Recently, a reader asked me to suggest a simple, everyday food that can improve calcium absorption and support bone health. My response caught her off guard because it’s a food so common that we often take it for granted. That food is the banana!
Surprising? Maybe. But bananas play a significant role in promoting healthy bones and enhancing the absorption of essential nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at why bananas are bone-smart.
How Bananas Support Bone Health
Bananas are rich in a compound called fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a type of prebiotic fiber that nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These gut bacteria help improve digestive health by boosting the production of digestive enzymes and vitamins, many of which are crucial for absorbing key nutrients like calcium and magnesium, both essential for maintaining strong bones.1
Studies have shown that a healthy gut microbiome supports the absorption of calcium, especially from plant-based sources.2 The beneficial bacteria in your colon thrive on FOS, and when they flourish, your body becomes more efficient at absorbing nutrients that promote bone density and strength.
The Power of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
But bananas don’t just stop at FOS. They also contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), another vital component for bone health. SCFAs are produced when gut bacteria ferment prebiotic fibers like FOS. These acids help strengthen the intestinal lining, improve gut health, and promote nutrient absorption.3
SCFAs can indirectly improve calcium absorption by reducing inflammation in the gut and enhancing the efficiency of the digestive system, making it easier for your body to absorb essential nutrients. This process is particularly enhanced in bananas’ close relative, plantains, which contain even higher levels of FOS and contribute significantly to SCFA production.
Two Delicious Plantain Recipes
Try these two recipes that I love. I found it to be an easy and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of plantain.
Caribbean Adventure Salad
Easy to prepare and deliciously bone-healthy.
8 servings
Ingredients:
4 plantains
1 large tomato, cut in chunks
1 cucumber, sliced
6 celery sticks, thinly sliced
2 carrots, grated
1 avocado, sliced
1 head of lettuce, thoroughly washed and dried
Sea salt
Directions:
1.Peel the plantains and place in pot with enough cold water and add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring water to boil, then reduce heat and simmer with cover on for 10 to 15 minutes or till tender.
3. Rinse and allow to cool, then slice the plantain.
4. Line a large bowl with lettuce leaves, and cut up the rest of the lettuce.
5. Mix all ingredients and serve with your favorite dressing. Garnish with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts, if desired.
Santo Domingo soup
Make a double batch so you can enjoy this soup anytime.
8 servings
Ingredients:
8 cups vegetable broth
2 plantains, grated
1 garlic, pressed or very finely chopped
Sea salt and paprika to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in pot and boil until thick.
What This Means To You
Both bananas and plantains are excellent additions to a bone-healthy diet. By nourishing your gut and enhancing calcium absorption, these fruits work in harmony with your body’s natural processes to support strong and healthy bones. And with their sweet, versatile flavor, it’s easy to incorporate them into your daily routine.
References
1 Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013 Apr 22;5(4):1417-35. doi: 10.3390/nu5041417. PMID: 23609775; PMCID: PMC3705355.
2 Weaver CM. Diet, gut microbiome, and bone health. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2015 Apr;13(2):125-30. doi: 10.1007/s11914-015-0257-0. PMID: 25616772; PMCID: PMC4996260
3 Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013 Apr 22;5(4):1417-35. doi: 10.3390/nu5041417. PMID: 23609775; PMCID: PMC3705355.
I know this will not aply to everyone but I am alergic to Bananas. they cause my tongue to swell up my throat to hurt. So I would like to know what you would recommend that would be close in nutrition or as the second choice. I am alergic to rubber and the banana is a relative to the rubber tree.
Apreciate your messages.
Karmen
My son was alergic to bananas but seems to do ok when using them in smoothies.
Enjoy your updates. Interesting to read what others have gone through. I wrote you about Aclasta which I am to have injected the end of April.Any comment on this drug.I don’t think I will follow through. I have taken actonel. fosamax forteo over the yesrs can’t see any improvement. thanks Theresa
Hello. I would not ever use any of these drugs, simply because they produce fossilized bone, not denser bone, even though a scan cannot tell the difference. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a year ago, had a bone scan again April 12, 2010, and have been upgraded to osteopenia, a fact that the doctor said could not possibly happen – I have reversed my condition by stopping antidepressants, which I did not need anyway, and any type of antacid. I exercise daily and try to maintain an alkalizing diet. In addition I have started tha “Garden of Life” grow bone supplements, which I researched thoroughly before beginning. Garden of Life is a whole food supplement, and their grow bone system has a terrific guarantee-check out their site. I wish you good luck, and please question your doctors, they do not know everything! Sincerely, Cindy
Thank you Vivian and all who post comments.
I am a UK resident and find the notes very supportive and interesting. I only discovered 2 months ago that I have osteoporosis following a broken ankle, with a T Score of – 2.7. You are not offered dext scans here routinely, only after an unexplained break!In my case it was after a comment that a doctor made, that I had a tendency to develop it. Biphosonates are handed out routinely here too.My doctor made no mention of the side effects of the drugs nor was I told to get my dental hygene checked out when handed the prescription. After checking the drugs on the internet I was alarmed as my dental health is not good. So I am going the natural route with diet, exercise and solgar’s Ultimate Bone Support. I am very lucky as locally we have a pharmacist who only practises natural health, runs detox programmes ( 80/20 percent alkaline/acid diet)and has a Health Shop selling reputable health products. After extensive reading I am now eating 9 dried prunes per day,(approx 135g), after reading research that this was one of the few fruits proven to improve bone density in that amount daily. Unfortunately there seem to be very few Physical Trainers qualified sufficently in dealing with osteoporosis to advise on the right exercises to build bones through weight training, without doing any damage! I have being doing Pilates for years but have stepped up the regime, am walking with a weighted backpack, do vigorous dancing weekly, swim and am about to join a gym. Hopefully I can halt the decline and with a bit of luck reverse the scores a bit.
Keep up the excellent work.
I’m from Engand too and my doctor was horrified that I refused Fosamax. Like you I research it and am totally at peace with my decision. I have a physio who has worked out a programme of exercises (15)that I do twice a week. This will last for a few months before progressing on to the next level. I take Nature’s Plus high potency Cal/Mag/vit D with Vit K2.I take 3 tablets a day giving 900mg cal, 450mg mag, and 750 iu of Vit D and 25 mcg Vit D. (What levels are in Solgar’s Ultimate bone supplement?) I am also seeing a nutritionalist. I will see in a year or so’s time when I will ask for another Dexa scan, whether all this has worked!!
What part of the country do you live in? I could put you in touch with my physio.
I am also from UK. I would like a recommendation for either a liquid calcium or powder calcium as I have a problem swallowing tabs. It seems that all algae calcium comes from US and is very expensive but am not sure which is best. Would love to find a UK supplier.
Me too. Any suggestions?
Love all the comments, have a question. Is sprouted grains used in pastas and etc. considerd acid?
Vivian thankyou so much for all your Inf.
I will try that salad! have a great evenig!
Anna
thank you so much for onfo on bananas & plantain. love them both
I truly appreciate all this valuable information you feed us. It is amazing the simple things it takes to improve your bones and yet one would pay a fortunate to go to a exercise club and still not find the main sources of help. Thanks again!
Vivian I have tried sevaral time to get your free hand book no reply. Thank you Roy.
Thanks for the tip-my husband loves plantain lightly browned in a pan with olive oil and makes a sandwich with it. He also puts it into soups.Its a carribean thing since we were both born in Trinidad and Tobago.
What is your opinion on eating bananas while on warfarin (coumadin) ? My doctor told me, that many
types of food, which I used to like very much, are not available or in a very small amount daily. Bananas are among them, and I “compromised” by eating only 1/2 yellow banana with my cereal.
Should COQ10 be taken with a fish oil pill? Thanks in advance
Not necessarily. Just make sure your CoQ10 is a capsule instead of a tablet, since it gets absorbed a lot better 🙂
That is amazing advise. Thanks Vivian I really appreciated all your advise.
I am going to try the recipes.
Greetings
Hester
I have started making a mug of very quick tomato soup. 1 big spoon of tomato puree (with no extras), mix with very hot water, add a small pinch of salt and or herbs. Stir well and enjoy before lunch.
Thanks, Vivian. I love plaintains. Have you tried frying them when they are not green? Since reading your article I will be eating more of them.
Regards.
Thanks for the banana tip….will do starting tomarrow. Meanwhile….I only took Fosamax a few times, but got side affects right away….but one side affect that isn’t listed…I got…terrible blood shot eyes. Went to the eye doctor and he said my tear ducts dried up…$350 Later…still have blood shot eyes and pain. Tried everything and nothing helps….yet….could take time. I blame it on Fosamax and eye doctor couldn’t disagree….for sure. Never had anything like this till ”Fosamax…..NEVER AGAIN. Thanks for the info…V.
DONT TAKE FOSAMAX IT IS A DANGEROUS DRUG AND SO ARE ACTONEL AND FORTEO!!! just google those names and look at the lawsuits. THE DRUG COMPANIES DONT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US , JUST THEIR BOTTOM LINE.
Re my comment in answer to one that said that Fosamax has only been on the market in Australia for about 5 years. I said that I live in Australia and had taken Fosamax in 1999. This is true, but I remember now that it was specially prescribed for me by my endocrinologist and I had to get it from the hospital pharmacy. It’s probably correct that it wasn’t generally available in Australian commercial pharmacies at that time.
Kelsey Fickling says that Fosamax has only been on the market in Australia for about 5 years. I live in Sydney, Australia and took Fosamax for a few months in about 1999. I had terrible problems with it – it caused me to throw up every time I tried to eat and I couldn’t breathe during these attacks, so I stopped taking it. However, these effects continued for many years after discontinuing the Fosamax, but all doctors laughed at me when I tried to explain this to them.
Any Doctor that makes a joke of your side effects is covering up from his lack of knowledge to determine the cause.GET A NEWER,YOUNGER DOCTOR,fire the dead beat you hired to protect your health.
Vivian, thank you so much for the recipes. That information is so good to have, and I need all the help I can get in trying to eat properly.
Wilda
Vivian,
Bananas and I don’t get along to well. Thank you for the reciepes and I plan on trying them. I’ve noticed that I look at food differently now than what I did even 6 weeks ago. I’m eating a lot healthier now and feel a lot better. I’m sure going to try that banana a day. Thanks for all your e-mails and support.
Sharon
Dear Sharon,
I used to think that I could not digest bananas. But a few years ago when I started to focus on a more vegetarian diet, and thus eliminated most red meat and even a lot of white meat, and also added a lot more other various fruits and vegetables to my diet, then I found that I could digest bananas. Same way with whole oranges.
Joel M. Wilson
Vivian I have been taking Boniva for about 4 years and my osteopenia has not improved. I was looking for another way to improve my bone health when I ran across your information. I am planning on trying your program for better bone health; however, I am concerned that my low thyroid medication could be a contributing factor to my thinning bones. Could this be the case, and if so,what can I do to correct the problem?
I have the same question. I take 50mcg. Levoxyl daily. Is this harmful?
Hi Jane,
An underactive thyroid taken in the correct dose should not cause bone thinning.
A slightly overactive thyroid sure does.I looked back at tests of my TSH levels from several years ago and my levels were within the normal range but at the low end so the “problem” was never flagged. So here I am at 53 with osteoporosis. I don’t trust this Actonel. Monday I felt like my bones were made of cold hard steel stabbing me. I felt every rib.
What did Actonel do for me? I am a right handed artist/sculptist before I took Actonel .After three months I had 2 fingers with burst tendons ,had a specialist make the costly repair and still lost function with those two fingers.
It has been 4 years since since I eliminated Prescription drugs and feel 99% healthier,with the exception of these two fingers.
When you ask the doctor about your last density reading was,he will always tell you your last reading was very good,showing improvement.In all actuality,he is reading the inflamation numbers caused by the density test….that fries your body.Do not waste your time or money on that quackery.Do as Vivian says,eat healthy and run for your life and stay away from prescription drugs…their side effects will cause MORE problems than you can imagine!
Subject: [shamballa-md-healers] The Superfood: [7 Attachments]
What to think of biological banana’s? Mmmh…
A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression ‘going bananas’ is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!! !
This is interesting.
After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.
But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressur e. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A banana a day keeps the doctor away!’
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe…polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!
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Thank you, Vivian, for the very useful information.
Hi Ingrid,
And we all thank you for giving us so much great information on bananas!
I learned Pilates exercises for osteoporosis, which has really helped with back pain. I don’t do anything that involves bending or twisting, and am usually on my back or side on a mat for the exercises. I paid for some sessions with a Pilates expert, but now do them on my own at home.
Dear Vivian,
Thank you so much for the good information you send us. I eat every day two bananas but I just learned that green bananas are better. Every day I learn a new thing to stay healthy in body and spirit!
Hi Vivian,
Is drinking a banana smoothie every day good for me? or Is it better to eat the banana instead of drinking it? Thanks.
Thank you Vivan, I love bananas and been having one a day for several months now, It is good to know that they also help with bones.
Regardes Margaret
Hi Nettie,
It all depends what ingredients you use to make the smoothie. Cow’s milk? Then, you’re much better off eating the banana.
I liked the website and great information. however, the price of this book is very high, ( specially for retired person)…
try ordering a book from amazon.i did.it is definately worth the money.
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the tips on the bananas,will share it with my friends.
What do you do when you are allergic to bananas
Hi Lynn,
Then you don’t eat them 🙂
Allergic to Bananas then eat the Avocado 265 calories per 4inches, banana 100 calories per 6inches. Curly Kale and pineapple juice mixed in a blender give it a try.
Yvonne Dobson. U.K.
Wondering if the green bananas (plantains) are just regular unripe bananas, or is this something different?
Plantains are a small green banana that are common in Central and South American countries and commonly used in fried and cooked recipes. Most stores that serve an hispanic community stock them. They are not the same as our large “Dole” eating bananas that are tastiest when yellow and ripe.
I was born in Costa Rica,and bananas and plantains (platanos) are different,platanos are bigger, you can not eat then raw,you have to cook them first, usually,boil them, if they are green,you can also let them ripe and you just sliced then anf frie, they are delicious,ok? thankyou
Vivian,
Thanks so much for your tip about bananas and plantains being good for calcium absorbtion. I appreciate all of your tips and advice in regard to bone health.
woman helping woman……. awe, it’s a beautiful thing! Be blessed everybody
i am an avid reader of all your info. and i thank you for all of it. i had been on fosomax for 4 years. i stopped because of your information and also because my bone density came back worse than ever!!! figure that one out!!!
i am now doing more jogging, weight baring exercises, eating better, and taking vitamins every day like calcium, D, magnesium, boneology, and B12. i feel great and am looking forward to getting another density test in about 4 months. will let you know.
thanks again
sheri
leesburg va
found a website using the search terms REVERSE OSTEOPOROSIS and it suggests stopping all calcium supplements and milk products for 3 months in order to get rid of the extra calcium in the body. does that sound like good advice for those of us with osteoporosis?
Hi Shari,
It all depends on the type of calcium supplements because large amounts of inorganic calcium in the body (for example, calcium carbonate) can actually do more harm than good.
And it’s always a good time to stop dairy products (unless fermented) forever…
Hi Shari I just started reading all the posts about the drugs which I will never take! I do need your help . I don’t have a colon due to UC/Crohns (they weren’t sure). What would be my best course of treatment me. Can I be absorbing enough calcium with just the small intestine? I am 60 years old. Thanks in advance for your reply Pat
I would like to here Vivian’s comment on this one!!
Thanks for the bannana info. Still confused but I love bannanas and eat one almost daily.
I have also heard not to take too much vitamin A which causes hip fracture if not moderated by vitmain D. Most supplements have harmful levels of vitmain A. I think under 5000 a day is safe if also taking vitamin D. Ideally, one should probably only get vitamin A from fruits and veggies.
I’ve been treating my osteoporosis naturally with diet, exercise, and supplementation. My dexascan recently showed an increase of 17% in bone density. I was elated until my doctor (who had recommended the dexascan in the first place) said the second dexascan was meaningless because bone density varies so much and it was just a snapshot. I did fracture my wrist in a bad fall a few months ago and he says that no matter what I should start with Actonel…any comments
Many doctors swear by bisphosphonates. The doctor I see keeps trying to put on bisphoss. She swears that women who take bisphoss do not have hip fractures and are able to walk around without canes or wheelchairs in nursing homes. The choice is up to you. However, many people report disturbing side effects. And studies have shown conflicting results. I worry about the effect of bisphoss on bones after taking them for 10-30 years.
Sounds like my Doctors………..they all push the drugs, no matter what. I am corresponding with a nurse who reads bone density tests………..she says she sees VERY few patients who benefit from the drugs by getting higher bone density results………
Sounds to me that you need to hire another doctor that is more interested in a “cure” for you,not a prescription drug that does nothing but block the pain temporarily,then worse side effects happen.
I actually had a peeled banana in my hand when I opened up this article. What a surprise to see the image on the screen of a banana that I was also holding in my hand. I must be doing the right thing!
Yes, you are!
This is very interesting. I have enjoyed reading all this info. I do know about eating for your blood type that i read in a earlier post. I do not believe i have seen a plantation banana and then again because they look different and glad i did not get them before now because i did not know you had to cook them. Thanks for the receipe the santo domingo soup. took note to the shake drink and the vingar and honey was interesting. No ideal what biosil is but keep an ear open if i hear anything. Still healthy as can be and i am very blessed these 66 years of my life. all this info is good and tried the Tom’s toothpaste and deordant. Had a friend who i mention it to and she knew about it and where it was located. Thanks for all the info
God! I thought I knew the difference between bananas and plantains after visiting a banana plantation in Costa Rica; but reading all these letters, I’m baffled, but not seriously.
Plantains are plantains and bananas are bananas. Look it up in your dictionaries!
I have found a fruit that has all the ingredients for bone growth and it is also ignored. It is the prune. 4 prunes a day will do more for you than any drug that is on the market. A study found that people who ate 4 to 8 prunes a day had great bones. I am all for the prune regiment and have healthy bones.
I read about the prune study too and have been eating them daily. Now I see that prunes are on the list of acidifying fruits, which should ideally be only 20% in an “ideal alkaline/acid balance”. How does one measure?
Dear Vivian,
Your information on bananas was welcome, although I have always known that they were good for you. I’m ashamed to admit that I have a problem swallowing large capsules so I chew a piece of banana and enclose two of the “horse caps” and get them down without trouble. I take Omega 3 and flaxseed oil every day and the bananas are my best friends! I have eaten 2-3 a day for years.
I have some interesting news on a product I’ve been taking for about nine months that has produced a miraculous result on my last bone density test. My numbers have been falling for the last five years. However, since I began using BioSil, which is orthosilicic acid. I first began taking it to improve skin, nails and hair, but was encouraged to discover that it helped my osteoporosis!
My doctor called to tell me that although my wrist and ankle numbers had not changed, they also had not dropped; and he wanted to know what I had done because there had been such significant improvement in my hip. When I told him he said that I should continue because it was useful. I was stunned, and have been telling anyone who would listen.
I hope this information is useful. BioSil now also comes in pill form rather than drops that must be drunk in juice because the taste is rather unpleasant otherwise.
Thank you for your continuing efforts on behalf of all women.
Florenc B.
thanks for info on bio sil i want to try that!
Thanks Florence
Nice to hear what really works Iwill cettainly try and continue with the heel lift exercise thanks to vivian
All my bones say thank you Ruby
Thank you for that info. I have just been diagnosed with Osteo arthritis and have not gone back to the bone specialst because I don’t agree with his procedures. Can I purchase this over the counter or do I need a Doctors precription?
FlorenceI
I have the an unfinished bottle of BioSil in my cabinet. I took it a few months back for my bones also but got a unpleasent surprise. I got a scaly skin reaction from shoulders to my feet. So much skin came off my body it looked like dandruff around my black socks. Sort of like a severe peeling from a sunburn. I will try it again because of the benefit to my bone health. Thanks for all the info.
THANKS SO MUCH ABOUT THE INFO IN REFERENCE TO BANANAS I WILL TRY THAT TOO.WANTED YOU TO KNOW SINCE I HAVE STOPPED THE FOSAMAX AND USING THE INFO IN THE BOOK AND TAKING VIT D3 AND CALCIUM MY C SCORE HAS GONE FROM (-6.2) TO (-5.1) IT’S GOING UP THANK U JESUS AND THANK U 2.
Hi Jane,
This is fantastic news! You have a 20% bone density increase by following the program. I am really proud of you…Congratulations, and keep up the great work.
How much calcium do you take daily and what kind. I’m taking 1000 calcium and 2000 VitD3, 500 magnesium .
Thanks so much for your response!
Florence
thanks for info on bananas. I will make sure I have one a day. Not sure whether I can get the green one you call plantains in UK, but will try. Will also try a few drops of cider vinegar in distilled water. Did I tell you that I have a reverse osmosis appliance for our water. Best wishes Monica
are plantain bananas a special type?i have no problem obtaining bananas as they are available all the year round,but have always been told not to eat green bananas, hence the question
Hi Audrey,
Plantains (green and ripe)are different from bananas. Here in South Florida they are available year-round in any grocery store. Depending on where you live, you might have to look for them in specialty grocery stores.
Thanks for the information. I shall try the two recipes, Vivian.
Question: If most nutrients are absorbed by the villi in the small intestine, and the short-chain fatty acids are boosted in the colon, how do the SCFAs get to the small intestine to aid absorption of calcium and other nutrients? Thanks. Melody.
What are your thoughts about using progesterone cream for osteoporosis? Also,what about strontium? (A friend of mine was taking it and deveoped cancer, probably unrelated but scary.)
Since progesterone creme is the mother of all of our homones, we need it for bones and brains but drs. feel you only need it for women during child bearing age. If you have had a hysterectomy, they feel it is not needed. I disagree but it is hard to get a dr. to give you a script for compounded progesterone.
Hi Norma,
I don’t recommend any hormones to increase bone density. It is not necessary, and it could cause more harm than good. With the Osteoporosis Reversal Program you can increase your bone density without ever taking hormones. And you can find information about strontium on the home page.
vivian
have you any suggestions about bio identical hormones or are they just the same as hormones to stay away from???
Natural hormones can also quickly cause cancer. So, I would stay away from any hormones after age 50 no matter how tempting.
I disagree… I have done great length study on Progesterone. It is a beneficial to women of all ages. Natural of course. They are not all made the same grade or same ingredients. Study show bone dens. increase with reg. use.
Where do you get the Progesterone creme?
Hi Vivian
Many thanks for info’ on bananas. Good to hear from you again after long lapse. Always find your emails so helpful, please continue this valuable source of information.
Dear Vivian, I always enjoy hearing from you. You are like a good friend with good news! I was told I had calcium deposits on my breast after my mammogram. I had taken a hair anylsis test a couple of years ago and they said to stop taking calcium -that my calcium levels were off the charts. Since then I have been trying to eat the right foods instead for my calcium needs. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks so much for all you do. Bless you, Sue Sienkiewicz
Thank you for your e mail,I have severe osteoporosis diagnosed in 2003,I have taken Fosamax,Actonel,and in May 2008 started a course of Forsteo injections which I stopped after 8 weeks,they made me feel very unwell,terribe pains in head and neck and a fever,previous to these injections I did not have any problems as a result of my condition,now 17 months later I am still suffering with these symptoms and find great difficulty turning my neck.
At the moment I am intermittently taking actonel which does not help my IBS.I have eaten bananas every day for years,I am 76 yrs of age.
Sincerely Marie Barnett.
would like to know what you think about the injections for osteoporosis.my dr. wants me to take them and I’m not sold on the idea. thanks mary
I was diagnosed with severe osteo, only after suffering many compression fractures. The Dr. tried me on fosamax, didn’t work, still having fractures I had no choice but to do the Forteo injections. I did the Forteo for 9 months, had another bone density scan, it was no longer severe, had reversed back to Pina. So far,[4 yrs.] no bone tumors. Couldn’t have made it without Forteo.
Does eating a banana daily give a body too much potassium? I think it’s called hyperkalemia. Thankyou.
One banana has approximately 450 mg. of potassium, which is below the recommended potassium intake. Remember that the more sodium one consumes, the more potassium is necessary to counteract it, so there is no “one size fits all” potassium recommendation.
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the recipes. I am wondering if your book addresses celiac disease and it’s relation to bone loss. Obviously if all nutrients are not being absorbed in the small intestine it is going to affect the bones. Great recipes with the Plantains to help the small intestine absorb.
I am scheduled for a first (of 6 over three years) infusion of Zomeda tomorrow as my first bone density test (after baseline) came back with a T value of -7 (typical for menopausal woman is -1). I’m 44 years old and was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at 40. No doubt this t-value is related to previous chemo and radiation, but is mostly a result of the removal of ovaries (hastily recommended by doctors) and my current cancer treatment, Arimidex, that I take daily. So, another big decision I have to make overnight is whether or not to keep this appt tomorrow for zomeda. Normally, it would be a no-brainer: don’t do it. However, with a t-value of -7, I am at serious risk of fracturing/breaking bones and it will only get worse as I am losing more bone mass than I am re-producing. Any suggestions?
take everything to prayer! God of Heaven created us…He can direct you what you should do. Ask Him to show you. I’ll pray for you now. Don’t let “fear” strike your heart,and over take it! Strong emotions connection to sickness and health. Be of “good” cheer. @>—{—{—-
Absolutely true! Most cancers develop after a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events happen in your life. Learn to deal with problems on a day to day basis and give the ones which you have no control over up to God. He can handle them!
Information I’ve received is that greenish bananas are alkaline, but ripe ones are acidic. Also that all raw fruit becomes alkaline to the body IF eaten on an empty stomach and not combined with non-fruit foods. Most fruit digests in 20 minutes, but bananas take one hour (not 2). True or not?
The consensus is that all types of bananas are alkalizing, and that makes sense because they are rich in potassium. It is true that fruits are digested in approximately 20 minutes and that bananas take a little longer.
What about eating for your blood type? My body doesn’t digest bananas as well as it does other fruit.
I must agree with Moette, The banana issue is confusing to others who aren’t familiar with all the different varieties.
Keep sending recipes. I’m glad to hear from you again. Question: Can too much calcium produce more calcium deposits in the breast tissue? I juice 8 oz. lacinato kale daily (with other veggies) and take liquid calcium in the evening (Blue Bonnett) so I eliminate in the morning after 16 oz. of water. Thanks
Yes, Vivian I have the same concern about calcium deposits in the breast or other such deposits in the system being over exerted in the body systems.should we be more careful? or does it matter? Thanx for the info on the banana intake for extra calcium.Please respond An*****@****om.Thanx for all your help…….
Too much calcium is not a good thing, especially the inorganic kind (calcium carbonate in particular). The calcium in bananas, and in any food, is organic, and does not pose any health risk whatsoever.
I have heard that taking vitamin K2 helps to ensure proper distribution of calcium where the bones need it most. New Chapter has a bone treatment that claims to help properly distribute calcium; however, it is very expensive. The downside of K2 is that it is reported to be a blood coagulent; so one should not take too much of it; and one should probably take daily aspirin if one is using it.
I have read studies that vit. K2 is used extensively in Japan to treat osteop, with great results re: fracture protection. I am taking OsteoK supplement, which is large doses of K2 along w/calcium and a few other things. The instructions did not say a thing about too much K is bad or to take aspirin………check out the OsteoK website.
Thanks Vivian
Are these bananas readly available, when I lived in the Philippines we were able to buy them.
Joy
Most supermarkets in the USA sell plantains,both ripe or green.
Thank you Vivian for all your good information. I eat bananas every day and the green plantain at least once a week. This is a great news. Please continue to keep of inform.