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,
Vivian,
I have been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and have already broken my left wrist once and my right twice. What results do you predict for me on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program? I am torn between natural and drugs (which I have already done plenty of, but don’t want to take anymore). Thanks for your response!
Carol
What is your opinion of the recent studies indicating that calcium supplements can lead to heart disease? Also reports of side effects using Vitamin D. I always refer to your book. Thank you.
Is it true thata millet and buckwheat are alkaline forming too?
Will bones be too badly damaged by past anorexia to follow programme. Would taking aldronic acid be best as doctor advises, I have broken both wrists.
Vivian,I’m a 79 years young male. Recently My T3 Total was 72, my T4 Total was 3.5 and my TSH 27.37 up from previous test 2 weeks previously of 20.22.
I meet with Endocrinologist this week. I am concerned she will prescribe Synthroid instead of Armour.
May I have your comments, please?
Many thanks,
Kazuyo
is the aspartame which is in calcichew+d3 harmful..? thanks Ita.
What do you know about use of calccitonin (taken as a daily nasal spray) as a treatment?
do you agree with protelos as treatment? I have it but am not happy drinking it..please comment .thank you Ita.
A major medical clinic in the U. S. A. wrote in a study that distilled water is acidic. (I believe it was the Mayo Clinic.) Is this true?
Recent Japanese research (Keio University) has reported negative results in bone mass in mice given Vitamin E & positive results when there was a deficiency. The researchers suggest that vitamin E could encourage the formation of bone-depleting osteoclast cells.
Help! Confused! What is your take on it Vivian?
I have your Save Our Bones book and although i have osteoporosis, up till now (I am eighty) I have no arthritic pain and do not believe in taking pain killers, sleeping tablets etc. My left hip is beginning to trouble me, so i am aware of every step i take. My podiatrist said Wear better balanced walking shoes, and this helps, but is there something else i can do to minimise the pain, which i am not used to! I walk and am very active, always trying to lose some weight.My question is “Can I lessen the pain naturally – say by drinking a glass of hot lemon first thing in the morning, or take apple cider vinegar or what do you suggest?
Hi Vivian, Is swimming any good for your bones? I swim about three times a week, and wondered if there was an exercise that I can do in the water to help improve my bone density.
Best wishes
Micky
Until I bought your book I was taking 2,000 mg of calcium carbonate every day because my doctor told me to take a lot of calcium. I switched to the type of calcium you recommend and now I take a lot less, but I’m really worried because I’ve read that calcium can cause heart attacks. Am I at risk?
I’ve been trying the SAVE diet for about 9 months…I rarely achieve the 4 to 1 ratio, but am eating MUCH MORE fruit & vegetables than I ever did in the past. One very odd thing I’ve noticed since around last October is that my fingernails are starting to look worse, not better, than before. They were always weak, split easily, and had white lines through them, but now, for the first time in my life they are hooking slightly, like claws, and warping toward the center. The only diet change I’ve made in the last 9 months is the SAVE OUR BONES diet and the Distilled
water. Is there any way the distilled water could be causing it? I decided to cut that out of my diet for awhile to see if that makes a difference. I’m drinking purified water. Any thoughts?
I just posted a question for Vivian about distilled water. A recent study by the Mayo Clinic, I believe, stated that distilled water is acidic. I had also switched to distilled several months ago but have not noticed any problems. Of course, if it is acidic, I won’t bem drinking it.
Bobbie
Hi Vivian, I bought two copies of “Osteoporosis Reversal Program”, one for my daughter and one for myself. I have two important questions to ask you. First question, what brand of calcium supplement do you recommend? I was on one for six months and had to stop because it had high levels of lead. I had a few supplements tested for lead, mercury, and other metals. My Dr. tested me for metals because I was always tired. All the metals came high. I spoke to a toxologist and he recommended I have my supplements tested. Second question, I tried to do the exercises that you recommend in your program. I found it difficult to do 10 minutes of the same exercise. Is it ok if i do five minutes of two different exercises every other day? Thanks again for a great program and for all your daily tips. Sincerely, Joyce A
Joyce, Your post was very enlightening! Did your doctor send the supplements off to be tested? That is scary, are you allowed to name names as everyone would like to know what NOT to take! Is your doctor a naturopathic doctor? Thanks for the info. Marilyn
Hi Vivian…I have been drinking exclusively distilled water since I found your book. That’s a lot of distilled water. Recently I found an article stating that distilled water is acid, and while it might help initially, is very dangerous and it could lead to an early death. Why the controversy?
Dear Vivian,
I’ve heard for many years, that squeezing a lemon into a glass of water and drinking it in the morning will make your body alkaline. If this is true, wouldn’t it be necessary to continue that several more times throughout the day?
Thanking you in advance for your response.
Barbara
Hi Vivian
I was on actonel pills for nearly 7 years they really did nothing to help me.I have stopped taking them for over a year now as they were causing me stomach burns headache Now I cannot balance my meals right is it possble that you could help me with what foods that go together some different ones that you have already in your wonderful book,I,m having problems with milk as I love milk very much I’m 85 years old and I dont find myself old and may God bless you for the wonderful work you do to help all of us Carmen
HI Carmen..if you love milk, try Oat Milk..I am dairy allergic and have been on Oat Milk for years..Personally I wouldn’t take Soy Milk,which I started on B4 Oat..I got Graves Disease which gave me double vision..when I stopped the Soy the Graves Disease went away, but unfortunately it was too late for the double vision to repair itself.
Low
What can you advise me about the pros and cons of parathyroid hormone to increase bone density? I am hopeful that following your plan will take care of the problem, but if my doctor is not pleased I know this will come up again. I am wondering if some women need this to absorb calcium properly. I have been a pointe ballet student for the past 17 years who has always been intersted in nutrition; therefore I’m shocked that bone density would be an issue, although I am an extra small person. Thank you for answering me.
I get pain in my back after I have been on my feet for awhile. It is my middle back right below my shoulder bones. (beneath my bra strap in the back) I think it is related to my poor posture nd lack of good stomach muscles. What exercises will relieve this? I am doing some back exercises.
Just want to know whether or not Strontium is good for osteoporosis.
I cannot remember whether or not Brie or any other cheese is helpful for
osteoporosis.
I really appreciate having the opportunity to ask direct questions of you.
You have been quite an inspiration for me!! Thank You Vivian.
Hi Vivian,
I downloaded Save Our Bones a year or so ago but for some reason the download started at page 24 and I did it twice. Did I miss anything in pages 1-23? Is it possible to have them sent to me? Thank you for your work.
Somewhere (cannot remember where) I had heard that strontium was good for our bones. Is is so?
This is my third year with your program. Last March I had another bone scan…I did not grow any bone back, lost a little in each place. Perhaps this is age related. But I continue on your program. We will see the results March 2013. I love all of your recommendations and try most. I eat veggies and fruit, drink Alomond Milk and George’s Aloe Water. I just turned 70..I have also been on the Mannatech Nutrition Program for over six years…that has also helped me…pure nutrition, plant based. Thank you for your continued help as I journey down the bone growth road. Cindy
Dear Vivian,
Where are your answers to these questions?
Thank you,
Patricia
Give her a chance to get to them they have only been posted on 16 June
Hi Patricia,
As Vivian wrote in the blog post above:
“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.”
Hope this clarifies things for you!
Hi there Vivian
lovely to be able to speak across the ocean to you! I have just been assessed again by my OP doctor and as my results have come up with a spine curve of nearly 90 degree bend, I have 3 crush fractures and others looming and have lost 6 inches in height, he is putting me forward to have Terepetide injections every day.
Can I ask you do you know any other people who have taken these injections which you have to administer every day yourself and did they help them? I am also unsure exactly what they will do to me, I have looked on the web but get differing answers. I havent started them yet, but I would like to know all I can about them before commencing if you can help in any way.
With many grateful thanks from Trisha Clark Horsebridge East Sussex England. (age 61)
I bought your book this year and have not read it completely so I don’t have a specific question at this time but I am excited that you will take questions and respond to them.
My gratitude for your attitude.
Is there a simple urine test to determine acid or alkaline or some other test to determine the same?
I buy litmus paper from the chemist. You can test it by colour change with urine or saliva.
I’m sure it would be available in all countries This Australian one has a website:
http://www.EASYpH.com.au
Many of us out here need to take medications that can hurt our bones. I have quite a few chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis. I stopped taking Prilosec when I read your book. I ended up with bleeding ulcers and had to stop the ibuprofen, too. I got to the point where I was at a level 9-10 on the pain scale all day long and it was nearly impossible for me to walk. The doctors put me back on ibuprofen but I refused Prilosec but am now taking Pepcid AC. I feel better about that since Pepcid AC isn’t a PPI.
My question is, what can people like me do to offset what these medications are possibly doing to our bones? For me, without them, I have no quality of life.
Sherrine
I bought your program 5 months ago. I am having difficulty finding the right calcium and other supplements and ship them to me. I am a little discouraged to read comments saying they stick to your program and the results have got worse. They are asking your help.
Recently my urine ph is within 6.5-7.5, I suppose this number is good for the bone.
What brand or kind of fish oil is really good?
Where or how can I read others comment up to date?
Thanks Vivian
M.king
You have stressed the importance of an Algae Calcium. Please tell us which one YOU use and also a multiple that would include many of the foundation supplements. I’ve hounded all the health stores and am still somewhat confused about making the right choices. Please give some guidance here.
Thank you in advance.
I am following your diet as best I can. I weigh 60 kg normally,can you suggest a food which would help me to gain some wieght?
My last DEXa scan showed that I have severe osteopenia for all areas of the
DEXA scan and that was about 8 months ago. I have been off Fosamax for that amount of time. The endocrinologist makes me take 3000 to 3500 I.U.’s of D a day to get my elevated PTH down to 68.9 which is much better than
100. I will have another scan the end of October but now it will include the forearm. I walk, use weights, wear a weighted vest try to follow the diet but it has been less than a year. I want to know if anyone uses the Osteo Mins which have strontium in them. My doctor tells me that stays in your system forever because it is a metal and is not FDA controlled. The doc knows I will not do Forteo or PROlia so she suggested that I take Actonel in November of 2012.What should I do and what do you know about strontium?
How can I connect with people who’ve been successful? I’m struggling with meal planning. I’d also like to know where they got their supplements. It would be helpful to have a forum on your website where people can connect. Thank you.
I just moved from a house with a yard to a small apartment, so I had to give up my herb garden and also my huge aloe plant. I cooked with my organic herbs and made smoothies with the aloe. I miss my aloe plant so much, especially since it seems to be the only thing that helps me eliminate my heartburn that I got from taking Fosamax for six years.
Hi, I note in your Save our Bones document that you state that the ph of pasteurized milk (and dairy products) ranges from 2 to 4. I have been unable to find any data that supports your stated ph level for milk. Research data suggests that milk has a ph level of between 6.4 – 6.8. As you suggest not to drink milk, I am most interested in understanding the correct ph level of milk.
Vivian….how beneficial is it to take apple cider vinegar for people suffering with osteoporosis and if it is good for helping the bones is it detrimental to the health of any other part of the body ?…..thank you Mick
What is your opinion of the product, Osteo Phase by Tango Advanced Nutrition? It is supposed to move blood calcium to the bone, thereby increasing bone density even without additional calcium supplements.
Dear Vivian,
I am 73years old, Asian. Since the sole of my feet are sore and so are my knees, every time I do your exercises I feel the pain quite bad, so I have stopped doing them now, I only go for a brisk walk for 30/minutes in the morning. would that be enough? I go to the gym for other exercises as well.
Is that enough?
Helen.
I have bone spurs on the tops of my feet. What causes them, how do I deal with them, and what can be done, other than the shaving operation (according to an orthopedic surgeon) which the bone grows back from? It is interfering with walking, running, exercising, ect. The spurs are located on the middle of the tops of my feet. Any help available? Thanks
Is it proven by clinical studies that diet and exercise can and do improve bone density in each and every case, or do some people get too far gone to be helped??
What Supplements, If Any, Are Good For Your Bones?
Vivian, my question is: What are the remedies for osteoporosis as a result of hormone issues after menopause? are your recommendations still the same? could you please suggest what to do for women who live in the many countries where there are NOT bio-identical hormones?
Thank you
I turn 70 in Sept. Already have curved and continuing curving spine as did my Paternal Grandmother, my Father and his two older Brothers (Uncles). Any way to stop it? Correct it? Straighten it? Hopefully! Also, continue to have spontaneous fractures in the spine and ribs. HELP! THX for Being YOU and showing/teaching us there truly are alternatives, Jan
Hi Vivian, My question is “Do you know which exercises we should not be doing if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia?” (like yoga)
I want to thank you so much for giving us knowledge on how to stay healthy. The majority of mediation as you know has too many side effects. I’m so happy to come across your link and to get your Save Our Bones book. It’s the best thing I’ve done for myself in decades. I especially appreciate you giving us the encouragement to tell my doctor why I stopped taking boniva. I can’t thank you enough for all of your help.
What is a healthy way to gain weight if you have osteoporosis?
Vivian,
Hello. Question #1: I have been on your diet for two years now and love it.
I have read sooo much about the oils we are to cook with nowdays–not canola or olive as high temps cause oxidation.
We are to use coconut oil for baking or butter. I am allergic to milk, so I will have to use coconut. The saturated fat content bothers me in coconut.
Canola if used at a high temp oxidizes and causes cancer I have read. What is your view on this?
Question #2: What about Earth Balance which I use for my margarine?
It is expeller pressed which makes it OK I read since it does have the canola, olive and palm in it.
Can you use Earth Balance to bake with since it is expeller pressed?
Question #3: Also can you use sesamee butter to make with or is the oil in that not good for baking either.
I use a lot of quinoa flour & flakes to bake with and am confused about the oil. I do know that one can use applesauce to substitute for the oils I a sooooo confused. Can you shed some light on this?
With much appreciation for your diet and help. Marie Hinnrichs
Dear Vivian, I have was on Fosomax for a year and stopped 4 years ago. I somehow found your program and I have been following it
ever since. I have not given up eating oatmeal(cholestrol mitigation) or meat ( but have reduced it) but for most other things I have followed your diet. In addition, I am very active, lift weights a couple of times per week, walking or running several times per week, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking,swimming etc. I just recently had another bone density test and now instead of osteopenia I have osteoporosis. What am I doing wrong? Could it be that the Fossomax completely stopped all new bone growth and it will never start again? I am very Depressed and upset. Any ideas? 62.5 years old, nancy
I have not read anything in your column about compressed fractures in
lumbar and thoracic areas. Can you give any updates on this subject?
Treatments or warnings. etc. Thank you.
Could you please comment regarding Diatomaceous Earth…It is 89% Silicon Dioxide and supposed to be very beneficial for calcium absorption. It is supposed to be good for hair, nails and bones. Please let us know what you know about this product and if it is alkaline or too acidic.
I had a bad bout with thyroid problems several years ago (now under control with synthroid). I know when the dosage is off, my bones suffer.
My question is: What RX drugs cause the most harm?
I’m asking for just a listing of say the top 25-50 drugs without explanation. We can do our own research and check with our doctors if we take that drug.
Thanks for ALL you do. It so nice to have someone in our corner.
I have been on the Save Our Bones plan for a few years now. My last dexascan was almost 2 years ago and did not show good results. Whenever I tested my pH it would be very acidic no matter how closely I stuck to the plan. A few months ago I discovered drinking 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 c. water once in the morning and once in the evening helped keep my pH where it should be. I’m hoping this in addition to your Save Our Bones plan will make the difference for me. I’ve noticed my nails are strong yet flexible (in all my 60 yrs. I’ve never had healthy nails).
My question is whether there are any health risks to consuming the above drink? I respect your opinion and look forward to your advice.