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 (Chapter 10 of The Bone Health Revolution) that exposure to CO2 increases bone loss and that opening windows at home to prevent CO2 accumulation is an important Bone Health 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 Bone Health 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.
We value your privacy and will never share your information with anyone.
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
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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
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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.
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February 8, 2010
Vivian you are wonderful. I appreciate all the advise you are giving us. Thanks for your decication to “saveourbones”.
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February 8, 2010
Are soy milk and almond mild acidic or alkiline? I have two different charts that put them in opposing columns.
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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…
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February 4, 2010
thanks again vivian, kind of makes sense to me know why my grandmother wanted a window open in the room,even with a cold or other illness.
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January 29, 2010
Joan, I take a product called CalDenx. It is a proprietary blend developed by a team of scientists and technicians under the direction of Dr. A.S. Naidu. CalDenx provides 900 milligrams of calcium — equal to 90% of the U.S. Daily Value. It includes magnesium to help metabolize calcium, and optimum levels of Vitamins D and K, boron and chromium — ingredients that work synergistically to support bone mineralization and provide a bioavailable, readily absorbed source of the vital minerals necessary for strong bones.
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January 25, 2010
I have a lot of indoor cats and many house plants are poisonous to cats. I buy wheat seeds at a health food store and grow them in pots on the window sill. The cats eat the sprouts and it’s good for them.
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January 24, 2010
Vivian, thanks for the information.I have all my plants on the lani, guess I’ll have to find a place in doors for them, they seem to do so well out there but I am loosing all that good help. Thanks Mary
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January 21, 2010
Thanks, thanks for the info regarding indoor plants. I knew there was a reason for my house to be full of plants!!
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January 19, 2010
I need to know where I can purchase a (new) The Bone Health Revolution book. Gave my copy to my Mom…thinking that I could purchase another one…alas, there are none to be found on the internet. PLEASE help?! PLEASE?
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January 15, 2010
As usual this is a very interesting and, no doubt, helpful message that you have sent.
THANK YOU SO MUCH !
Nadia
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January 15, 2010
I would like to get some plants but have a problem with spring bugs. Does any one know a natural way to get rid of them because they love to live in the wet soil of a house plant. I wont use a chemical!!
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March 1, 2010
dee… I keep 60 or so plants over the winter in a cool location til they go back out to the garden in late spring as I live in onterio ca.the key to healthy plants & no serious bug problems is grouping them for keeping the humidity levels up & careful watering in order to limit stress.a too warm room aids bug problems.I use the yellow stickey strips sold in hardware stores or any where they sell plants,they catch those little soil hoppers that hang out in damp earth. there are also lots of natural sprays for the bug war.Best to keep a weekly watch on your plants to catch bug issues early, easier to get rid of. hope this is a help. Deb
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January 14, 2010
Hi Vivian :
Many thanks for new ideas to osteoporosis treat
ment. I have some indoor and outdoor plants but
may have to find some more that would fit the
house. I truly appreciate your constant research on finding different ways to treat the
bone problem. Keep up the good work.
Julie Hernandez
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January 13, 2010
Dear Vivian,
I have always felt better having indoor plants but had always thought that they helped just by absorbing CO2 from the air and giving out more O2 and thereby enabling me to breathe more O2! Glad to know from you this other aspect of plants helping remove chemicals from the air and thus help my osteoporosis. Thank you for this important information.
Joyce
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January 12, 2010
I know for a fact that Spider Plants really clear the air. While I was working as a secretary at an USAF hospital in Maryland my supervisor recieved new furniture that had such strong fumes coming from it he couldn’t stay in his office. I just happened to have a spider plant hanging in my office and I told him what spider plants could do so we put the plant in his office. By the next day the fumes were almost all gone. He kept the plant in his office for about a week and by the end of the week there were no fumes in his office. He ended up getting a spider plant for himself because of the benefits he got from it.
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January 7, 2010
Vivian, thank you for the information. I will look for some of the plants you mention. I have only Christmas Cactus now.
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January 1, 2010
Nice to know about indoor plants info. but all plants emmit CO2 at night, hence should NOT be in the bedroom I suppose. Please clarify. Apart from these plants, A GOOD QUALITY BEE WAX CANDLE WILL ALSO PURIFY INDOOR AIR. PLEASE LET US KNOW MORE ABOUT BEE WAX CANDLES ALSO.
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December 30, 2009
interesting abt plants. Have some but none of these. Have cats and seem 2 be doing ok. African violet, chritmas flower i think, catutus, one not sure what it is all green leaves. But will check for sure now.
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December 29, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the info regarding house plants. I am waiting for the new program to save our bones(charged to my card 12/19/09). I am very eager to read it. I had a shot on my butt today for the pains on my groin, an anti-inflammatory for the pain. As i am sending this email, I am better and can walk again. It is a mild athritis. I did not mention it to my family because all of them don’t believe in natural healing. I have a mild symptom of athritis. Thanks to God that it is athritis not my bones.
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December 27, 2009
Vivian:
I am so glad I have you on board with my bone health for you truly explore are terrain that needs to be covered for better bone health. I thank you for that and your vast and vast amounts to the knowledge that you seek out. Your finding for yourself and all of us all the possible truths out there to find. Many Blessings to you and Healthy Happy Bone Building New Year! Kim Mack
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December 22, 2009
Thanks Vivian for this new information – I did buy a plant that is supposed to keep your air-conditioned air clean – it is green one side of the leaves and a copper colour the other side – I do not know what it is called – I will find out to-day though. Bless you, Kelsey Fickling, AUSTRALIA.
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December 22, 2009
Hi Vivian, It good to know that our house plants not only look lovely but help us keep our bones healthy. Most interesting. Happy Christmas. Monica
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December 22, 2009
At night plants emit CO2.
Conclusion: plants should not be in your bedrooms! Is it true, right? Happy New Year!
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December 21, 2009
interesting, helpful to know
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December 20, 2009
thanx for this info——VERY helpful!
happy holidays and 2010,
toby
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December 20, 2009
Hi Again Vivian,
I have 2 of the plants you mention already in my home. Just goes to show nature always knows best!
Regards
Mary
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December 20, 2009
Vivian, thanks for the info on plants. I knew they were good for oxygen, but did not about all the other, and I was just about to light my fireplace today. I have plants in all rooms. They are a lot of work but knew they were beneficial. I envy your living in Florida. I would love to be where it is warm.
We have 6 inches of snow. Fran NC
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December 20, 2009
Hi Vivian:
Thanks again for your info re: house plants. I,too, gave my houseplants away to an admirer but after reading your info I will start with a new batch of house plants. Who would have known? Enjoy hearing from you and again wish you a very healthy, happy and safe holiday and new year.
Anne
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December 20, 2009
Dear Vivian Godschmidt, MA I am much impressed with your deligence and dedication in your search for the problems associated with osteoporosis, to the minutest details. I am one of those people do keep indoor plants inside their houses, especially Dracaena, ferns and Chinese Lucky plants, for good luck and for decorations; we know the plants help cleaning the air from CO2 but not formaldehyde, benzene,etc.This is great news. Thank you. Best regards R leet
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December 19, 2009
Thanks,Vivian. It was intersting to learn how useful plants are to our environment and to our health. And some of them are preety ones, as well. God bless you.
Wish you a blessed Christmas and may Our Lord grant you His peace and joy and good health in the New year.
Ester
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December 19, 2009
Its interesting to know the plant we need indoor. Now I have to find these plants for my house and the best gift I can give to my friends.Thank you very much.
Merry Christmas and happy new year.
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December 19, 2009
I love indoor plants, so that is good news. I mustget som more. Thank you for all the information I am getting, from Save our Bones.
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December 18, 2009
For years I have heard and read about the benefits of having green plants in the house and was glad that I LOVE having live plants (and not those silk/artificial ones). I’m also glad that I have most of those you mentioned. Thank you for sharing that info with us!!
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December 18, 2009
Thanks, Vivian, for sharing the information about air-cleaning house plants! I’d like to mention that some of those pollutant poisons (for example, benzene) can also be found in cigarette smoke, polluting not only the air but also–YOU. I used to smoke–I quit in 1995. I didn’t know smoking could hurt more than just my heart and lungs. Here’s hoping all my “sisters” who are still smoking, can quit as soon as possible–and “save their bones!”
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December 18, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Wow! Who would know that plants would help with this condition. As soon as I have an opportunity after the holidays, I will go to a nursery and buy one, or one at a time, of these plants, probably a chrysenthemum since it works on all three of the materials that you mentioned and probably one of the less expensive to purchase. I don’t have a green thumb, but for my health, I will try to keep them alive, lol! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Elvia
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December 18, 2009
You are so encouraging and helpful. Please keep up the good work.
Allan
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December 18, 2009
You are amazing, thank you again for sharing this with us.
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December 18, 2009
Hi Vivian
Thank you for the information on house plants, and all of the other helpful information. I will buy your program after the first of the year.
Agnes;
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December 18, 2009
Thank you very much for the information. I knew it long time ago about plants. I always have indoor plants. Now that it is winter time, I brought all my tropical plants indoor.
Most of the plants that you mentioned are tropical plants. Thank you very much that I was doing the right thing. I am very sensitive to the smell of cleaners. I opened doors and windows once a week to let frsh air come in. Sometimes I turn on the electic fan to help circulate the air while I am using cleaning detergents. I did not know that I was doing the right thing. Thank you very much for the information. I am due for density test and I am very eager to know the result.
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December 18, 2009
WOW , whoever gave all that a thought ! Can’t afford to buy a bunch of house plants so i’ll just wait till next summer and sit in the garden all day, Sit there and pull weeds. I’ll be weed free! I’ve never had house plants, and do have a case of osteoporosis. We brought some strawberry and a gladiola plant inside, will those help as well ? You’re a great lady Vivian, God’s blessings on you
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December 18, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for this wonderful information. I will go back home to Delhi and make sure I have at least some of the plants you mentioned. I will also tell my daughter living in LA and other friends. Thanks again. Merry christmas and all the very best for the coming year.
Neelu
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December 18, 2009
Thank you for all of your helpful information.
I have had several of the recommended plants for a long time and will now add more plants.
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December 18, 2009
I have several house plants, small to large ficus trees. We were aware of the benefit regarding Co2, but happy to hear also the benefit to the bones. I’ll have to calculate if I have enough plants to the number of square feet in our house.
Thank you for the added info and
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
Judy
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December 17, 2009
Hi Vivian, Loved your article about the plants.I have about 20 plants that I absolutely love in my house. Not only do they make my home look attractive, but now they are helping me fight osteoporosis. Thank you so much for the information. I’ll be sure to take extra good care of them now.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year! Love Gerri D.
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December 17, 2009
Thank you for the plant information. I am living in a newer home and know it is probably filled with the chemicals used in construction. I will be adding a few more plants to the decor.
Happy Holidays!
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December 17, 2009
Thanks for the info. Vivian. I have some house plants but it is interesting to know the right ones to have. Also about opening up windows. This I must do. My Mom always opened up the windows especially when we were sick. She woulld take us out of the bedroom air it out and then we went back in. It really felt refreshing.
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December 17, 2009
You hit another home run.
Thank you for your weekly health updates.
You are most generous with your time, researching that which is the best for natural health.
Your article about indoor plants will certainly be acted upon. It is a back to back homer.
Brian
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December 17, 2009
Hi Vivian,
This is such great info and who would have known. I am going to add more house plants for sure. Thank you for once again passing on beneficial information that can help us obtain stronger and healthier bones.
Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
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December 17, 2009
Boy was this ever an Interesting letter you sent to us! Thank You for always finding out more and more new things for us to know and pass on! I knew about the Plant : People part, but none of the others! I understand why my mom felt so low all the time now.. But she lived to be 80.. Still no matter how long we live on this earth, to me i want to live it with feeling as good as i can. Even in the Bible it says, “Man die from lack of knowledge.” Thank You Vivian for sharing your smarts!
Kathy.
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December 17, 2009
thanks vivian i knew my plants were okay i have had them for a long time and take good care of them. the children always say mom get rid of some of those plants .boy am i glad you told us about them i have quite a few of the ones that you talk about, can’t wait till they come and i show them your article thanks a lot for all the info. ruth
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December 17, 2009
I am so grateful to know this!!! I also found some cat-safe plants from all three of these lists by going to the ASPCA website. Also tips for stopping a cat from chewing on plants at all. Thank you very much for your help, Vivian!
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December 17, 2009
Hooorrraahhh Vivian…
I too went down from 68 houseplants to about 3 as I didn’t want to take care of them anymore, but after reading your article about how good they take care of you, I in return will have a ball going to the nursery and buying them again not only will it be fun, but healthy, also. They are also comforting to look at. Thanks Vivian. Happy holidays to you and yours. Elizabeth
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December 17, 2009
Thank you for the plant info. I recently brought all my hanging plants from the yard into my house to keep them from freezing. They are more welcome than before….Carol
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December 17, 2009
I also had gotten rid of all my houseplants. Now I will start over again seeing this to be a “must” for our health.
Thanks again for the info.
Nola Messier
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December 17, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Thanks a lot for all the information.I’m so sorry that i can’t purchase your book because i’m not working right now.
Thanks
Sharda
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December 17, 2009
Hi Vivian
I have had indoor plants all of my 44 years of marriage, until recently when I decided that I didn’t want them anymore. I found good homes for them all. Now you are saying that they help to remove chemicals and pollutants. Guess I will now have to restock again
I even had some of the ones that you mentioned. Never mind.
best wishes from Bonnie Scotland.
have a nice day
Marysia
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December 17, 2009
Yes I was able to order the program and thank you so much for the special holiday price. I am a 68 yr old full time caregiver for a disabled husband and had taken fosamax for 2 yrs. All my bottom teeth are now loose and my dentist just advised me to have the doctor do another bone scan since I was very healthy prior to taking this drug. My doctor said I may be his first confirmed case of osteonecrosis. The tests are being done at Hershey Medical Center and if we can confirm the diagnosis and definitely link it to fosamax, we may be able to save more people this horrible fate.
Thanking you again for all your hard work in nutrition. It works. I will get more house plants to be sure.
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December 17, 2009
Many thanks for all your efforts on our behalf. I stopped my Boniva a year ago before
talking to my Dr. and he was very receptive to the information I gave him regarding this change and said we would monitor my bone density and see how it goes. All was the same as two years ago.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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December 17, 2009
Thanks for the info on plants, Vivian. I don’t have a green thumb but I will try some of those houseplants. I hope they don’t require too much care. Happy holidays.
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December 17, 2009
This is a very interesting discovery, Vivian. I don’t like taking care of house plants, though I enjoy tending a large outdoor garden during the summer season. I will seriously consider adding the houseplants you suggest to clear indoor toxins. Thank you!
Andrea
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December 17, 2009
It is so interesting that plants get rid of CO2. This is probably one of the reasons we are having problems with “global warming” and poisons in the air. We continue to cut down forests the world over, including our cities, and then wonder why the air is not clean. We have also lost our protective cover from the sun by cutting down trees. That is too simple a solution to the problem???
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