If you feel alienated and ‘on your own’ because you are considering or are already following an alternative treatment for osteoporosis or osteopenia, I have great news for you: you are definitely not alone.
You see, I know firsthand that it’s not easy to turn away from your doctor’s mainstream treatment recommendations. And sometimes, it can feel as though you are swimming upstream, against the tide… in a cold and dark ocean.
I know it because I felt the same way during my quest for the truth about osteoporosis.
But even though there were times when I thought I might drown, I never sank to the bottom. And each time I found new knowledge, I gained momentum and rose to the surface with even more energy than before.
Each piece of information I gathered, gave me the strength I needed to pursue my goal and to finish my endeavor.
I kept reminding myself that pioneers are often ridiculed and ignored… that new discoveries are usually not readily accepted by the mainstream establishment.
And after putting my research into use, I finally solved my own osteoporosis problem and my bone density results increased by a whopping 20%.
When you realize that you’re part of a community that is growing by leaps and bounds, it becomes easier to decide against taking osteoporosis drugs and to follow alternative solutions.
Alternative therapies are used by a majority of adults over 50
CAM – short for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – is best described as a variety of medical and health care systems, practices, and products not considered to be part of mainstream medicine. Diet-based therapies and natural supplements are a very popular form of CAM. Of course, the Save Our Bones Program is a perfect example of a CAM therapy.
While there is little or no mention of CAM in the media or at your doctor’s office, it is rapidly gaining ground in the US. “Millions of Americans every year are turning to Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” says Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D.
Dr. Nahin was involved in a survey that shows startling results: 38 percent of American adults use CAM in one form or another (Barnes, PM; Bloom, B; Nahin, R. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12. CAM Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007. December 2008).
Surprisingly, those aged 50 to 59 are the most prevalent medical “adventurers” in the US. In fact, almost two-thirds of adults 50 and older use some form of CAM. (Barnes P, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin R., CDC Advance Data Report #343. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults: United States, May 2004).
So if until now you thought that you are part of a minority group, you can rest assured that that’s not the case.
Alternative Medicine now taught at Medical Schools
A well-known market principle is that demand for a certain product will sooner or later bring about a supply of that product. Fortunately, this also applies to CAM, and it is quite possibly the reason why a variety of alternative medicine courses are popping up in medical colleges throughout the United States.
Further supporting this important development, the curriculum director of the University of Minnesota’s alternative medicine department, Mary Jo Kreitzer, comments that “Consumers are demanding it (alternative therapies)… You could say that in that respect, we are advocates.”
And when several students attending Medical School at the University of Minnesota were interviewed by an Associated Press writer in 2007, they expressed their delight at having the opportunity to learn about alternative medicine and said they would be more willing to recommend a variety of CAM therapies.
This is a welcome change in the natural therapy arena, especially since researchers document that when patients tell doctors about their CAM use, most of the time physicians brush off the topic (Corbin Winslow L., Shapiro H., “Physicians want education about complementary and alternative medicine to enhance communication with their patients.” Archives of Internal Medicine, 2002 May 27).
This might be explained by a survey of doctors that confirms they feel unqualified to discuss CAM, mainly due to a lack of training in that area of treatment (Milden S.P., Stokols D. “Physicians’ attitudes and practices regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” Behavioral Medicine, Summer 2004).
As the CAM trend continues to expand in the future, doctors will have to keep up with the latest alternative methods or be ready see their patient base shrink.
Small steps in the right direction
Even though many medical schools have elective classes on CAM therapies, students are not openly encouraged to enroll in those courses. For example, a spokeswoman for Harvard University said that Harvard does not advocate alternative medicine. This statement gives us a clear indication that the medical establishment, while recognizing that there is a growing need for doctors to learn about alternative therapies, is still unconvinced of its benefits.
The Save Our Bones community
And now, you and I are really part of something special. I’m talking about this natural osteoporosis community that we’re a part of. Did you know that an average of 16,100 osteoporosis ‘truth-seekers’ just like you are joining us every week?
It’s true. An average of 2,300 fellow ‘osteoporosis conquerors’ just like you and me are joining us EVERY day!
And at the time I’m writing this, tens of thousands of you have used the Save Our Bones Program to naturally conquer osteoporosis and osteopenia and increase your bone density naturally.
So when you wish to tackle osteoporosis without taking the commonly prescribed drugs, your knowledge-based convictions play a crucial role. Like millions of others, you can establish an open dialogue with your doctor, discuss what he or she recommends with the understanding that there are natural alternatives to the mainstream treatment.
And remember this: you are not alone.
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January 31, 2012
Hi Vivian,
I have been reading the information on your website and mostly recently the restore video. I understand how you feel on the drugs that doctors prescribe for osteoporosis, however, I’d like to understand your thoughts on homeopathic medicine and herbals supplements.
I’ve been reading about a dietary supplement called Drs Best Strontium Bone Maker (to build bone density) taken with Silica Complex (for bone flexibility), and OSS Regen drops (Homeopathic – to build bone density).
I would appreciate if you could let me know your thoughts on the above supplements, and how it differs from your bone program.
Marianne
December 3, 2011
vivian Ever hear of once a year prolia? your thoughts please. thanks. bert
December 3, 2011
Here’s my review of Prolia, Bert: http://saveourbones.com/prolia-denosumab-review/
November 17, 2011
I have been on your email for severeal months and look forward to and read
them all. You confirm what I was already on to and graciously share information that ecouraged my decision to not take doctors advice. Thank you for your unselfish research and caring for the health of others.
November 17, 2011
Just broke a crown off below gum line it has to be cut out thanks to Fosomax, Atonel, and Boniva (started taking in 2006) will have to wait until December 1 2011 to have it removed due the healing of the jaw. I quit taking Boniva, September 2011 do not plan to take any more of this type of medications. I am also telling any and everyone to stop taking this poison. It is killing us women and making the drug company richer at our expense. The worse thing is most of the doctors think we are crazy even to question their decision on any of the drugs they try to force on us as if we are a puppets that are required to adhere to their knowledge.
October 21, 2011
This is a question: I am 64 years old. I bought your book and agree with it when the patient is healthy. For years I have been living with a condition called Sheehan Syndrone. As substitutes, I need Hydrocortisone and thyroid medicine. For a number of years I have taken Evista for my bones.I have osteoporosis. My health depends on medicine, so is it wise for me to discontinue Evista? A specialist even recommended Fosamax which I refused to take. Please advise!
September 25, 2011
I’m sure this is a good product, but due to the
med’s that I’m on, I’m not allowed to take any
thing with herbs in it, so if that’s included in
this product, then I can’t even try this…
September 25, 2011
Betty, the Save Our Bones Program consists of a printed manual and several related reports and checklists. We don’t currently sell any supplements or herbal products, and you wouldn’t have to take any herbs in order to follow the program. You can get more info about the program and what’s included here: http://saveourbones.com/program/
November 9, 2011
Just left doctor’s office & everything was great.Lower cholestrol, lower blood pressure,goodreport on tryglirates. I mentioned that I have been eating bananas regularly and disclaimed it as a benefit . Said it did not improve anything, just had potassium. We argued and I gave up.Have given up 99% of meat,cheese,cookies added fruits and veggies, thanks to you.This April I will be 83 years and have broken my back 2x in one year. Still painful on and off. Sometimes I can walk just fine…Many thanks Maxine
September 17, 2011
Yo quiero comprar el libro de bolsillo
me gustaria saber cuanto vale en pesos chilenos
y como lo puedo pagar ya que yo uso solamente dinero no tengo otro medio para pagar
esperando respuesta lo mas pronto posible gracias
Carmen
September 17, 2011
ME GUSTARIA TENER EL LIBRO DE BOLSILLO
TAMBIEN QUIERO SABER EL VALOR EN PESOS CHILENOS
Y COMO PUEDO PAGARLO YA QUE DISPONGO DE DINERO SOLAMENTE NO TENGO OTRO MEDIO DE PAGO
Carmen
August 29, 2011
I have recently started receiving some new emails about caring for your back. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE MY EMAIL WITH ANYONE. Thank you, Joyce Maxwell
August 17, 2011
I am following your diet and supplement program but my doctor wants me to take evista for at least one year. What do you think. I am so confused. I have already broken a rib and have no idea how. Need some feedback. Thanks and may God, love , peace and harmony be with you always, Linda
August 19, 2011
Linda, I talked about Evista in Question #3 in this blog post: http://saveourbones.com/vivian-answers-day-5/
August 10, 2011
I am 62 years old and 6 years ago was diagnosed with Osteopenia. I did take fosamax for 2 years and Boneva for 4 years. Last July I stopped taking Boneva even though my Doctor said I should stay on it. He recommended I take Evista if I did not want to take Boneva any longer and I told him I did not want to take anything other than Vitamins.
I was having issues with digestion and constipation and decided it was time to stop this medication. I only wish I would have never taken this medicine. As you know when you go to the doctor they say if you don”t take this you could break a hip some day. Since My mom and her mom both broke their hips they told me I was at high risk.
I had a bone density test last week and was given the T-scores the Report read patient has a longer than normal hip axis length which increases risk of hip fracture. Patient is considered to have low bone density with high risk of fractures.
I was taking two calcium Citrate and a One a Day Multi Vitamin and the person who did my bone density said to take only one Calcium Citrate along with my multi vitamin and to have a yogart at lunch time and that would be enough calcium. She said recent studies show that woman should stay under 2,000 for calcium intake. Is this good advice? Would appreciate your input.
I do have your book and do eat alot of fruit, veg. and fish and do combine the foods I eat following Sherry Burrisca’s
cookbook which is alot like your food combinations.
Thanks
Mary Lou
August 4, 2011
Dear Vivian,
I am so happy to hear that alternative medicine is being taught ar Medical Schools, it’s about time. I’m a firm believer that God put all the different plants on this earth for a reason. I think we should all have a choice between natural
remedies or the meds the doctors try to force on us. I have been trying real hard to follow your plan, eating lots of fruit and vegetables. My husband was craving steak the other night, I took one bite and didn’t want anymore and realized I haven’t missed it.
I also enjoyed your article on natural pain killers etc. I will definitely look into that. Thank you Vivian for all your e-mails. Valerie
July 31, 2011
I wonder what our ancestors (women) ate to keep their bones strong. Of course I’m sure that they drank milk which is a no no now but it probably wasn’t full of hormones as milk today is. And I think that pioneeer women did a lot of heavy lifting chores on a daily basis thus making their bones stronger.
My physsicianbless him is only doing what he’s been taught but every week there is sone other drug becoming a law suit deal, some of which I have had to take, ugh! will the circle ever be unbroken?
July 20, 2011
Hi Vivan
Very informative article, I have already on alternative natural remedies for my back injury., I know only to well the drawbacks if taking prescription drugs. I was on naproxen for 4 months early on this year, nearly killed me , never again will allow myself to be given them again
June 27, 2011
Summer Greetings, I appreciate and enjoy reading your articles. I have celiac disease, which was undiagnosed for over 30 years and that -i.e malabsorption, is the cause of the osteoporosis I have. I have not been able to take any of the prescribed medications, except for one IV a couple of years ago which seems to have helped.
So my challenge is to heal my gut so that I will absorb nutrients. I teach yoga and do get exercise; am very careful about my diet, regarding not eating gluten, minimal dairy, minimal fresh fruits and vegetables.
Nonetheless, I am grateful for your information for all of us. Thanks, kashala
May 15, 2011
Can one increase bone density if taking the anticoagulant Warfarin?
April 30, 2011
Thank you for the encouraging article. I have stopped telling my friends I chose not to take meds and they think I’m crazy. I am looking forward to buying the program next month. Thanks again!
April 26, 2011
My doctor constantly remines me to take calcium. In the past year I decided to make a sincere effort to take the 1200 MGs of calcium daily. I had heart palpitations and skipped-beats after I adhered to daily calcium. So much so that my Dr refered me to a cariologist for stress test and 24-hour heart monitor. But, I stopped taking calcium carbonate & citrate a month before the tests. No more evidence of the heart problems. Now I take a good quality multi vitamin & organic calcium derived from plant material. In my case the heart problems stopped when I stopped the carbonate/citrate calcium.
December 14, 2011
Would love to know the name of your wonderful find. Organic plant based calcium is certainly exciting to hear about and would be wonderful to try. Thanks, Lynn
May 17, 2011
what kind & name of calcium are you taking ?
April 26, 2011
I’m trying hard to keep to the save my bones diet. Is there some kind of instrument that I can buy to measure my PH value?
all the best
April 23, 2011
Vivin, thank you for your E-M. Info is very interesting. Happy Easter
April 3, 2011
HI there Vivian
It’s great to read about your research and results.
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis for 15 years now.
Was taking herbal supplements/ phyto oestrogenic chinese herbs with some success but now ,becoming menopausal , they don’t seem to be working anymore. My last bone density reading was -2.7 and -2.6. My doctor wants me to wear a patch of Estalis Sequi- is it composed of biphosphonates? I can’t find that in the list of ingredients. I am 46.
thanks so much
Kate
April 3, 2011
Hi Kate,
Estalis Sequi is a hormone replacement (HRT) patch. It’s not a bisphosphonate. The active ingredients are oestradiol (an estrogen replacement) and NETA (a progesterone). Your doctor or pharmacist should have this information – it’s important to get the details from your health practitioner before taking any medication.
You’ll find my thoughts on hormone replacement therapy in this blog post: Osteopenia and Hormone Replacement Therapy
February 6, 2011
can you please tell me is Calcichew-D3 Forte a good thing to take. or should i take Cal Apatite Forte? thanks Androulla.
January 15, 2011
Hi Vivian I read somewhere that the calcium you take is called
LifeStream Natural Calcium Where can I purchase it.
Thanks Kathy D.
December 28, 2010
do you know the program Women to Women program– which is about saving our bones….it offers a pill pack plus other products and advice on making our bones stronger….
December 28, 2010
Thanks, Vivian, for the timely posting. I am seeing my doctor for the first time since he gave me the diagnosis of osteoporosis and a prescription for Actonel (which I have NOT used). You’ve given me the courage to face him tomorrow with confidence.
November 28, 2010
Thanks for the encouraging remarks it’s always nice to know your not alone. Arlene
November 27, 2010
the book is v helpful ..mainly have it to help my mother of 100 and a friend who aches here and there..SierraSil helped him immensely..swelling and pain gone and amazing mobility now and guidance on alkaline foods from your book..and having a lemon drink probably changes the enviroment in the stomach after an acidifying meal..
November 23, 2010
i got a shock when i read all about fosamax i broke a bone in my leg sept09 .when i read vivians report early this year i never took fosamax since i feel ok without drugs i get a little stiff but i push my self to get up and go i do now take pro-argi good for for circulation any comments on this product? liz
November 21, 2010
encouraging – I have found the majority of doctors have complete faith in drugs for everything and wont consider anything else. In fact, they are downright beligerant toward the patient who thinks otherwise. However, we all know that if they dont come up to scratch and be educated in “new natural alternatives, their patients, as you said, will dwindle considerably.
November 11, 2010
Glad to hear thereseems to be a shift by some doctors towards open mindedness for other possibilities , i think it means it will catch on in uk, in time to come then.
October 20, 2010
Colleges are not advocating cam because it does not financially benefit them. Big pharma supports the curriculum and also purchases the profs. with endowed chairs, so cam is left by the wayside. Of course this is not common knowledge, but $$ always talks in the $$ hungry Universities.
October 20, 2010
Hi Vivian, Can you make a list available of the right foods to be eating starting with Banana’s, pink grapefruit, onions etc? It would be very helpful. I would love to hang it on my refrigerator. Thank you
October 13, 2010
I have stopped taking osteoporosis medication and informed my Doctor who was very helpful. I have changed my diet in favour of foods helpfull to my bones and do take a lot from your websight. I will be purchasing your book.
October 16, 2010
That’s great, Doreen! I look forward to hearing about your progress.
October 6, 2010
Thank you Vivian for your encouragement. I really needed it. After finding your program and purchasing it this past summer I discontinued taking Boniva. I did not suffer from any side effects that I am aware of but after reading your articles I was horrified at what these drugs were doing to my bones. I am doing my best to follow the diet and exercise program. I am also taking a soy protein supplement called Reliv which is supposed to improve bone health. I have heard reports of people completly reversing their osteoporsis after using this natural product. I’ll let you know how everything turns out next summer when I have my next bone scan. I am hoping and praying for a real turn around.
October 5, 2010
It is encouraging to read your letters and comments about Osteoporosis. I am being forced to use Forteo at this point in my life and have refused. I am actually afraid to use those drugs now because I realize they make a persons bones “brittle” and easier to break. I have also been talking to my doctor about seeing a osteopath. What is your view on Osteopaths Vivian? Thanks for your comments.
October 3, 2010
Vivian,Thank you, for all the e-mails.I do appreciate the comments and your advice. It is all,very helpful.Just can’t afford your book, as much as I would like it.All of the info.,we do get, is very helpful.I am greatfull to you.
Catherine
October 3, 2010
only 40 & have osteoprosis but do not like the rx or inj meds on the market. I am broke so money is an issue but need to stop bone loss & build them again, at 40 I need a miracle.
September 7, 2010
Hi, I should like to know how to follow the comments when I return to the site. The comments seem to disappear and I can only find the topic of the day.
September 5, 2010
Dear Beverley,
I read your article with interest because I have been in great dillema whether to take the strontium ranelate that my endocrinologist prescribed or not. She informed me that it may have side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Strontium ranelate is the synthetic form which Vivian mentions in her book and does not condone.
Can you please tell me which form you took and found beneficial. Did you take natural strontium from the health shop or did you take strontium ranelate called Protos (drug).
I would so appreciate your reply as I am so torn which way to go.
Thank you
August 31, 2010
Do not give up!! My GP has started to send me the laters medical journal articles regarding natural bone health after I told her about the Save Our Bones community – and we are going to discuss the natural diet and exercise options at our next appointment – an open minded GP who listens and treats me as an intelligent person who is able to assess information in order to make a decision – what a relief!! So keep on track everyone – we are ‘not of the flock’ as Richard Bach would say. No to dangerous drugs!Don’t be frightened, be empowered! I am begining to sound like a suffragette! Thanks Vivian x
December 14, 2010
Mary u are so lucky to find a dr who will listen to you and be cocerned about you.Please let me know what is said because I am in the same situtation, but my dr doesn’t believe in anything natural.
Thanks so much…..
August 26, 2010
hi vivan, every information is useful to me so I thank you for that. for your information Dr. Nahin Richard is my Doctor and I ALWAYS compare his advice to saveourbones program and the idea is the same. bye and have fun.
Nura
August 9, 2010
Hi I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis a couple of years ago but have got steadily worse my hands are terribly painful especially my right one and now my neck is bad the doctor said I have degenerate discs I am in pain all day from the minute I wake up even when I go loo in the night I would just like some pain releif for while. I take alendronic acid once a wk 2 pregabalin tablets once a day and co-dydromal I am finding it harder to do household jobs I am 67yrs wish someone could help me. thanks pat
April 25, 2011
I have osteoporosis and arthritis. Turmeric supplements work very well for me to eliminate pain.
July 29, 2010
Does the program include anything besides the right nutrition and exercise? If so, I’m interested. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis several years ago and am constantly badgered to take those drugs you talk about. Please let me know if there is something I am missing in my pursuit to improve my bone density. Thanks
July 20, 2010
Hi Vivian
Another great article. I do not have the problem of thinking I face this alone. Unfortunately many people have this problem. My problem is figuring out why I have it. I am a Heavy equipment mechanic and breaking a bone due to Osteoporosis can destroy my career. I work hard and have had the diet you describe for decades. I have taken suppliments for years but I am afraid because of the lack of nutrients in our food I have not been taking enough suppliments. I am changing that as we speak but I do not think the daily recommended dose is enough but I also do not know how much is too much!!! Alternative medicine has been around for centuries in certain cultures but most of us are too full of our selves to reconize something that has been staring us in the face since the begining of time. Nature has provided us with everything we need to cure everything we could possably have. We are just too stupid to figure it out. With people like you we might just have a chance. Keep up the fight.
William
July 19, 2010
Hi! Vivian
Your Talks Always Seem To Make Me Feel Much Better About What Life Has Delt Me. So I Thank You Very Much For Lifting My Spirits.
LOVE, MS. L.
July 14, 2010
Vivian:
Thank you for your dedication to help women with osteoporosis. I would appreciate very much if you can send information to share with Hispanic community. I am working also to help them, but I need information in Spanish.
Thank you and God bless you.
nora
July 14, 2010
I would like to know how long does it take to increase my bone density. I have been vegeterian for almost 40 years but I have a sedentary life, nevertheless I teach other people about diet and life style, especially now that i have osteoporosis in my back.I wAS not taking calcium and vitamins suplements. I notice that my nails are still very weak. Also two years ago I realized that I have deficiency in vitamin D.But I have not drank coffee, sodas, not lot of sugar , no meats, plenty fruits, vegetables, no alcohol, I have lived a healthy life, I don´t understand why I have osteoporosis, maybe lack of exercise. I have a sister, she has drunk , no exercise, no vegeterian and no osteoporosis….Why? I really would like an answer. it is also truth that due to diets,maybe I did not eat enough calcium but I ate lot of brocoli ….well I do not understand.
July 13, 2010
I got your book and thank you for all your valuable research that you share with individuals that have osteoporosis. I declined all the drugs that the doctor prescribed to me.I am inclined of doing the alternative way to avoid all the side effects of these dangerous drugs.I am trying my best to eat alkaline foods to improve my ph balance. Thank you for continuing to send those e-mails to me. Cres
July 8, 2010
What are your thoughts on bio-identical hormone therapy?
July 8, 2010
I have been told I lose too much calcium through my urine. I have been prescribed hydrochlorothiazide because one of the side effects is calcium retention. There seems to be a lot of side effects, so what is your take on this. Is there something I can do to stop the calcium loss?
June 19, 2010
Please comment on Fosteum (prescription). If you have already please send me the link
November 27, 2010
Hi Audrey,
I don’t recommend Fosteum, due to the fact that one of its main ingredients is soy-derived genistein, which is a phytoestrogen.