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,
I have made your homemade icecream several times and it is delicious, now I want to try to make the delicious smelling lavender and have all ingredients except the natural rattan reeds get them from.do you know which sort of shop I can get them from?
I am a hearing impaired person and also am diagnosed with Osteoporosis. I went to a new ear Dr. a few months ago and he wants me to take Zantac. I have a lot of sinus drainage and he thinks it’s caused by Acid Reflux. I am resisting doing that, not wanting to reduce my stomach acid which is needed to digest minerals for my bones. The first thing he prescribed I got but didn’t take, because I called the pharmacist and she read that it can increase your risk of fractures. Is there a test for Acid Reflux to even prove I have it? He wants me to take something for it to help the drainage which may affect my ears. What should I do?
Diagnosed with Osteoporosis four years ago. Two years ago Dexa Scan showed no change. On calcium supplements only. My dentist tells me that my jaw bone looks fragile on my x-ray. Help! Trying to maintain an Alkaline way of eating. Any suggestions Vivian? You are doing a great job. Thank you.
By the way I am 75 years old…I do the weights at the gym 3x a week and Yoga on the off days.
Recently had an xray of my right hip after a few months of painful Adiscomfort in hip joint area (as well as upper right leg (outside) & knee. They said the hip issue is osteopina. (Didnt realize it caused pain). Are there better or worse foods, etc.?, (already try to eat healthy). Topically, I use some stick on flecto patches, or menthol, or w/capsisan (sp), just for more comfort since I’m on my feet alot at work. And which exercises are best for this issue? I do take otc calcium (citrate) both in tablet & liquid (which I prefer)!
Any advise would be appreciated. I’m only 63, & enjoy walking, hiking, etc. Thanks soooo much!
vivian, sometimes i get confused….the advice from you, and also from others you recommend contradicts….for instance, Sherry Brescia (whom i discovered through you) helps with belly issues, which is mostly based on food combining….at times, this doesn’t fit with the advice for osteoporosis wellness….any suggestions for making it all work together? thanks!!!
I have a bulging disk, and it is causing me quite a bit of pain. I am unable to work. I have tried many things. I’ve had therapy, decompression therapy, some exercises, and shots. What would you recommend? I do not want surgery!
Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it. I would really like to be pain free!!
Many thanks!!!!!!
Maryanne
Hello Vivian.
After being diagnosed with osteoporosis two years ago at the age of 63 I found your website and straight away proceeded to follow the Save Our Bones programme (after buying your book). I started taking the supplements Organic Calcium etc and followed the 80/20 balance as close as possible (sometimes 70/30) and was sure I was on the right path to halting my osteoporosis or even reversing it a little. I keep fit by walking and swimming and my weight is normal for my size. However, having now received my two year follow-up bone scan (DXA) it has got considerably worse.
In 2010 the T-score for the Spine was -3.4 and in 2012 is -3.7. For the Total Hip (left) in 2010 was -0.9 and in 2012 is -1.2. The report conclusion states that I have “lost significant amount of bone in two years” and also that I have “severe osteoporosis”. Naturally this conclusion came as a shock and was devastating.
I have had all the necessary blood tests for calcium, vitamin D, coeliacs and all are normal. I am still going to carry on with the Save Our Bones programme and my doctor has not put me under any pressure to go on medication so I am just hoping that my next two year scan shows a marked improvement. Can you shed light on why this is such a disappointing result? I would be very grateful for any further advice.
Vivian, What are your thoughts about Silk brand coconut milk to replace cows milk?
Thanks,
Tina
Hi Vivian, I know that you advise drinking only distilled or reverse-osmosis fileterd water but my kitchen is tight for space and I cannot fit a home distiller or reverse-osmosis system. I can buy distilled water in plastic jugs in the grocery store. My question is…does the risk of drinking water from a plastic jug outweigh the benefit of drinking distilled water? Thank you.
I would love to try your sweetener, but I do not feel buying three pounds is a good way to get your product out there. I feel you should sell it at a one-pound offer.
My osteo condition has been caused by celiac and that is why I am on rose ax or alendronate. All the good nutrition that I can consume does not pass thru the small intestine so just diet change is not going to change the bone density. Are there any other safe medications out there that I can take as supplements that might be digested and absorbed properly?
I found the below paragraph regarding drinking distilled water:
Is distilled water safe? That is a question many people ask and seems to be a controversy wherever you go.
One one hand, distilled water removes any and all impurities in the water such as any metals that may be present, fluoride (if you think it’s unsafe, that’s also under review), chlorine etc.
On the other hand, it also removes healthy minerals your body uses and leaves the water acidic and ‘hungry’ for minerals which it may remove from your body.
Eventually, drinking too much of this water over a long period of time can deplete your body of much needed minerals and electrolytes.
While drinking the occasional glass of distilled water won’t harm you, but it may be a chronic problem if drank repeatedly over a long period of time, especially to women who are at risk for or suffer from osteoporosis.
It makes me wonder how safe it is to drink distilled water. Please advise.
I take a suuplement consisting of calcium from coral mineral powder and magnesium. It is a 2:1 ratio. What are the plus factors and the negative factors of this typ supplement? I also take vitamin D-3.
I recently found that I have a gluten intolerance. I have eliminated all wheat, rye, and barley products from my diet. How does eating gluten vs. not eating it affect them bone health for a gluten intollerant person?
Hi Vivien,
I know you wrote a lot about the negative health effect of cow’s milk. Still it is not clear to me if you consider ORGANIC RAW MILK FROM GRASS FED COWS unhealthy and acidifying on the body. Does it leaches calcium out of the body the same way as pasteurized milk does? Also, is there a difference between organic raw cow’s milk and BUFFALO’s milk? Is buffalo’s milk more valuable? I would appreciate your reply.
I am 74 years old took not take any medication for osteoporosis but have been trying to take calcium supplements cannot take any because I get problems with them, I am allergic to most medications. I am going to try gel tablets without magnesium, because I get diarrhea from the magnesium. Could you give me some advice. I do have osteopenis and have had breast cancer in 1997 surgery chemo and radiation. Thank you.
Since I am on hormone therapy for prostate cancer, should I be overly concerned about osteoporosis as long as I do all the right things? I am 76 years old and in great health with exception of prostate cancer and some arthritis. I maintain a extremely healthy diet and workout daily for one to two hours(stretching, weights, yoga,and swimming.)
Riding a bicycle good for your bones when you have Osteoporosis.
I have plantar fasieitis do you have any ideas. This pain in my feet has been for one and half years. have had acupuncture, massage, helpe thourh a podyatrist, orthotics and exercise to no avail. dr keeps suggesting antiinflamortories but I refuse to take them.Any suggestions
vivienne
AFTER SUFFERING FOR YEARS WITH PLANTAR FASCITIS, WITH SPECIAL INSOLES BUILT AND ADJUSTED I FINALLY HAD AN OPERATION. THE DOCTOR CUT A TINY MUSCLE IN MY ANKLE AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. THAT WAS YEARS AGO AND EVERYTHING IS FINE NOW.
If you add pure apple cider vinegar (Bragg) to reverse osmosis water will that make it alkaline? I find it easier than using lemon and am inclined to do it more often. Thank you
I meant June 15th not 21st! I am a week ahead of myself…lol
Hi Vivien, hope I am not too late as it is already Friday 21st. You will be pleased to know I came off my Protelos 2 a couple of months ago and feel great. I had memory problems/confusion and also my lower legs were extremely sore to the touch, in fact a burning painful sensation was present. I had other side effects like diarhoea but the previous two were too serious to ignore. I hated having aspartame in my meds anyway as I avoid it like the plague but I did give it a go for about 3 years, alongside food for my bones and exercise but I told my GP today I am doing everything the natural way now. I do have a specialist appointment next week but I think I would rather stay off the meds altogether now. My bone scan on my spine was “bad” so 3 years on that med was more than useless. I am doing three of your exercises every day, but would like the dvd. However, I need it to go into my dvd player in my large living room, and not the small dining room and through the pc. I want to be able to do the full range of your exercises…not just a small part of them. How do I get round this….I am willing to buy the dvd but need the room to exercise. I do hope you pick up on my question Vivienne?
Just make your own DVD. You must know some one with a “Burn DVD” feature on their computer, who can create this for you. You can buy the blank DVDs at any office supply.
I recently had my Dexa scan and my osteoporosis has gotten worse. My numbers are all -3.4 in hips and spine. I have been eating an alkalizing diet for about a year. My doctor insists I take drugs but I don’t want to. Please tell me what else I can do. Thank you.
I’ve been suffering from back pain, even before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, and I’m running out of options. I’ve wasted money on all kinds of gadgets and doctors visits (that inevitably end with a toxic pain pill that I never want to take).
Even though I know this may not be your area of expertise, I’m desperate, and hope that you have some kind of resource that could help me.
I’ve been suffering from back pain, even before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, and I’m running out of options. I’ve wasted money on all kinds of gadgets and doctors visits (that inevitably end with a toxic pain pill that I never want to take).
Even though I know this may not be your area of expertise, I’m desperate, and hope that you have some kind of resource that could help me.
My 12 years old daughter has scoliosis and the doctors/chiropractors here (Hong Kong) advised that this disease is incurable and surgery is the only way out. Is it true and as a parent, I can’t just sit there and wait for surgery. What can I do to help my poor little daughter to overcome this disease and will your “Save Our Bone” Programme help with regard to scoliosis treatment?
Ringo
Ringo, Please google “spine cor brace. This is a great treatment for young girls.
Many utube stories about success without surgery. Its very flexible.
I had a Dexa Scan and it came out very low.I heard Strontium is very good for the bones.
What is your opinion on that?
I am scheduled for a bone density test and found out that radioactive dye will be inserted into my veins to allow the bones to be viewed better. I am thinking of canceling this appointment. Where does this radioactive dye go and does it have any affect on the bones, kidney, liver, heart, spleen? It just not feel safe to me.
What is your opinion and what information do you have regarding STRONTIUM as a supplement for strengthening bones. I was told while calcium is good for bones that are already strong, strontium works for weaker bones.
Any info or opinion or clinical trial results would be greatly appreciated.
HI Vivian They say I have small kidney stones w/ the osteoprosis, should I be taking calcium at all? Thanks for all you do, it is veyy much appreciated. gracie
Dear Vivian,
I have cancer in the bones/spine, osteoarthritis and osteroporosis. Can I use a trampouline for overall excercise?
Regards,
Lilo
Nearly two years ago, at age 64, I had my first Dexa scan and was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in the lower spine (- 4.8) and moderate osteoporosis in the hip (- 2.6). After a year, it was discovered that I had parathyroid disease, and in March of this year, I had surgery to remove a parathyroid adenoma. My PTH and calcium levels are back to normal now, and I will have a second Dexa scan later this fall. I do NOT want to go on any bone drugs, and am continuing with a healthy, bone-building diet and bone-strengthening exercises. Will I be forced to go on the drugs if my readings don’t improve?
My son has fried eggs and toast most morning. I think this is qite alkalizing. What could he have with it that is quick to do. THanks Anne
I am 56 and according to my last bone density report I am now borderline osteoporosis. My question is concerning exercise. How do I know if I am doing enough to help reverse my scores? I realize that taking supplements and eating an alkaline diet is also part of the answer. I’m sure that any amount of exercise is better than no amount of exercise but I want to know what to do to make a difference that’s noticeable the next time I have my bone density test.
do alkalizing beans and vegetable still retain these properties if they are
canned?
I would like to know that too, I buy Eden’s butter beans which I found out are actually lima beans which are alkaline but since they’re canned are they still?
Diane
do vegetables and legumes that are alkalizing become acid forming when
they are canned?
Hi Vivian,
I had been on fosomax for 5 yrs and ruined my singing voice. I then got a nasal spray for 5 yrs, that was a salmon hormone and it dried out my nasal passage. I have now been on Aclasta, that is a 15min infusion that lasts for the year. I am into my second year.
My Question: Can I start your program even though I have 7-8 months left of this Aclasta in me? I am 68 yrs old, just ordered your book and hope for good things. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,Judy
I believe that an important underlying cause of osteoporosis today is the typical diet and types of foods being eaten.
When the body is acidic it tends to neutralize and compensate by releasing minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the bones. Many doctors prescribe drugs to treat the symptoms, however these often produce significant side effects and do not deal with the underlying cause of osteoporosis.
I have found that calcium in the blood vessels producing arteriosclerotic plaque can be removed and placed back in the bone by using Vitamin K2
Vic Herlacher, M.D.
I have read that DEXA scan equipment varies from one machine to another, thus the author recommended staying with the same location (hospital) for each scan. Is this true? I recently changed location and my DEXA scan reading was lower than before.
I stopped taking calcium supplements as I heard on the news that they were bad for your heart and that we should get calcium from food. I know that you e-mailed us about what calcium supplements it was safe to take but I didn’t write it down. Could you give the name of the supplements again please. Thanks for all of the e-mails. Appreciate it.
have you ever recommended osteoporosis patients to also have a gluten/celiac test to confirm that gluten is not the problem and when you get off all wheat…/gluten products then your food is able to absorb nutrients again.
Dear Vivian,
I enjoy carbonated beverages, but realize that cola and other such beverages are extremely harmful to my bones.
Is sparkling apple juice (pure without sugar added) or sparkling water with lemon or lime bone depleting?
They are great substitutes if they are not harmful.
Thanks,
Member,
John R. Hertzler, Jr,
Vivian, do you think that calcium 600 mgs 3 x a day could be constipating?
I take 750 mgs. of magnesium at night to prevent it for the most part.
Thanks for letting us air our thoughts. I have been hearing some this past
week about taking calcium and that is isn`t helping much. I also heard some rumors about taking a multi-vitamin as they don`t do anything for you. What is your opinion and thoughts? My doctor wants me to take them but what if we don`t are we going to be worse off if we stop or should we still take them?
I take 1800 mg of calcium a day. That is morning, noon and evening. Some new research the pharmist says to take my calcium tablet 4 hours before I take the thyroid tablet early in the morning. So I get up at 4:00 AM and take it and then I take the thyroid tablet either at 7:30AM or 8:00Am. It is supposed to give my thyroid a boost since I have hypothyroism. Also more absorbtion of the tablet. I do feel better and not so tired. I am glad to see some movement with this approach. I am not able to lower my weight however only 5 pounds. Exercise has been good for me and that helps to bring it down a few more.pounds.
I have followed your advise of using foods to increase my calcium and use almond milk faithfully with exercise. This has made my digestion system function much better. I would like your opinion and more advise how to handle this new idea. Thank loads for you website and help. Donna K. Iowa
I’ve known for years that processed milk is bad for you and will not drink it. But my wife has been told by doctors to drink lots of milk and she makes up for both of us. Fortunately I found the hemp website and those products have done her a grea service. But my question is, how can I convince her the doctors are wrong about milk and get her to stop drinking that toxin?
I do not suffer from osteoporosis…so please do not Email me.
Thank you
I have osteoporosis and have gotten off the inorganic calcium and onto organic. Is Ezorb OK to take and if so do I need to take D, K, and magnesium with it? Ezorb says it’s not necessary. The other calcium supplement is from Garden of Life and called Raw Calcium which has AlgaeCal in it. My question is, which supplement is better? I just finished Ezorb and thought I’d try the Raw Calcium. If you could advise me, I’d appreciate it. Maybe you know of even better ones! Thank you.
Hi Vivian,
I’ve recently seen a Dr. on T.V. recommend taking 680 mg. of strontium citrate daily. He said strontium builds bone. You say that strontium is only okay in small amounts . I’m very confused! Please clarify this for me.
I will be discontinuing Miacalcin nasal spray in August. Until now I have used it every night, but only every other month. This medication has been a part of my regimen for several years. (I am concerned about respiratory effects).
The rest of my bone program includes calcium and magnesium supplements as well as strontium (340 mg per day) taken seperately. I have a customized balanced supplement program as well. My bone density (Dexa test of finger only) has improved and am out of the osteopoenia range and into the normal.
I wish to replace the Miacalcin with something else that will help to keep my bone density strong. I have your book but have not had time to study it yet. My hope is that you will be able to suggest a good replacement for the Miacalcin. You may suggest pages in your book that best address this question if you wish. Thank you very much.
Are we going to get answers from Viv or do we answer each other-this can be frustrating because we are trusting Viv to give us the right answers.
Have you tried the “Search” option at the top of the website page? I have found lots of answers from this. Type in a few keys words of concern and it will direct you to articles where Vivian deals with that topic. Or you could order the program. It answers most all the questions I see here in the comments. That way you can do your own research and have answers right away.
Peggy,
I have wondered the samething.
Vivian asked us to ask question, then she NEVER answers them.
What is that all about!!!
Truthfully I could answer allot of these question, but it is not my job, but I feel sorry for so many of the people here.
When I have more time I will come back and try to answer some of them, if Vivian has not..
Also there are some question, that people should ask there Drs.
Vivian is Not a Dr..That said, I would never even consiter taking Osteo drugs..
@ Dee,
If vivian has asked people to leave questions, nobody should have to look them up..
That said, they should just go to Google and get answers.
Vivian is selling books, sugar and other things that I get emails for!!
As Vivian wrote at the top of this page,
“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.”
I hope this answers your question 🙂