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,
How much organic calcium is there in Almonds? I’d like to give up my Inorganic supplement and eat more almonds instead.
Does Aquafitness strengthen bones. I have fibromyalgia as well as back and foot problems that make it a good option for me. Thanks so much for your program!
I joined the Save Our Bones Community on JULY 29, 2009 and received my information. I have lost the recipe information and ask if it is possible to receive it again. Right now I am quite limited in my diet and would appreciate some help in finding some new (to me)RECIPES. I also stay away from nightshade vegetables due to arthritis, (tomatoes, potatoes,peppers and eggplants)and that limits me a lot.
I would appreciate any help you can give me.
With best regards,
Phyllis AlRoy
I’ve always heard extra calcium is good to increase bone density BUT calcification in parts of our body (like arteries?blood) can promote hardening of our arteries & kidney stones. Also, I’ve been told that Tums (for the tummy) can substitute for calcium pills if I’m afraid of calcium pills. I’m puzzled & need to increase my bone density. Suggestions? I’m a 73 yr. old male in otherwise “good health”.
I am interested in taking a decaffinated green tea extract as it is sucha powerful antioxidant. I am aware of the floride component. Would the benefit outweigh the risk?
Vivian,
My interest is to know & understand what I should be focusing on and eating to prevent bone loss etc. I have no problems and am enjoying a very happy healthy life and I desire to keep it that way—
The Natural Bone Building Book had far to much problem talking that I am not interested in only good eating habits—Thanks
Janet
I have RA and take Methotrexate all of which are bad for my bones. I walk most days, lift weights, and bowl. I have osteoporosis of the spine and osteopenia in one hip and have been doing your program. Will it work for me as I am also small boned. My Rhumatologist is quite angry with me for not going on reclast. Thank you.
Are ph strips a reliable measure of alkalinity/acidity? If so, when is the best time of day to do it and is saliva or urine the most accurate way? Sometimes I’m surprised by the readings, considering that I try to eat 80 percent alkaline foods.
Saw a post (some health-related blog)that stated extract of Milk Thistle is helpful in building bones. Any evidence for this? If yes, any recommended formulations?
Thanks.
I am 70 and a recent bone density is just a bit worse than 2 years ago of T score of -3. I have been on your program and also have been on bio-identicals for the last year. I have been watching my pH levels. I am disappointed that there was no improvement. What do you suggest I do now? The doctor says I need to go on some form of bone building.
I follow your healthy recipes Vivian yet I am very concerned with my health, my diagnosis a year ago of osteporosis along with lumbalgia and 2 dehydrated discs plus arthoris of the sacroiliac. All are very serious impediments to many of your exercise routine because of the pain I suffer when the area becomes inflamed as consequence of movement or sitting too long, I cant bear any weight either. I have taken Calcium+D for several years, I will be 68 in September, the specialists all say I must get on osteoporosis meds but I have been adamant afraid of the side effects, yet I dont want to risk more loss of bone and muscle, please Vivian, what can I do to help myself other than eating right? oh, the Rehab therapist and doc recommended swimming 3x per week starting slowly and building up. Thank you very much for your continued help to all women.
Vivian, I am 83 years old and I have pain in the knees, sometimes pretty bad. Sometimes I can hardly walk. I am not on any medication. I am not a pill person. Is there anything that can help me. I was reading today about Apple Cider Vinegar and the different things it can do for you. I would appreciate your recommendation or suggestion. Appreciate your articles. I bought your Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Thanks again.
I am using your alkaline diet from your excellent book. I know that meat is acidifying but what about grass fed beef?
I am so confused…can you tell me what the best calcium supplement is to use???? I don’t know what or who to believe anymore 🙁
a repeat of several others. one thing one day the opposite the next! perplexing to say the least.eg old folks not enough HCl…next too much of it…it can’t be both!
The common one is Ca or No! [the citrate along with D3 K2 and Mg] taken for years..now stopped for 3 months and experiencing 1. excruciating pain from ankles to half way up the calves AT NIGHTS…and loss of leg [thigh] muscles…so that i can no longer stand without assistance.
SHOULD WE STOP Ca supps.
just passed 80
now i can no longer stand from a sitting position…need to push up on some object with my arms… leg muscles seem to have vanished.
CAN U RECOMMEND ANY THING; ANY EXERCISE FOR THE LEGS BEFORE THE CONDITION BECOMES IRREVERSIBLE?
Dear Vivian,
The last T-score:-2.6 was about 2 years ago.
What is the best supplement for me to take in order to grow bone?
Thanks,
Carol
My husband bought a product by True Health called “Dr. Cutler’s ULTIMATE pH BALANCE. 4 drops are put in each 8 oz. glass of water. This is supposed to help you achieve perfect alkalinity. Your thoughts??
Christina
It was disappointing for me along with hundreds of other ‘Vivian loyal
devotees’ to see you enter the world of promoting products to buy other
than your own book and the occasional mention of a personal recommendations for various over the counter aids to build bone health and well being. The addition of actually marketing and giving
sales pitches and discount puchase opportunities for other peoples books etc. are a discredit to your integrity. Please stop using your good name
as a platform for pushing in this direction.
“Ditto”
I feel the same way, Vivian…you have been a great source of trusted info, as have several other individuals I have come across, yet when you or any of these others begin advocating other people’s products, it does put you and them into a category that questions your own efficacious stand. Stay focused on your own research or break out and develop your own line…and not just latch on to someone else’s with your own private label, as I have seen done too often. Thanks for posting this comment.
ditto
Dito!! I find them very expensive . and they dont deliver to Australia . I have found a source of calcium called Pure plant source calcium , from health food shop . any idears / any good?
Hi Vivian, Do you think that an osteoporosis with T-score more than 4,0 (about 4,2-4,4) can be treated only with your program? Now I am 60 years old and have pain in my back and legs. I would like not to use any drugs for osteoporosis, but I am afraid it won’t be enough and later I could face much more problems?! I am in a very difficult situation. Please let me have your advise!
I have a question at your convenience. I have been on almost every drug the last of which was forteo for two years. They have had serious crippling and disfiguring side effects which continue. I need exercise from a sitting position and I am quite sedentary. I am bent over and can barely walk Is there any hope at all? Thanks for your help. AS
I know that Synthroid used for hypothyroid is not good for the bones. I’ve been using Synthroid for more than 9 years. What should I do? Can you recommend a specific name brand calcium supplement and/or vitamin to help prevent further damage to the bones? Any extra info/help?
do you have any info regarding ipriflavone to help bones?
I noticed you added Strontium with the other osteo drugs, why?
I thought it was one of the natural forms of calcium.
Hi Vivian, I am a 24 year old female who has been diagnosed with osteopenia. This is concerning, given my age, and I am doing all I can do stop it from progressing further. I have been following your program for a few months now and feel better already. Additionally, I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the somewhat new theory of Whole Body Vibration machine therapy to help improve bone density (originally developed by NASA for astronauts to maintain bone density while traveling in space). Thank you.
What about EZorb for calcium for the body?
I cannot eat anything with vit K due to having had two instances of pulmonary emboli in the past year and a half. What can I eat or take for my bones? I already have slight osteoporosis??
Dear Vivian,
Yesterday I took your article on flouride to my dentist’s office (there for cleaning). I told them that I use Sensodyne for brushing and it does not contain flouride. The dental assistant told me that she agrees with all of your article except that Sensodyne is not healthy because it contains pumice, which wears the teeth down. Any comment? Thank you.
Ruth
Hi Vivian:
I’m on synthroid due to thyroid cancer 13 years ago and have been diagnosed with osteoporosis (if you believe the bone density scan). Do you think that using the natural thyroid hormone would make a difference in my bones? I will also consult my dr, but would like your opinion too.
Thanks,
Minerva Scheffel
Hi Vivian
I sometimes hear people say the have osteoporosis in just certain places. is it possible to have osteo just in a hip or just in a back or just in a shoulder? I thought bones behaved the same way throughout the body. Should bone density tests be done on different bones? not just one area.
I am interested in magnetic therapy as it relates to balancing PH. I have read about treatment using North pole magnets. I currently wear stainless steel bracelet, ring and anklet with North pole magnets.
Do you have any information about to further enlighten me?
Thanks – Pam
I was just wondering if MK-4, based on the existing research, would be the better supplement to take for bone health, instead of MK-7?. Or in any case, take a little bit of both?. If so, what would be the recommended amount of each?
Thanks
I have osteoporosis in the lumbar spine and osteopenia in the left femoral neck/total hip as follows:
Spine: Total BMD of the spine (L1-4) is 0.718 g/m2 with a T-score of -3.0 and a Z-score of -1.0 (what does this mean and how far from normal am I?)
Left Femoral Neck: BMD is 0.629 g/cm2 with a T-score of -2.0 and a Z-score of -0.2. (what is normal and what does T-and Z- score mean?)
Left Total Hip: BMD is 0.702 g/cm2 with a T-score of -2.0 and a Z-score of -0.5. (again how bad is this compared to normal and how much do I have to adjust these scores?)
I am 69 1/2 years old and post menopausal – small and thin framed bones and had polio as a child. 5’2 1/2″ tall and weigh 125 lbs. with no clothes or shoes. I joined a senior center and do strength training, pilates walking + treadmill & Qigong class every week – 3-4 times or more. Try to walk at least 30 min. per day. Take balanced supplements and eat leafy greens & lots of veggies, many different fruits, whole grains and salmon, tuna fish, free range eggs (occasionally), & brown rice – nuts & raisons, Goji berries – dark chocolate (one in a while) and smoothies with bee pollen, almond milk, many different fruits and raw fresh local honey a couple of times a week.
Try to eat healthy since I am approaching my 70’s and want a good quality of life. Thank you for your time & expertise!
My doctor has recommended Prolia. What can you say about it?
With all the talk about Calcium causing heart issues, and not to take more than 500mg per day, what is your advice?
What are your feelings about our taking “Osteo BiFlex Nutra Joint” with Knox gelatin? Good idea? Bad idea? Thanks, Viv! Appreciate ya!
I have information on using Dlectro-Magnetic Therapy for osteoporis. Do you know anything about it. Also, treatment with Parathyroid hormone?
Hi Vivian……
i have osteoporosis and have been trying to eat well for my bone health.Because i had atrial fibrillation when having an operation last year i have been prescribed Warfarin. 6mgs a day. I am worried that now vitamin K will be knocked out my diet and my bones will suffer further. Do you think i can still get enough vitamin K ?
Irene age 70
Vivian, I asked a question the last time you did this question and answer program and I never got an answer. What’s up with that?
Dear Vivian,
Not only do I have osteoporosis, but I have a high blood calcium level. The calcium that I take is it contributing to the blood level??
I’ve been asking the same question, about vibration machines and never got an answer. I think I asked 3 times. What is the point in asking anything?
If you add fruit to plain yoghurt in making a smoothie, does it change the composition from alkaline to acidic? The only fruit that is acidic is blueberries, the rest are alkaline. I don’t add any sweetener.
Dear Vivian,
In trying to organize meals with the correct alkaline/acidic percentage, how do I gauge the portions so that the percentage is accurate. If I have one cup of coffee with breakfast, does that mean all the 4 items have to be alkaline? I try to go for 1 acidic to 4 alkaline at each meal.
I lost weight by eating a better balance and I am no longer constipated which is a great relief. I have mentioned your program to many others including my doctor. Thanks for the good research and the sharing.
Elizabeth
I have been following your program to some degree for several years now. I have always walked, and do moderate excercises as well. My bone density test numbers did improve last year. However, I now suffer from diverticular disease and eating all that raw green food, be it fruits or vegetables, just wreaks havoc on my intestines. I can no longer eat that way. I had to cut way back on anything with too much fiber in it. Is there any food that I can still eat that will continue to help my bones? I take calcium, but now see it might not be all that good for you either.
I would like to know whether it is harmful to drink plain carbonated water (sparkling water like Perrier).
Hi Vivian,
Inside your Save your Bones manual, you mention that except for a few exceptions, your program can help reverse Osteoporosis. I am one of those few excepions, since I am young and my Osteopenia has developed as a result of past eating disorders that have kept me from menstruating for long periods of time. Do you still think yout program can help me?
Many blessings
I heard that Glucosamine and Chondroitine are good in easing joint pains.
How much should one take ? Thanks a mille, Vivian.
PS:- I am 69 years old.
I was involved in a freak bicycle accident Feb 29th and shattered my tibia in multiple places. I am 13 weeks out from surgery (March 8th) and xrays show osteopenia. Doctor said to bear more weight but with a plate and 4 screws in my tibia, weight bearing becomes very painful..since i am 59 and menpausal, should i be taking Estriol on a regular basis in addition to your save our bones program? I have been following your save our bones program for 12 weeks and was surprised that I show osteopenia in the x-rays.
I have heard that the biggest bone loss happens within the first few years following menopause. Is that true, or is it something you continually have to be concerned about?
Hi Cindy,
I think possibly many things must contribute to bone loss.
I found out that I was deficient in Vitamin D 3. Research shows as we get older or even the youth who do not eat a healthy diet… one lacking in certain minerals and vitamins needed to support a health can bring on a problem.
Not being active also adds to a problem.
Blessings,
Carol
Dear Vivian,
Please help me to heal a rotator cuff injury that persists.
Thank you.
I have been told that a supplement of 15mg of DHEA should be taken for a healthy body and to help the bones, as this element declines with age.
What can you tell me about DHEA?
I have infrequent heart palpitations. I wanted to know if there is a natural way to minimize the sensations. I know in the past I have had
a slight Mitral Valve prolapse issue. I go to my doctor next month but
would appreciate any advice you could give me. Many thanks, Allie