimen with lots of stronthium, but I stopped it recently as I thought it might be the cause of a rash all over my body, dry mouth, and chapped, dry lips. I started feeling better after 1 week of stopping that product. In the meantime, I resumed taking Adva-Cal Ultra which is made from algae. Any suggestion? Thanks again.
Vie D.
August 18, 2011
From what I understand Strontium is denser than good bone & skews bone density readings when present in bone in large quantities, so don’t take it.
May 22, 2011
I found the article about the plants very
interesting and what they specifically do and for what. We have some of those plants in our
house but we don’t have some of the problems
that were mentioned.
May 3, 2011
This is so wonderful that you give this chance for us I have learned so much from you and all these wonderful people thank you sooo much.
I will try the cinnamon on my plants. It sounds easy to do.. My bones are greatful too. This advise has saved me knee surgery by changing my diet to alcholine and away from acidic Thanks to you I am eating more raw fruits and vegetables and telling every one I can about it..
May 3, 2011
I am surrounded by plants in my kitchen and living rooms I have 2 sheffinareah or (umbrella plants) a Jobes tears, 2 christmas caktises, a Amerillas that is 4 years old that I dont want to through out, 4 rotodendrums cuttings from my neighbor, they root and grow like crazy. every year I cut off a few feet and take them to the flower shop. then I have 2 begonia plants with little blosoms and a larger flowering one that hase dark pink rosette floweres. I like them begonias because they floweer all the time and I have 2 affrican violets. I love my plants they are my pets. Only they do not get rid of my neighbors smoke invasion. I think I would need a whole Jungel for that.
May 3, 2011
Another great article for my bone health–thanks again Vivian–YOU ARE GREAT!
March 18, 2011
Thank you for the info on plants. I have a question: Is Mott’s Natural applesauce ( ingredients apples, water, ascorbic acid) alkalizing (like apples)? If not, is there another brand that would be better?
Thank you.
January 19, 2011
Some of us have multiple problems. I cannot have too much oxilate which is found in vegetables, or I accumlilate the crystals in my system. This can cause artery blockage and kidney stones. When I eat lettuce for example, it burns when I urinate. My problem is called vulvodynia. I’m supposed to do the opposite of your diet. Eat more meat and dairy with small portions of veggies. Calcium citrate is supposed to help nutrilize oxilate, but like so many things, when I try to take it along with proper amounts of magnesium , I get headaches and muscle aches.
Many foods cause muscle weakness and pain for me, including most grains.
I have a -3.5 reading for my spine. Does anyone else out there have these problems? I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place. I bought Vivian’s book , and think it has good info, but how can someone like me take advantage of it? If you have new info or can relate any helps, email me! Prayers appreciated!
December 31, 2011
Hello Rosemary YES some of us have multiple problems! I feel thankful (after reading your letter) that I can follow the save bones program. Your letter opened my eyes to certain things I do have going for me.
My mother actually died from osteoporosis. When she broke her femur the second time, in the same place, she had extreme pain. The pain medicine she had to take interfered with her breathing. Mom also had COPD, so she was not able to breathe. She died in the ambulance on her way to the hospital. She was only 79. She was very scared. A Dr. would say she died from COPD. But we know she would not have died had she not broke her femur; enduring the pain of having it reset and put in a brace was too much.
Bless you on your journey. Our scores are too bad not to take action against bone thinning. I pray for everyone I encounter on this site. Some letters touch me more than others. Yours is one of those. Jeanette
May 3, 2011
This might not help you but it helps me to drink vinegar about a 1/4 cup in a 16 oz glass of water, It turns the syestem to alckoline. For the christals Ginger helps me. also raw pineapple if you can eat it. You might want to take a little less vinegar than I do. Something else that helps me with pain is ( Hylands Arnica Montana tablets they help with brusing and soreness but they help my back when I am in pain also. I get them from Swanson vitamins but you might get them in the drug store I do not know. I hope you will find something that helps. I pray the lord to ease your pain for a better and happyer life…
January 19, 2011
Hi Rosemary,
I would recommend that you bring the program to the different doctors that are managing your multiple health problems to see how to reconcile it with other treatments you might be undergoing.
There’s so much flexibility in the Save Our Bones Program that even if you can’t eat certain foods, you should be able to find a way to work with it. Best wishes!
January 19, 2011
thank you Vivien for the info on plants . i love plants but do not have very many . I will get few more . my sister always told me they are good for us and she has a lot of them . Now I appriciate her hard work with her plants even more . God Bless You
lela
January 16, 2011
Thanks Vivian for that information on plant
I do have a potho plants plants are great
Air cleaners to i enjoy all your wonderful
Information on save our bones
Marjorie
December 8, 2010
Hi Vivian,
My sister in law introduced me to your work about a year and a half ago..Wish it had been 8 years sooner. Wonderful information.I have your Save our Bones Program and follow just about everything in it.I would love information on vertabral body augmentation, exactly what does it do–relieve pain, does it interfere with bone remodelling in any way and most importantly would it help reduce the risk of fracture if I ever fell again. I have fallen forward on a few occasions with no ill effects.
Eight years ago I collapsed with mutiple fractures in my back due to hyperthyroidism. We won’t get into how I allowed that to happen. I could write a book on my uphill battle back to health. I was bedridden and basically close to death. I ended up being on Actonel for 3 years. I went off it against all advise. I then took Strontium at one point for a year and then read your book. It’s been about 2 years – no drugs. After all the reading and research I have come to the conclusion “you are what you eat”.
I am 66 years old and have gone from being bedridden to hiking and snowshoeing our hills and trails. We live in a ski town. My husband and I took the Omega 6 to 3 ratio test from a lab in the states. Mine was a 2 to 1 ratio so I was ecstatic.Also have managed to get my Vit D level from 72 to 165. Anyway, getting to the point of my question. On Nov.3rd, of this year (2010) I was hiking and took a terrible fall on my back and have 6 new compression fractures. L1,L2.L5 T8,T10 and T11. I feel very blessed that I am improving every day. I am now getting out and taking walks, (45 min to an hour) on snowshoesin our 2 feet of snow.I figure my hiking days are over (up and down the hills) but sure hope to continue snowshoeing. Needless to say the radiologist suggested that I may be a good candidate for vertebroplasty. The thought of injecting any foreign substance into my body does not sit well with me. I do not even like having an X-ray and I know they would have to do a bone scan.
My T scores started out at -5 for both hip and spine. The last scan (day before my fall) was Lumber Spine -2.5
Total Hip -2.8
Femoral Neck -3
I have started being more dilligent with your 3 exercisesin the Bone Building program.They make my back feel so much better. I love Yoga but am afraid to do much of that as yet.
Thank-you Thank you for taking the time to read this. I know that it is long but thought that some background information might be helpful.I look forward to your thoughts on Vertebroplasty and thanks for all your great work
Regards,
Karen
Collingwood, Otario
Canada
PS I have a green drink every day and usually have Kale, spinich and herbs ie:parsley, coriander basil. Am I using to much spinich.?
I also eat walnuts which I know are good for the bones but what about pumkin and sunflower seeds and Almonds. Ieat a little ground up pumkin and sunflower seeds and make my own Almond milk for my quinoa cereal.
December 11, 2010
It sounds like you’re doing great, Karen! Keep up the good work!
November 14, 2010
Hi Vivian; So good to have this info. on house
plants. Always have quite a few and knew they
were beneficial, esp. spider plants, but now
will value them more. Louise
October 17, 2010
Intersting comments . Thanks Viviene for your input and research . I have been diagnosed with oteoathritis and had an athroscopy in one knee . Howver the other knee due to oversuse has now deloped similiar symptoms . it is reassuring to read all the ideas that people exchange in an awareness campaign . Thanks you so much for all your advice.Good health to you
September 19, 2010
Very interesting,what about orchids?
September 8, 2010
Wonderful information! I do believe that Jehovah God made all things for our well being; plants are one of the many beautiful
things he has given us to adorn our surroundings. We should all use them to enjoy the many benefits they bring.
August 12, 2010
Please discontinue my subscription. I am contacting my credit card to not pay any more. Thanks.
August 12, 2010
Vivian, thank you for the info on house plants, I am like one of the other ladies who has cats and they are eating on everything green. I am seriously thinking up putting the plants up high to keep them out of reach. You are doing a great job and I appreciate all of the e-mails.
November 22, 2010
Your cats sound like they are confined indoors, and need the fresh greens to regulate their bowels/facilitate detoxifying. This link has an alphabetical listing of safe plants for cats; you might want to give the cats their “own” plants in an appropriate container, i.e.; a small side opening where they can’t get on top and pee into the soil, which would kill the plants.
August 18, 2011
Very good advice. When animals, whether dog or cat, eat greens, there is a reason. Either they are ill, their diet is lacking something, or they are stimulated somehow by the green. Rather than just taking away all plant matter, replacing it with appropriate cat-friendly greens is much better. Plus, I have known cats to discover ways to reach those seemingly out-of-reach places when they want to. Save yourself a mess to clean by giving them their own. Also keep in mind that if you place your plants high, you may be less likely to water them regularly so you may want to buy some of those glass watering balls for them. The may be danger in putting the plants out of kitty’s reach, as it may make a fall hazard for you. Use a sturdy stepstool or sturdy ladder when watering & put your animals in the bathroom or elsewhere as cats will eagerly climb up with you to gain your attention, investigate what you’re doing or by instinct sit on the highest accessible thing, innocently causing cat chaos. Large dogs have been known to topple ladders & anxious small dogs underfoot have caused falls when the owner is coming down.
Essentially, feed the kitty & be safe.
August 10, 2010
I have a friend who is a very experienced medical herbalist and she advises comfrey (whose name = bone knitter)_ for the treatment of osteoporosis.This is used as a tincture which is taken in water.
December 22, 2011
I think Tincture is by nature in alcohol. Is there a non alcohol based comfrey that is bioavailable. Any one?
August 5, 2010
thanks for your information on house plants. They are not all available here and some do not do so well but I have had success with what they call here ‘parlour palms’ and I have quite a few of those. Barbara, South Australia
July 23, 2010
Hi! Vivian,
Thank You VERY MUCH For Your Information On How Certain House Plants Can Save Our Bones. It Was A VERY GOOD Article.
LOVE, Ms. L.
July 17, 2010
Thanks Vivian
I have silk plants inside after reading your article I will make a complete change and go back to the living variety inside the house
Thank you for your advice
Joan
July 8, 2010
Hi Vivian.I love the work you are doing to help yourself and others! I was diagnosed with Osteopenia about 6mnths ago, and was only because I insisted on getting x-rays taken of my lower spine because of long-term back problems. I felt very vunerable and fragile! But your book and articles gave me some hope.
I don’t presume to know half of what you do about the subject, but I have discovered that not all Osteopenia or porosis is caused by age or poor diet. I am awaiting results of tests for Hyperparathyroidism. If even one of the four parathyroid glands is overactive it will cause Osteopenia or porosis, plus a whole host of other symptoms. Just something for your other followers to think about.
Susan.
July 24, 2010
wow ! very interesting since I am injecting Forteo for severe osteoporosis & 3 spinal fractures and guess what !!!! forteo affects parathyroid…where’d ya get the info?????
June 11, 2010
i noticed that all three toxins where reduced by chrisathumins. are these in door plants?
August 18, 2011
From what I understand they are also a natural bug repellant for your home. When the leaves & flowers die off, cut the stem down to a couple of inches above the soil & tend as if it still a beautiful plants, providing light, water & such. After some time brand new stems will grow up & make another chrysanthemum plant & a new batch of flowers. So when you see deep-discounted, bedraggled mum plants, snap them up cheap & get a deal. Keep in mind that daisies are also mums. Any florist will tell you they are called ‘daisy chrysanthemums’.
December 31, 2011
Thank You, Sheryl for the extra info about Mums. I have a huge one growing outside that was given to me when I had surgery for cancer. I am very attached to it. Plants grow on us. We are all part of nature and are meant to love and care for our fellow creatures and all plant life. There are so many health benefits. Our blood pressure goes down when we talk to a plant or a pet, and we are filled with a feeling of peace.
May 29, 2010
Dear Vivian,
Many thanks for the health information on indoor plant, I was ignorant it before, you work so hard, I’ll get some soon. thank you.
May 26, 2010
Hello Vivian
I am based in the UK and have problems including Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis, Polymyalgia and now Osteoporosis.
I have read and followed your newsletters with the upper most interest, also researched and reviewed other methods, I am at present taking 4-500mg per day Salazopyrin, plus previously Steroids for the Polymyalgia and then prescribed 1-35mg Actonel, for the Osteoporosis I came to the decision that I had to do some other than pop pills……..at present I have stopped the Steroids (Predisolone) and NEVER taken the Actonel (although prescribed) but I would like to know your opinion about my plight and Natural methods I’m doing at Present.
I was told by a company in the UK (Good Health Naturally) that juicing Organic Carrots was one of the best forms of Calcium, which I do….and use their Magnesium Spray after a shower each morning for the Polymyalgia…..I find it works and helps the Polymyalgia.
I also received another newsletter about a good and natural way of getting Calcium, which is, Fresh Eggshells, I wash and dry the eggshells from (if possible) New Laid eggs, then grind the shells to more or less powder, I then put half a teaspoon of eggshells into a glass and add the juice from half a squeezed Lemon, I let the mixture ferment for quite a few hours, until the liquid looks like milk, I then strain the juice through a tea-strainer and drink the liquid, although I doubt that the acids from Lemons would be that good for my Arthritis etc, I still continue to try this concoction.
I would like your opinion on both of these addition to my Diet, which is my opinion my Diet has been quite good most of my life (age 66) also a good regime of exercise, although this has decreased over the last few years, due to Ailments etc.
Kind Regards
Pamela Brown
August 18, 2011
Actually the acids in the lemon aren’t bad for your Arthritis. Lemons, even though they contain citric acid, are alkaline-forming which is good for both bones & arthritis. So don’t feel guilty; you’re doing the right thing.
June 11, 2010
Hi Pamela Brown!
You have the same issues as I have! Email me if you like to talk at
coloradodogs52@yahoo.com
Marianne
May 1, 2011
Thank you for all the interesting words about “House Plants” Glade I have some that you wrote about. Many Thanks.
May 25, 2010
thank you very much for info of indoor plants
for bone health.
susan
May 16, 2010
I used to have live plants and switched to silk years ago. Sometimes I feel there is something in my home that just isn’t righ. Thanks to your article it is live plants! For a 3000 sq ft home that may be a challenge, but I will start adding some.
Thanks!
May 9, 2010
Great info – thank you! Another way to shift the acid-load of the body is with the kind of water we drink… Kangen Water™ from Japan is alakaline, anti-oxidant and micro-clustered – drinking it brings the body back to homeostasis. Almost all bottled waters are acidic, and all are oxidizing. Learn more: healingwater4life.info. The e-book has excellent info about alkalizing the body.
May 8, 2010
Vivian, thank you for your e-mails describing the difference between acidic and alkalizing foods. Until I was diagnosed with Osteopenia 2 months ago and discovered your web-site I did not understand the difference between maintaing a desirable weight by limiting calories and doing so while eating nutritionally balanced meals. Due to my previous eating habits, which decreased the Vitamin D in my body, calcium was leached from my bones. I’ve been following your articles and am beginning to get a handle on proper nutrition and my doctor, unlike the many out there who merely prescribe drugs, is helping me with recommendations on vitamin supplements in addition to encouraging me consider your advice (I have shown him your articles and he agrees with you). During the last 2 months my Vitamin D level has returned to normal and I am, as I learn about it, increasingly eating alkalizing rather than acidic foods. Bob
November 4, 2010
Robert, I would love to know how you increased your vitamin D level. Sounds like it was a success. My tests showed that I was low in this vitamin.
Thank you!
April 8, 2010
Hi Vivian, thank you so much for inood to know
Hi Vivian, thank you so much for your info on houseplants, its good to know which ones help, will get some soon. Fran
April 7, 2010
I praise God for you!!! Thanks for your tenacity in the ever looming fight to Save Our Bones. I value each and everyone of your tips.
March 16, 2010
my friend, who has a five year old son, uses Glade Plug Ins in almost every room of her house—not his bedroom, thankfully. I have been urging her to discontinue their use, but she checked with her son’s doctor and he said they are not unhealthy unless someone in the family is allergic to them. The house is too large for houseplants to help. Do you have any other suggestions or any data I could give to her to convince her of the danger to her son? Thank you, Vivian
February 28, 2010
Hi viv. This is great info to know.I will get some of these. I love all your info.You are a very giveing lady. May God continue to bless you with helpful health info. Thank You, betty
February 13, 2010
Thank you for sending me the information you have researched, I read it all and have saved it (computer stored) for future reference.I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2008. I have never accepted any of the prescription drugs that have been offered. I say often that “our bodies were not created to be a chemical waste dump”. I have very little pain/stiffness with occassional Tylenol and daily vitamin D and calcium supplements. Now I will add some new houseplants. Thanks Leida
March 23, 2010
You mean osteoperosis not osteoarthritis right?!
August 18, 2011
I find that acidosis is the causation of a myriad of different conditions, two of which include osteoarthritis & osteopenia/osteoporosis. The diet changes which Vivian advocates will help with both of those as well as IBS, GERD, etc.
December 22, 2011
You can say that again. In the few months I have been raw vegan, Almost all the symptoms of all those issues have nearly gone away. Now for the Osteopenia/Osteoporisis. That is less visible and harder to know how it is doing, but I do trust the alkalizing diet for alkalizing and detoxifying the tissues for regeneration, so am trusting that the diet along with some supplements are working. Thanks for the post.
February 12, 2010
I am just thrilled to find this information. Just want to sincerely thank you for your work. I hope to go out plant shopping this weekend.
Thankyou.
February 8, 2010
Vivian you are wonderful. I appreciate all the advise you are giving us. Thanks for your decication to “saveourbones”.
February 8, 2010
Are soy milk and almond mild acidic or alkiline? I have two different charts that put them in opposing columns.
May 20, 2010
Almonds are alkaline, but I have my doubts about Say.
February 4, 2010
Thanks, Vivian, for this wonderful and most specific information!
My concern is about mold – I love houseplants, but am already troubled by the mold they generate. Do you have any suggestions beyond using plastic pots?
Keep up the great work…
May 3, 2011
I would try some charcoal crumbled in the dirt and be careful not to overwater.
December 22, 2011
Great advise. I also had to transplant my house plants out of the Terra Cotta planters (I liked the look) to glazed planters with drain holes. I also scrubbed the “saucers” with some bleach water. It has really helped.