I thank you all for posting your questions during ‘Ask Vivian Week’. I am really excited that the Save Our Bones community is so active and intelligently inquisitive.
There were no less than 925 questions submitted and I wish I could answer them all…
But I promise you that there will be other Ask Vivian weeks in the future. And remember this quote from Bernard Baruch: “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why” – so continue to ask ‘why’.
Till next time,
Question & Answer #1
I have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and am keen to stop taking medication and calcium/vitamin D, prescribed a couple of years ago, after a bad fall led to a spinal fragility fracture. I have discussed this with my GP and also acupuncurist/nutritionalist.
I am 63 years of age and active and also practice yoga etc.
Is there any specific additional advice you are able to give, please, for someone in my position? My father had osteoporosis and his spine ‘crumbled’ badly towards the end of his life – (he died aged 92). I obviously wish to avoid following that possible ‘inherited pattern’. Thank you.
-Jill
Dear Jill,
It sounds as though you really are on the right path! To answer your question, I’d like to clarify that, contrary to what mainstream medicine would like us to believe, there isn’t a known genetic pattern for osteoporosis.
You surely know from the Osteoporosis Reversal Program that osteoporosis is not a disease, so this is actually not surprising. It makes sense that there isn’t a demonstrable inheritance pattern for quantitative bone loss. However, an inheritance pattern may exist for peak bone mass. Here’s a quote from an article published in Endocrine Reviews by M. Peacock. M.D. et al. (2002):
“There is evidence that there are several regions that harbor genes affecting both peak bone mass and femoral structure. As these studies expand and progress, they will confirm or refute the initial results.”
First of all, I find it fascinating that mainstream scientists actually acknowledge genes that may determine peak bone mass. Here’s why. The relatively new osteoporosis parameters compare the bone density of a middle-aged person to the average standardized bone density of a randomly selected group of women in their 20’s of which we know nothing about. Remember that we reach peak bone mass precisely within that age span. If peak bone mass is determined by genes, then the “standard” bone mass used to measure bone loss is flawed from the get-go. What if peak bone mass genes vary within geographical areas or inheritance patterns that may be recessive rather than dominant gene expressions? The answer is obvious.
So my additional advice to you is that you shouldn’t fall for scare tactics based on a mythical osteoporosis inheritance pattern. Continue to follow the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, knowing that you are not tampering with your bone metabolism.
I wish you and yours a long and healthy life.
-Vivian
Question & Answer #2
Dear Vivian,
As I am on Warfarin, I am not allowed to take any other medication for osteoporosis, so how can I improve my bone density? Please help.
Thank you,
-Nelson
Dear Nelson,
Consider it a blessing in disguise. Osteoporosis drugs are a short-sighted solution and may cause a slew of undesirable side-effects. So the Osteoporosis Reversal Program is a great way for you to have strong and healthy bones and to improve your bone density without ever risking dangerous and debilitating side effects.
Since you are currently taking the blood thinner Warfarin (Coumadin), I recommend you stick to the program as much as possible. Anticoagulant drugs have been linked to an increased risk of fractures. Here’s why: warfarin inhibits Vitamin K, best known as essential for the production of blood clotting factors. But Vitamin K is also related to osteocalcin, or bone Gla protein, which binds calcium and works with Vitamin D. Vitamin K is important to proper bone formation, and for that reason it is one of the Foundation Supplements in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. So you should consult with your doctor before taking Vitamin K. He or she can adjust the warfarin dosage as needed.
In good health,
-Vivian
Question & Answer #3
Where I live the soil is very acidic, and my tap water has a pH of 4.0. You mentioned somewhere that you recommend distilled water for drinking and cooking. I would like to understand better the effect of water and its pH on my body, as it is such a basic part of what I ingest. Thank you!
-Judith
Dear Judith,
Indeed, water is crucial to bone health and general health as well. There are several problems with tap water, besides its acidic pH: it contains many toxic and acidifying chemicals that we should not ingest. As I explain in great detail in the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, a book that is part of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, besides chlorine, chloramines, and other undesirable chemicals used to disinfect tap water, fluoride is of great concern to your bone health.
Fluoride, a poison used mainly for pest control, is added for the purpose of preventing tooth decay. It not only has failed to show any clear benefits to dental health, many scientific studies confirm that fluoride increases the risk of fractures.
On the other hand, distilled water is obtained by collecting what has been turned into vapor, so that in effect all the impurities are left behind. Because distilled water is made of only two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, it produces a negative ion reaction in the body, and is therefore alkaline forming.
There is misinformation about this as well: distilled water does test acidic for its pH. However – and this is what makes it so beneficial – because it is negatively charged, it attracts the positively charged acidic waste products and flushes them out of your body. Perhaps that is why another common myth about distilled water is that it causes essential minerals to leach out of the body.
To your bone health!
-Vivian
Question & Answer #4
I’m trying to eat 80% “alkaline-producing food and 20% acid-producing food but don’t seem to be able to eat that way yet. I eat about 70% alkaline-producing food. My urine pH is usually 6.5 to 7.0 first thing in the morning. Is this good enough to save my bones?
-Bonnie
Dear Bonnie,
Congratulations! Your pH is within the desirable range for optimal bone health. Here’s proof that even if you don’t follow everything in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you can (and will) “save your bones”.
Keep up with the program and relax knowing that you are building your bones naturally.
-Vivian
Question & Answer #5
1. Are your recommendations equally valid for men?
2. Is Protelos as different from the other bone building products as they say?
3. Does Glucosamine help or is still unproven?
-Richard
Dear Richard,
Even though women are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis than men are, the recommendations in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program apply equally to both. Actually, there is a section titled Men and Osteoporosis in Chapter 1 of the manual.
Protelos is one of the brand names for Strontium Ranelate. It is different in that strontium is a naturally occurring element. However, Protelos is combined with ranelic acid, a purely synthetic molecule. Protelos has its own list of side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fainting, and blood clots. Studies have shown that strontium mainly thickens the outer cortical portion of bones.
Regarding your last question, glucosamine is typically recommended for joint aches as in the case of osteoarthritis. It is produced in the body by the combination of glucose with the amino acid glutamine. Studies have shown that glucosamine helps slow degeneration of cartilage and relieves pain. In addition, glucosamine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant factors.
Stay healthy and curious,
-Vivian
Question & Answer #6
I am excited to try your program, however, I do take 50 mcg of synthyroid med. I read that it depletes calcium in the body. Do I take more calcium than what is recommended?? And, will this med affect any chance of overcoming osteoporosis?
-Allison I.
Dear Allison,
Synthroid is one of the most prescribed drugs in North America. Studies have shown that taking Synthroid with calcium supplements can decrease the drug’s absorption. All you have to do is take your calcium supplement four hours after you take Synthroid. You don’t need to increase the calcium supplementation.
Warm regards,
-Vivian
Question & Answer #7
My T -scores are bad. Why can I expect up to only a 20% improvement with a diet change…why not a 50% or 75% improvement?
-Donna W.
Dear Donna,
First of all, keep in mind that T-scores don’t provide the whole bone health picture. They only give an indication of density, and there’s a lot more to your bone health than just density. But of course, you want to increase your bone density as much as possible without tampering with your bone metabolism. That’s where the Osteoporosis Reversal Program can really help.
You can most certainly expect more than a 20% bone density score improvement. My own bone density scores increased by that much in one year, but many in the Save Our Bones community have experienced greater increases.
Here is one example, posted at Save Our Bones on June 16th, 2010:
“My mother was confronted by her doctor with evidence of decreasing bone density, and one of these drugs was recommended. I told her NO and we began the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. I have the density scans that verify we increased her bone density by 50% in TWO YEARS! Keep telling EVERYONE about this vital information.”
– Claus
So believe in your bones, and believe in yourself!
-Vivian
Question & Answer #8
I’m 62, took a hard fall in June and broke my wrist. Bone Density test results are T-scores of 2.8 & 3.0 for hips and 4.6 for my spine. Dr. gave me instructions to take 2000 mg Calcium, 800 iu Vitamin D, limited exercise and Boniva. I have read your information, reviewed the Boniva warnings and now need to make the decision whether to take drugs or not. I asked the Dr if I can improve my T-score without Boniva. He said, “No, your 4.6 is too serious. Boniva is necessary to stop the bone loss and limit the risk of fracture, vitamins and exercise alone will not do it”. Are there any statistical results to indicate this statement is based on fact. Do you have any results from your clients with numbers as bad as mine, to share improvement results? Thank you for your work and focus on our challenge with osteoporsis.
-Nancy
Dear Nancy,
Your doctor is wrong in saying that 4.6 is too serious a T-score to improve it without taking drugs. Because no matter how much bone loss you may have, your bones can regenerate themselves (if you know what to do) and you can increase your bone density naturally. Dr. Karl Insogna, Director of the Bone Center at Yale School of Medicine says that
“We tend to think of the skeleton as an inert erector set that holds us up and doesn’t do much else. That’s not true. Every bit as dynamic as other tissues, bone responds to the pull of muscles and gravity, repairs itself, and constantly renews itself.”
Your doctor is also recommending too much calcium. If you haven’t yet, read my article on calcium and heart attacks to understand why 2000 mg of calcium is excessive.
Your doctor is right in that vitamins and exercise alone will not do it: you also need to apply the simple yet revolutionary nutritional guidelines of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Thousands are improving their T-scores with the program. Below is one example of many posted on April 30th, 2010. Notice the huge improvement in the spinal T-scores:
“I am 61. About 2 1/2 years ago I stopped Fosamax due to heart palpitations. Thankfully, I came across Vivian and ordered the program. I decided to a calcium supplement called Cal Apatite Forte. In one year my bone density results went from -3.1 in the spine to -1.9 and -1.9 in the hip to -1.4. I am in awe of this. Thanks, Vivian…”
In good health,
-Vivian
Question & Answer #9
Recently I paid a visit to my health care provider when I was questioned about what I am taking in the way of pharmaceuticals for my “osteoporosis”, I promptly told her I was following your recommendation of modifying my diet to cut out processed foods, and to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables which you recommended in your program.
Well, she just about came unglued – saying things such as “what credentials did this person you) have, what studies have been done, have I examined both sides of the argument, and finally giving me the standard warning that if I didn’t take bisphosphonates (such as Actonel or Reclast), that I was at very high risk for fractures which could result in my demise. My question to you now is, what studies can I point her to, so that she can see what else there is besides pharmaceutical companies claiming that they have the ultimate “cure” for osteoporosis? Thanks Vivian.
Sincerely,
- Carole K.
Dear Carole,
There are many studies that confirm alternative bone health solutions other than prescription drugs. In fact, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program has a bibliography of over 100 scientific studies published in mainstream journals. Here are some examples: Journal of Bone Mineral Research, Endocrinology, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, New England Journal of Medicine… Indeed, the list is long. I think that your doctor should not only look at the studies; he or she should read the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Best regards,
-Vivian
Question & Answer #10
How long on your program diet will it take to get back to an acceptable level. I am currently -3.7 & have followed your program strictly since buying your book 18 months ago.
-Ken N.
Dear Ken,
There are many variables that can affect bone remodeling, so it is very difficult (if not impossible) to predict the time frame for a bone density improvement. The good news is that I’ve received emails from community members that have gotten rid of osteoporosis in as little as six months!
But what you need to keep in mind is that bone density is not the only bone health indicator. Mainstream medicine needs clear-cut numbers for the purpose of prescribing drugs, so the T-score is used as a guideline for this purpose. It is important to remember that the main goal is to prevent crippling fractures, and that thicker and “older” bone is more prone to fracture than renewed and younger bone.
So continue with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and know that you are doing what’s right for your bones and your general health. I’m sure you’ll get outstanding results!
2008 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. I immediately quit the Climara patch. Lumpectomy followed. I refused chemotherapy and radiation. Doctor prescribed Femara and said it would cause bone damage. I switched from Synthroid (used from 1970) to natural thyroid. Bone scan Oct 09 showed osteopenia left hip. Since then I jog .25 mi and walk .50 mi. every day. Regular weight training in my own gym. Diet is stricter than ever. 6 c of coffee/day worst habit. Almond milk, OJ, no chemicals, no sugar, etc. 4,000 Vit D. 2000 calcium, magnesium, B,C, ALA, several more. Blood profile 188 cholesterol, 122 LDL, HDL 56, trig 52. Dr says bad numbers due to RX. My question?? Which is more important – my bones or chance of breast cancer recurrence. Gene test revealed low chance of recurrence. If I give up the Femara and start a low dose estrogen, then I save my bones. ANY help appreciated. 77 yrs old. LaVerne Tromble
I switched to flouride-free toothpaste as suggested in your program. At my recent dental check-up I was told that my lower tooth surface where my gums have receeded slightly had some soft pre-cavity spots and that I should use a flouride rinse after brushing. With no eating or drinking suggested for 30 mins after, the rinse stays in your mouth for quite a while. It seems that just brushing with flouride toothpaste and not rinsing with flouride would be the lesser of two evils. Would you listen to or ignore your dentist’s advice?
In light of the reports on calcium supplements possibly causing heart trouble, would you still recommend adding a supplement to a diet that includes foods with calcium? If so, what amount would you suggest? Do you prefer one brand name over another?
Having osteoporis does that entail all your bones are weak or just certain ones.
Can anybody ask for a bone scan.
Can a friend of a friend receive your informative e-mails? If it’s possible his name is John Nault (friend of John D’Angelo)and his e-mail is the following:
na*****@*******nk.net
Thanks for your consideration in adding his name & e-mail to your list.
At my recent DEXA scan, my hip socket scan showed improvement and my spine showed a slight decrease. Am I on the right path?
hello vivian
i am informed by my consultant nephrologist, that my osteoporosis is caused from taking 5m of prednisolone daly,i hav been takeing this for some years now,if i stop takeing the 70mg alendronic acid tablts and the calceos tablts,what is your recommendations.
kind regards
robert
My Rheumatoligist just x-rayed my back to see if I had a fracture which I didn’t. I was having pain in Thorsaic spine. I do have degenerative joint disease. She said it may be from Osteoporosis which I don’t have. I told her my bone density was fine and she said fractured vertabraes doesn’t always show in a bone density test. Your thoughts on this?
I am 65 yrs old.
I was told recently that the lack of hormones also cause bone degeneration. How true this is? Have you heard of Bio-Identical Hormone Theraphy? I heard that this is a natural treatment and safer than the synthetic therapy. If is not, do you know of a natural way to bring up the balance of estrogen and progesterone?
Thank you for your help.
Would acupuncture help with osteoporosis? I have had several spinal fractures and get pain in my groins. As I also have arthritis, my feet are very painful so I am unable to walk very far.
Thank you
HI;
I would like a list of exactly what vitamins, minerals I should be taking to maximize bone density improvement. I am getting confused with all the imput of data.
I have been a swimmer for many years. I grew up swimming in CA in competition for over 10 years and than stopped until I was about 35 and starting swimming masters for several years and now I swim about 3 times per week. I know that you mentioned that chlorine is bad for your bones. We are on a well system so I do not have chlorine/flouride in our well water. I was wondering what your thoughts are on swimming in chlorine pools on bone health. I do hike/walk and do weights 3 times per week the days I do not swim. Swimming does have a lot of benefits as far as cardio, mentally I feel so much better, and helps with stress. When I have stayed out of the water I just don’t feel as good doing other sports!
I have been taking Viatmin Code/Garden of life mulitiple vitamin and the Vitamin Code Grow Bone System. This system includes the raw calcium and Growth Factor S – Strontium. After reading your book I noticed that you mentioned that Strontium builds only density. Should I just take the multiple vitamin and calcium and stop taking the Bone Growth factor/Strontium? Is Strontium Citrate safe to take? Your book does mention about Strontium but not sure if this is the same as the Vitamin Code compnay. I could not find much info regarding this supplement.
My final question is about Vagifem tablets. I was prescribed this since my vaginal walls were thining out/bleeding. It was very painful and this tablet has worked great. I have no side effects and at this point I only need the tablet only once per month. I sometimes can go as long as 6 weeks but after that I start to get very sore/red again. Do you know anything I could take that is natural instead of taking these tablets?
I look forward to hearing your suggestions and recommendations!
What exercises are the best to do to prevent fractures, if you already have osteoporosis?
I’m 68 and started Actonel 3 years ago (once a week). The only side effects I had was constipation. After 2 years I started having pains in my shins. I then developed colon cancer and had a large section removed, no chemo or radiation. I am fine now. I stopped taking Actonel this May when the shin situation increased, cold turkey, no weaning off the drug. I haven’t experienced any problems doing that. I will have a bone scan in a couple of months when I have a physical. Question: was it OK to just stop taking the drug with no weaning off period?? I am relatively active and eat well according to your recommendations. Thank you for all your good work for our bones !!
1. In the book, you list foods as either alkaline or acidic. I assume that there are degrees of acidity or alkalinity, and that information about specific foods would be helpful in menu planning. Is that information available?
2. Do you have any special advice for someone, like myself, with no parathyroid function (as a result of thyroidectomy), low calcium blood levels, and too high vitamin D levels from supplements?
What do you think of the supplement ipriflavone?
(Also on a secondary note, I am 48 and not yet menopausal. My estrogen level is also within the normal range. However, last year I took a bone scan I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my back and osteopenia in my hip. I’ve been taking natural calcium supplements for the last year and eating a good amount of calcium-rich foods ex.kale, sardines, etc), but unfortunatley, I just had another bone density scan done and my scores got slightly worse instead on any improvement at all. I also had many blood tests taken for my thyroid, etc. to see the possible cause, but everything came back fine.)
Thanks for any feedback.
In regards to taking calicum supplements is it best to take with food so they are more readily absorbed?
I’m thinking of having a plate and screws removed from my tibia. They were there to support the bone from a giant cell tumor resection. Once they come out what can I do to help the bone strengthen and grow again. I have your book, will following the diet help me out with recovery?
I was told by a naturopath who did a hair folicle test on me, that I had too much calcium and it was leaching other important minerals out of my bones. I stopped taking calcium and two years later, I now have osteopenia. (It’s complicated by my severe IBS and poor diet and absorption as well).
I’m very worried about my bone density. I only weigh 87 lbs. and wonder if I should be taking calcium. I would also like to know if “Strontium Support II” by AOR actually does rebuild bone. I would very much appreciate your opinion on the calcium and Strontium. Thank you very much.
Vivian,
I have injured my back and cannot do any weight
bearing activity. Also I am on nexium due to bad reflux. I do walk quite a bit. Any suggestions?
I am taking synthroid for graves disease. I have been told that the medication really weakens your bones. Can I build my bone health while taking this replacement medicine for the rest of my life?
I ordered my book in May and have still not received it. I keep getting your emails and am very interested in starting the program but would like to get the book. My particular question is that I have been on Actinel for about 9 years. To my knowledge I have not had any side effects but have decided to go off them after reading your articles and ordering your book. I just had my third bone density test and there has been no change since my last one 3 years ago. I stopped taking the actinel in April, 2010 and really want to get going on your program. One thing I wanted to ask is that at my last physical check up which was in July, 2010 the doctor said my thyroid was low and he wants another test to be done and once again he says if it is low still, he will prescribe pills to be taken the rest of my life. I don’t want to take these pills so is there something in your book about this? Could the actinel have something to do with the thyroid being low? Please find out why I have not received my book. Thanks
Joyce
Great questions. I emailed several questions last year and never got an answer so gave up. Guess I had to wait for the “Ask Vivian Week” huh?
When I joined the program I was told I would have a conversation with Vivian and wasn’t sure how to make that happen. Also, I’m confused from various websites whether humus and chick peas are alkaline. There are other websites that offer different information than Save Our Bones for acceptable foods. How do we know the truth? Does it just mean that some foods are close on the alkaline/acid line?
What do you think about Juvent? Thanks.
will apple cider vinegar actually help with osteoarthritis I am 45 yrs and have it in both knees am always tryn to find something more natural and plus keeps in my budget
I am most interested in Vivian’s comment on Strontium. My family doctor recommended it when I had to stop Alendronate (fosamax)after suffering pancreatitis.
Vivian, I always enjoy and try to do what you advise. I have osteoporosis and scoliosis. Is it NECESSARY to take calcium if I exercise and eat calcium rich foods? I have always taken calcium citrate and guess I missed that in your book about calcium from plants. Does this kind build up in your arteries? I have autherosclerosis with an almost complete blockage in my shoulder. I have not started taking Vit K2 yet. My doctor knows nothing about alternative medicine, so since I have the artery problem, is it safe for me to take it. He advises 81mg of aspirin each day. I would like to take it. Thanks for your help. F Miller
Hi Vivian, really love getting your e-mails, they have so much good information, I’m also helping some friends who don’t have access to the internet,who have difficult situations regarding their osteoperosis, thanks so much for your help Mary
Along with osteoprosis I have kidney disease so I cannot eat many of the foods advocated in Save Our Bones. Can you help me? Please!
I just recently stopped taking Boniva after 6 yrs of it from talking with a friend who told me it was dangerous. She also said stay away from soy products. If we can’t drink milk or take soy what can we post menopausal women to do? I think we need some soy products as long as they are the fermented ones. thanks
If the calcium supplements, Citracal and the calcium carbonates are not good after all, and we can’t get enough calcium in our foods, what other supplements can we resort to – is the gummy bear sold at Costco good? Yogurt? I take almond milk, spinach. Pls give us more natural sources of calcium.
Thanks.
Rose
Dear Vivian
I am currently incapacitated due to a break to my tibia and fibula following a fall ( the first bones I have ever broken), a friend has just given me your website details and I have ordered your book. I am staggered by what I am learning from the downloads. I was diagnosed with ostoporosis in my spine and hip when I was 51, I did not want to follow the HRT route suggested to me and tried to “treat myself” with progesterone cream and supplements. At aged 57 the diagnosis had move to “severe” and I reluctantly began to take Actonel. I am now aged 63 and want to stop the drug therapy and follow the Save Our Bones programme which makes so much sense and really resonates with me. My question is “is my condition too advanced to start”?
Thank you Helene
Thanks for doing this!!
Why do you think the World Health Organization (WHO) concerns itself with osteoporosis? I have read one of their documents in which they promulgate guidelines to “measure” osteoporosis and even recommend treatment. With more research, i found that some or all of WHO members are allegedly tied to pharmaceutical companies. The only reason i can think of why WHO would be involved with a “disease” found predominately in developed countries is that folks living in those countries have money or insurance to purchase drugs.
Seems US physicians, including mine, subscribe unquestioningly to WHO measuring guidelines and pharmaceutical remedies for osteoporosis.
Why do they not at least consider alternative treatments which do not involve drug therapy? My physician said he would recommend the bisphosphonate he wanted me to take to his wife, if needed. He didn’t convince me to take it, but did indicate his total belief in the drug.
How we use calcium(500)Comp. with daily food,or with a snack, because i read somewhere usually daily food may have more fiber that makes block the Calcium, so it is better to have it with a small portion of protein like cheese or yoghurt or a snake
Dear Vivan,
I ordered your free handbook a while ago and to date 8/23/10 have not received. Please send it out to me as soon as possible as I am anxious to read what you have to say and I may possibly purchase your other materials. But would first like to read your handbook.
Thank You,
Ann Schell
se************@*****st.net
I have recently diagnosed osteoporosis and follow your diet regime.I am also a keen long distance cyclist and consequently find little time for daily walking. In your opinion is cycling an acceptable form of exercise in order to prevent further deterioration of the condition.
Hi VIvian,
I now realize that too much sugar and processed food has been devastating too my bones. I am trying to find a good substitue for sugar. Stevia is OK w/some things but still leaves and undesirable taste. What about non-GMO Xylitol? Can I have this in moderation without causing the chemical reactions that start the bone loss cycle. I haven’t been able to find anything on the internet that would help me. Do you know?
Thanks!
Deb
What would be a good exercise program for increasing bone mass? I am 55, very active, walk every day, and do some weight-bearing exercises one or two times per week. My doctors have been trying to put me on bone building drugs for 3 years now, but I refuse to take them. My T-score is -2.5. What would you suggest?
I am in BIG trouble; I continue to loose bone and have been following your program. I took myself all of the meds in February 2009 and they are now wanting me to go on forteo; I’m so confused being I continue to loose bone. I know my diet is right and I exercise (weights, walk, treadmill)properly. I’ve had my thyroid checked and it comes back with the right readings. I’m not on any other med that would rob my bones. HELP!!!
Hi Vivian, I have a scale that measures weight, BMI, water percentage, bone mass and metabolic age. I have done some research and bone mass seems to mean bone weight. Is that correct? I have also measured before and after excercise. For example, measurements before exercise were 115.4 weight, 28.2 BMI,48.3 water percentage, 4.2 bone mass and 30 for metabolic age. I then drank water and exercised for 45 minutes and again measured. Results were 115.8 weight, 25.8 BMI, 50 water percentage, 4.4 bone mass and 26 for metabolic age. I have found that the increase in bone mass will last for most of the day. Does this prove that exercise increases bone mass? I don’t want to have a bone density test. Does the bone mass number give me a way to measure my progress? Thank you for all the information in your book. It has already helped me improve my overall health. Sandy
Hi Vivian,
I was on Fosamax for many years and took myself off it.
If I don’t want to take meds for osteoporosis,is there a reason to do dexa-scans?
Are there dangers to Dexa-scans?
Thank you,
Carole
Is it true that soda pop weakens the bones?
Dear Vivien, I am 54 years old and have oesteopenia in my lumbar spine. Hips were normal. I cannot take calcium supplements as I have kidney stones . At the moment I have a lot of back trouble and pain down the outer thighs. I have just discovered your site and will send for you book. I have watched my mother suffer terribly with oesteoporis and want to remedy mine before it gets bad. I live in Ireland so don’t get much sun. Can you advise me on supplements I need. Not on HRT but thinking about it.
thank you for this opportunity . Great just reading the questions.
Gillian
I am upset re downloding of your book which I could not do it fully due to breaking down of my printer ,,, I requested to have it resent but I have not heard from your organization ….. maria
Hi, Vivian. My colleague’s daughter had gastric bypass surgery about two years ago. Her bones have become so thin and brittle her doctor says if she were in a car accident today, she would die as every bone in her body would shatter. They have put her on an extremely heavy regimen of Boniva and when that is finished they say she’ll have to take it once a week for the rest of her life. What advice would you give people who have undergone gastric bypass surgery to avoid the massive bone loss that occurs as a result? And is there anything she can do now since her loss is so significant? I only heard about this on Saturday, and knowing what I know about the drugs such as Boniva, I am very concerned she is doing herself more harm than good. Thank you so much.
I have hypoparathyroidism. Basically, my parathyroid glands no longer function, and they regulate calcium in the body. How does this condition affect osteoporosis and what do I need to do to account for it?
I read with great interest the information about calcium and heart disease. I made a copy for my cardiologist. Even doing your program, am I not supposed to take calcium supplements?
I also take Ubiquinol ( your suggestion) and additional Vit D. Thanks for you work, Vivian.
What is your opinion on walking with a weighted vest for bone strengthening? How much weight is good to use on a daily basis?
Also, please talk about thyroid medication and osteoporosis. I have heard that it can promote bone loss and I am concerned.
Thank you!
I’m trying to eat 80% “alkaline-producing food and 20% acid-producing food but don’t seem to be able to eat that way yet. I eat about 70% alkaline-producing food. My urine pH is usually 6.5 to 7.0 first thing in the morning. Is this good enough to save my bones?