I’m always working to listen to the needs of our community and to make your battle with osteoporosis as easy as possible. So I’m happy to announce that this week is the second “Ask Vivian Week”.
Here’s What ‘Ask Vivian Week’ is All About
Simply post your question by leaving a comment below before Thursday, June 21st. Please only post one question.
The questions I receive during ‘Ask Vivian Week’ will be answered throughout the year as part of our hugely popular ‘Vivian Answers Day’ series.
On June 28th, I will select five questions and will post my in-depth answers to them right here on the blog. Then throughout the year, I will continue answering five questions on a regular basis.
This is your chance to ask me your most pressing bone health related question.
It can be ANYTHING you’ve always wanted to know. Your question can range from a general bone health concern to a question relating to your specific situation, or even a question you may have regarding the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Don’t hold anything back…
I’m here to listen and to answer. Ask your question now.
I’m thrilled that so many of you enjoy and benefit from the past editions of ‘Vivian Answers Day’, and am excited to continue answering a brand new crop of your questions.
My warmest regards,
Wheat grass is easy enough to grow, but I cannot figure out a good way to harvest it into my diet. All the instructions on the web are difficult or expensive. Is there a simple way to make it edible? I have been using a juicer with alkaline water and filtering, but the very green concoction is rather upsetting to my system.
What are your thoughts on the New Chapter Bone Strength Take Care 100% vegetarian calcium plus other vitamins? It is plant sourced whole-food calcium, not limestone and the 770 mg. calcium is from algae. There is also 3 mg. of strontium, 2 mg. of silica, 11 mcg. of vanadium, 58 mg. of magnesium all from algae, along with 1000 mg. of Vitamin D11 and 35 mg. of Vitamin K11. I have a friend who’s bone density improved after taking this and this was the only thing she did differently.
Hello. Can you tell me whether Spirulina (blue-green Algae) is helpful in a safe drug-free bone-healthy diet? I understand it helps keep us alkaline and has lots of nutrients but cannot recall you ever mentioning it – but that might be because you call it something else in the US. Thank you for this and all your help and advice. K
Dear Vivian,
About two years ago (05.08.2010), out of curiosity, I booked myself in to have a “bone density test” called “Fracture Risk Profile Using Bone Ultrasonometry at the Calcaneum (heel) and Clinical Risk Factors”. It was conducted by Australian Bone Density Testing Centre (mobile site), held inside an authentic Pharmist shop for one week only.
My T-score was “+1.2”, with Z-score being “+2.3”.
For your information, I am a 67 year old male of Chinese descend; have been a diabetic since Decemember 1988, still well under control and seeing an endocrinologist once a year.
My questions is how reliable / accurate are these results?
Many thanks and best regards,
Edwin
Hi Vivian,Do you need estogen to help you restore your bones? I’ve read many articles saying that you do. I’m so confused. Thankyou so much for all your great information, it really helped me. Bernadette
Good question Bernadette, I am 68 years old and never had any estrogen therapy , often wondered if that is the reason I have osteoporosis .
I’ve been ordered to cut out calcium supplements because the body was creating bone-like debris in the muscle tissue. Now I’m receiving PT to treat the mess it made in the neck and upper spine. The PT means manually cleaning out the muscle tissue and the debris around the bone. It also includes electric stimulation and my question to you is can the electric stim help bone growth in a helpful way?
I have read that several prunes (10-11) per day will reverse bone loss. One of the studies was done by Dr. Bahram Arjmandi at Florida U. What is your opinion. I see in “Save our Bones” that prunes are acidic.
I recently found out that I have kidney stones. The urologist feels it is from too much calcium and my alkaline diet, although my stones have not been analyzed. I take algecal calcium and have been for several years. Any ideas as they want me to reduce calcium and change my diet.
Is there a link between fluoride and osteoporosis ?
Fluoride leaches calcium from the bones. Install a filter that removes fluoride removal filter.
Does an alkaline diet help your bones. My doctor said that there has never been a proper study done.
I was told that hormone replacement will help prevent bone loss in the spine. What do you know about this?
Where to see the answers to these questions?
Do you have a recommendation for a good calcium supplement? I am presently taking
Bone-up by Jarrow. I wonder if you have another supplement you take or would recommend.
Thank you!
I am taking a calcium called CORAL COMPLEX made from dead coral reefs above the waterline that are supposedly full of essential minerals (there is a website)After reading Vivian’s suggestions ,I also bought a calcium made from organic marine algae called PhytoKinetic Calcium by Rainbow Light certified organics. They are expensive but hopefully worth it.
Hi Vivian
I was asked the other day by someone to whom I was trying to explain your approach ‘What does an acidic system actually mean? Where is the acid, in the blood, stomach – and what is the body trying to rebalance?’ I am afraid to say I could not answer her. Could you tell me how to explain?
Thank you.
Janet
does taking metamucial everyday hurt you, I am concerned it will pull vitiamins needed to get stronger bones. I have worked this program two years and my numbers are not getting better.
Can eating several alkaline foods at the same time having a glass of milk
counteract the acidity and then be alright to consume?
I love your program because I have avoided the drug options for osteoporosis and have wanted something natural. Keep up the good work.
Question: The astronauts used isometric exercises to counteract the effects of weightlessness/bone loss. I have been unsuccessful in finding them. Do you know what they are?
I believe they also used a vibrating machine. A few of the exercises (like bouncing your heals on the ground) Vivian promotes should get the same results.
Please explain the relationship between estrogen and bone density. Like many women with breast cancer I must take an estrogen suppressant for five years as part of my treatment. My bone density has gone down by 11 percent in the two years I’ve been on this treatment.
Dear Vivian, I want to know are there any issues regarding oyster shell.
Apparently they build bone strength and increse bone density over time.
and where can I obtain this substance, i live in Australia.
Regards,
David Parry.
Im not much of a reeder. I bought your book . I need a quick start simple system to get started on building my bones . Thanks
I have been following your save your bones program for several years and have seen improvement in my bone scan Unfornately, I now have breast cancer and after a mastectomy (today, I will be receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy and anti-hormonal therapy which I understand is hard on bones. Is there anything I can do to limit the damage?
Dear Vivian
If the usual Bone scans do not show how healthy and flexible our bones are what better test is available that does measure bone health so that so many women are not told that they have osteopenia at a certain age?
Your research is really so thorough.
Thank you
Rita
My doctor told me to stop taking multivitamin capsules as research reported in the British Lancet had established that they shortened your life span. What is your opinion?
Hi Vivian,
I downloaded your book save your bones. I was wondering is it possible to cure osteoporsis, I am due to have another dexa scan soon, what should the best reading be.
Thank you
Mary
There are seemingly many who attribute osteoporosis to nutritional deficiency, yet others say the type of water we consume, etc. What is the real cause(s)?
How can I combat fracturing of the ribs by metastatic breast cancer to the bone?
I’m hearing a lot about the relationship between women taking calcium supplements and heart attacks. I’m wondering if even the “natural” calcium supplements should be replaced entirely with eating greens. Thank you.
We need to keep all of our nutrient intake levels up as we age. That said, I think if we use a highly absorbed calcium like amino acid chelated calcium (44% absorption), then a relatively low dose is adequate in most cases. The common calcium carbonate and citrate are only 10% and 11% absorbed, leaving a huge surplus to be deposited in the arteries. Truckloads of calcium are probably unhelpful, to say the least. Also take magnesium and vit.d3 to assist the calcium process. Contrary to common belief, sunshine may not give us nearly enough of D3. We are probably going to benefit hugely by having some omega 3 FISHOIL (not flaxseed) and ubiquinol or even CoQ10 to help our hearts and arteries. Look at what nutrients are good for muscles because they will also surely benefit the most important muscle of all which will receive these nutrients as it pumps away all day and night. EAT YOUR VEGGIES !
Dear Vivienne,
Thank you for asking for questions. This has to do with Protein, milk, and Solgar Whey to Go.
By substituting Almond milk for cow’s milk we omit the Protein. Solgar Whey to Go provides the Protein. I have been adding 1 scoop of Solgar Whey to Go to my Almond milk. Please comment on this and what your suggestion is.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Morrissey
thank you Vivian for yet another help you wish to give. I am 79, I have been on dialysis for nearly 9 years, thanks to this I have never been prescribed drugs for oestoporosis. 2 years ago I slipped off my bed to get up and fractured my right hip: successful operation but my muscles, also in my left tigh, have been damaged, I am just recovering from 2 months of atrocious pain. I am following your food intake and excercises to improve my tighs muscles: am I doing correctly?
Many thanks and best wishes
rosanna
Hi vivian my question is
Do you know if fosamax causes head shakes I was on fosamax for eight years wondered if anyone else had this
Hi Vivian,
I have had breast cancer and went through chemo and radiation and have been taking a hormone blocker called femara for almost 3 years and I’m supposed to take it for 5 years daily along with calcium twice a day. Femara weakens the bones so I have been told I have osteoporosis as well and have to have prolia shots every six months-I’ve had two of the so far. There are side affects to both femara and prolia–is there any alternative to these drugs? I’ve shared the info you have shared with us with my Oncologist but she still insists prolia is necessary or I could end up with lots of fractures. I am following the Save Our Bones book and am hoping my next bone scan will show an improvement or I can just continue for the next 2 years and then discontinue the femara and prolia and continue to follow the Save Our Bones plan. Thank you for any reply. Lori
Hello Vivian. I have been on steroids (prednisone) for 32yrs and am now steroid dependent. I stuggle to get below 20mg/day now. I have been taking Fosamax but stopped using it about 18mnths ago due to the horror stories I have read and heard about it. I have not started on any other treatment as I feel let down by conventional medicines aproach to this problem. I am 62yrs old but feel I have body of a 75yr old at least due to the severe muscle wastage caused by the steroids. Is Strontium a safe treatment for osteo in your opinion. I dont know if it is yet available in New Zealand. It wasn’t about 10months ago.
I respectfully look forward to your thoughts on my problem.
Are you using Vivian’s program ? If not get the free handbook and read about it. It’s about bringing your body back into balance, which is not the same as listening to drug solutions. When the body’s chemicals are up to par then it is likely your ailments will improve. This may well apply to many ailments, but Vivian can only speak of her own experince of course.
Dear Vivian,
My question is could we have a regular flow of bone mending recipes in some way that I can print them straight out and keep them and keep them handy without having to look up the computer box.every time. Very long winded but it’s for real.
Kindest regards Marion
masiv vertical and horizontal osteofitozis of cervical vertebrae, how to fix the situation??
Read the free handbook at the top of this page.
Went to a very well know Garden Centre and was bitten badly 3 weeks ago. I must have brought the insects back to my home and have tried so many different insect repellents and essential oils to get rid. Whilst they seen better in the house I think they may now be in my bed. A bit desperate.
Can you tell me if you are more likely to have a fracture if you have arthritis and curvature of the spine? I am following your plan as much as possible. Also have you any plans to bring out a cookery book in the future. Thanks
Vivian,
Spelt is it alkaline or acidic? On Page 107 it is listed in both groups.
What ingredients should a Gluten Free Loaf of bread have?
1 local one has the flours of brown rice, tapioca, maze, white rice, seeds (8%) flax, quinoa, sesame, poppy, sunflower & pumpkin
Ron
hi,first of all very thanks for your detailed information on health topics,you are doing great job,i have few questions in my mind,plz reply me if you have answer to these.
Here are my queries:
1.you mentioned yogurt is better to consume than milk,as milk is acidic,but i saw in database that yogurt have almost same PRAL as that of milk.
2.i want to know whether lemon juice is acidic or alkaline,i did lot of study on this,but could find no solution,some times it is written in acidic foods and sometimes in alkaline foods,so please clarify whether its acidic or alkaline.
3.if we consume lot of milk (say 1.5 kg)daily along with calcium supplements(2000 mg),would it be a good option for bone health.
4.if some one is diabetic+osteoporosis patient,& his weight has reduced,then what type of diet plan he must follow,i mean if we give him protein rich diet for muscle recovery then it would be acidic,so what is solution in your opinion.
5.i want to know more about your natural treatment for uric acid elevation.
6.as u know uric acid patients are often advised to stop eating spinach and purine rich foods,as we know spinach is goosd as alkaline food,my question to you is do you suggest any diet plan for uric acid patients.
VERY THANKS DEAR VIVIAN,HOPE YOU WILL ANSWER ALL MY QUERIES.
THANKS.
My doctora are wanting me to try prolia. The list of side effects are very frightning. What do you know about this drug.
Vivian what is your opinion about the role of Vitamin K2 MK7 in the prevention of heart disease due to the ingestion of supplements containing calcium?
Dear Vivian, I would like to order your book about density training.As I had a
Hi Helen,
You can order the Densercise eBook System here:
https://saveourbones.com/densercise/
When you have osteoporosis
How much Magnesium and what type should I take daily
In a suprement?
Also some say 1000ug Vitamin D3
Others. Say 2000 ug???? Per day
Can you advise?
I’m in my early 40’s and was diagnosed with osteopenia in my 20’s. I would like to know what are the best supplements to be taking right now, and what should I be doing when I go through menopause to prevent further bone loss? I currently take calcium and vitamin D, and do weight bearing exercise.
Hello,
This one is a curley one for you.
Q. Why are you giving us links to other companies – Nugenics – who are unable to supply product and when requesting a cancellation of the order due to the hold up, are constantly fobbing me off and withholding my refund since the 24th May.
I have rung them several times – they refuse to confirm my refund via email and the money is 3 weeks overdue.
Where is the professionalism, integrity, honesty – lost in space it seems.
As I was not given the chance to pay via paypal, I now have no way to claim my refund.
I am ill and have been on a pension for many years and this money was spent in good faith via your website.
Accountability please.
Hi Paulinel,
I’ve personally contacted them about your issue. You should expect to hear from them shortly.
I’m really sorry to hear about the negative experience you had. Please let us know if they don’t rectify the issue.
Thank you so much – I am at my wits end, and hope you can shake them up.
Cheers
Pauline
Hello again,
Am still waiting for the refund to appear in my account.
They said it would be done in 3-5 business days.
IT IS now SIX days. No money.
PLEASE help.
Can you email me privately to stay in contact as this site goes down 22nd then I left hanging.
Many thanks
I have the ‘Save our Bones’ program. However, I can’t find a solution to leg and foot cramps. As soon as I stretch during the night or early morning, I feel the cramp coming on. My toes spread like a fan and the cramp in back of calves is excrutiating. In my sleep, I’m aware of fighting for control to hold back the cramp. The back of my legs feel bruised 24 hours a day for weeks after a severe occurence of cramps which can occur in both legs at the same time on occasion. I’m already taking vitamins and minerals, and I fast walk for about 20 mins once or twice a day for circulation benefits. I would like some relief from this situation. Is there any help for this condition.
When I was pregnant I had leg craps and was told I should increase vitamin C. Not sure if your cramping is for the same reasons, but it was a common reason during pregnancy…
Hi Vivian, I would love to see you on either Dr.Oz or The Doctors cause they are giving out so much misinformation. Actually I would prefer that someone give you your own show to expose how much deception is out there.Any chance ? With all your success stories [including me]you could shut down the drug industry and become the solution to the Healthcare system.sincerely, carmen
At age 72, I hv kept osteo-arthritis at bay for some 10 yrs after I first felt symptoms, with (I hope) a healthy lifestyle (lots of fruit/veg/exercise etc) and a supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin. Am feeling nowadays as tho’ father time is gradually overcoming my efforts. Anything newer in supplements that will raise the bar of cartilage re-generation etc.?
Hi Vivian. A while back you mentioned about not juicing beets and brocolli together as it can cause kidney stones. Can you combine the two in salads or soups as you wont be having anywhere near the same quantities as you would when you juice or do you avoid putting the two together all the time.
Love your articles. Keep up the great work – Jan
I am taking two calcium and D tablets a day. I know I cannot take them together. How much time should there be between doses?
6 years ago I had acut disseminated encephalitis myelitis (ADEM, possibly autoimmune??)at 64 which left me with myelin sheath damage to sensory nerves in right leg and left arm and trunk. I have been taking Gabapentin (anti-convulsant) these past 6 years to help the pain. It has worked well although my body is increasingly developing tolerance to the drug and I am in much more pain than I was 6 years ago (and I am reluctant to take on more drugs such as the anti-depressants). I have tried to minimize the use of the drug but am still taking a rather large amount (2400 mg/day). I had a DEXA scan a few years ago which showed osterporisis (from taking the drug??). I was surprised because my sport is surfing and I still (at 70) continue doing the sport through the nerve pain. I have been following your advice on food and exercise, pH of the blood, etc and a few months ago I fell after jumping out of bed to get to the telephone. I twisted the left side of my foot and it buckled under me and basically the whole of my 110 lbs fell on my foot under me. I thought I must have at least fractured something. But I managed to get to my physio and she taped it up and suggested icing. I had and X-ray and no broken bones. I was amazed. My physio said it’s because my muscles are still strong and keeping my bones in good shape in spite of the DEXA scan. I do not wish to have another DEXA scan. I don’t want to know. Especially as you say it doesn’t tell the whole story.
My Question: I try to eat about 80% alkaline fruits and vegetables to conteract the obvious acidity of the drug. Do you think the amount of drug I am taking is a lot of acidity compared to the alkalinity I can get from my foods?I have no idea how much prescription drug is A LOT in terms of acidity. I have tried the litmus paper testing, but there are a number of problems with that to get a proper reading. What about blood test for acidity/alkalinity of blood?
Vivian,
Are reflexology and body massage recommended for one with osteoporosis?
I have just had my third bone scan here in France and the surgeon is not pleased with me, even though, in more than 3 years since the last scan not only has my T score NOT deteriorated, it has ACTUALLY SLIGHTLY IMPROVED! For the last 5 and a half years, I have been refusing to start a treatment of FOSOMAX or something similar. Instead my own doctor has prescribed Estrogen gel and natural progesterone. I try to keep active, even though I have arthritis in knees etc. I do Tai Chi and aquagym and other forms of exercice.
2 months ago, I bought the Save Our Bones program and and am seriously trying to follow its recommendations, particularly by starting the day with lemon and warm water. With this recent control of bone density as a measure, I would now like to gradually reduce and subsequently eliminate the estrogen and progesterone. Can you advise me, please? Is this a good way to proceed? Obviously I am nervous about stopping the HRT and/or continuing it.
As I left the specialist, I said to him: At least I am not ill! He was sceptical but managed a smile.
I have osteoporosis and decided not to take the Fosamax my doctor prescribed. So I’m on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and I’m feeling great. The problem is that I have high blood pressure for many years and I’m taking two medications for the pressure. I’m really worried that the drugs could hurt my bones. I asked my doctor and he says that I need to take them. What should I do?