In this latest edition of osteoporosis news, there’s fascinating new research on the connection between sleep apnea and osteoporosis.
You’ll also read about a newly discovered protein that can shift the balance between bone loss and bone deposition (and how scientists are searching for a drug to “correct” this).
And last but not least, prepare to be shocked regarding new insights into just how bisphosphonates induce ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw).
Let’s get started!
Just Discovered: Link Between Sleep Apnea And Osteoporosis
The connection between sleep and osteoporosis is nothing new to Savers, but another aspect of this fascinating sleep-bone connection has been discovered. It turns out that sleep apnea, a disorder that temporarily stops normal breathing during sleep, increases your chances of developing osteoporosis.
News Excerpt:
“Researchers compared the rate of osteoporosis diagnosis in this group of obstructive sleep apnea patients to 20,655 people matched in age and gender who did not suffer sleep apnea.
The findings show that the incidence of osteoporosis was 2.7 times higher among patients with sleep apnea than their counterparts. The findings held true even after accounting for age, gender, other medical problems, geographic location and monthly income. The study also found that women and older individuals faced increased risk of developing osteoporosis.”1
Study author Kai-Jen Tien, MD, of Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan, Taiwan, noted that the deprivation of oxygen caused by sleep apnea “can harm many of the body’s systems, including the skeletal system.”1
There’s no doubt that lack of oxygen harms your bones. This topic is addressed in great detail in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. In a nutshell, an oxygen-rich environment is essential for building a strong skeleton, because it alkalizes the body. Deep breathing increases systemic alkalinity and promotes a bone-friendly environment where healthy remodeling and building can take place.
But there may be more at work here. You see, lack of sleep can actually cause your bones to stop forming new tissue, thus decreasing density and diminishing flexibility. Sleep apnea is a double whammy of two bone destroyers: oxygen deprivation and cessation of bone formation.
Breakthrough Bone Strength Pathway Just Discovered
Australian scientists have discovered a bone cell receptor that, when it’s removed from the remodeling equation, results in low bone density. They are now hoping to find a way to increase this receptor so as to reverse the balance in favor bone formation. Predictably, the stated goal is the development of a “treatment” (i.e., a new osteoporosis drug) that will do the job.
News Excerpt:
“St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research’s bone cell biology and disease unit has found that by deleting a particular receptor in the bone-forming cells of animals, they can create low bone mass and cause defects in collagen, leaving the bones more susceptible to breakage.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Natalie Sims said … they would now focus on shifting the balance of proteins the other way, aiming to improve bone strength.
Prof Sims said the research…would focus on two proteins, STAT3 and STAT1, which were being investigated around the world in cancer and immunology research.
‘We think that if the balance is in favour of STAT3, we will get increased bone formation. But if the balance is shifted the other way, we will get increased bone destruction,’ Prof Sims said. …
‘In osteoporosis, the balance is the wrong way around. Part of the solution is fixing the balance so you've got a greater activity of bone-forming cells than osteoclasts, but also making sure the new bone they're laying down is good quality.’”2
I couldn’t agree more with Professor Sims’ last statement: osteoporosis is indeed a case of the body’s balance being “the wrong way around.”
In fact, osteoporosis is defined in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program as a “condition of the skeletal system, common in middle aged and older individuals, mainly caused by the body’s attempt to correct an unhealthy biochemical imbalance by utilizing the calcium that should normally remain in the bones, causing bone density loss.”
The problem, though, is the scientists’ proposed solution: an osteoporosis treatment that will chemically alter natural, biological pathways.
When scientists develop drugs that interfere with the body’s biological mechanisms, there is always a price to pay. First of all, any substance – no matter how “natural” – must have a synthetic chemical added to it to make it a patentable drug. Second of all, deliberately (and artificially) creating a biochemical imbalance to fix a prior biochemical imbalance makes absolutely no healthful sense!
There’s just no such thing as the “perfect” osteoporosis drug: one that’s 100% safe, effective, and risk-free. But the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, with its emphasis on restoring the body’s natural state of balance through an alkalizing diet and exercise, is 100% safe, effective, and risk-free!
Irreparable Cell Damage Caused By Bisphosphonates Unleashes ONJ
ONJ, or osteonecrosis of the jaw, is a devastating condition where the jaw bone decays, causing permanent damage and disfigurement. Once almost exclusive to match makers in the 19th century, “phossy jaw” has resurfaced in modern times thanks to the ubiquitous use of bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, etc.). This recent study sheds light on just how bisphosphonates do their bone-destroying work.
News Excerpt:
“A class of drugs widely used to treat osteoporosis appears to impede a cell’s ability to repair a protective outer membrane that helps determine what enters and exits, researchers report.
The inability to quickly repair a membrane is lethal to a cell and may help explain the rare and serious side effect of jawbone destruction that can occur following dental work in patients taking these drugs, said Caroline Lewis, a sophomore at the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University. …
Working in the lab of Dr. Paul McNeil, an MCG cell biologist specializing in cell membrane repair, Lewis found that kidney epithelial cells from monkeys and muscle cells from mice both lost their ability to quickly repair their outer membrane after exposure to zoledronate, a commonly used bisphosphonate, Lewis said. Without drug exposure, cells quickly recovered from a microscope laser injury.
‘It's a paradox,’ added McNeil. ‘On the one hand, (the drug) is given to people mainly to promote bone health, increase bone density. But in the case of a jaw that has suffered, for example, a tooth extraction, the exact opposite occurs.’”3
Dr. McNeil has touched on a very important irony that I discuss at length in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program – the very drugs that are intended to make bones denser and stronger ultimately damage and destroy bone.
“In the meantime, Lewis suggests that patients taking the drugs talk with their physicians if they have concerns. Some physicians and dentists recommend a drug holiday for these patients before having dental work.”3
Frankly, I suggest a permanent “holiday” from bisphosphonates and all osteoporosis drugs! Why continue taking a drug that disrupts the vital process of cellular membrane repair? Once again, osteoporosis drugs are not the answer to low bone density.
Your body knows how to be in balance if you give it what it needs to thrive. Proper nutrients, low quantities of acid-forming foods, and regular exercise all work together to produce an environment where your bones can rebuild themselves.
Till next time,
References
1 Hsu, Christine. “Sleep Apnea Boosts Osteoporosis Risk.” Counsel & Heal. April 15, 2014. Web. https://www.counselheal.com/articles/9371/20140415/sleep-apnea-boosts-osteoporosis-risk.htm
2 O’Connell, Brigid. “Melbourne scientists make brittle bone breakthrough.” The Herald Sun. March 12, 2014. Web. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-scientists-make-brittle-bone-breakthrough/story-fni0fit3-1226853388505
3 “Osteoporosis drugs appear to impede cell membrane repair.” Science Codex. April 14, 2014. Web. https://www.sciencecodex.com/osteoporosis_drugs_appear_to_impede_cell_membrane_repair-131722
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I echo IIdi’s comment! I have appreciated you now for at least 10 years! Every time I have a meal, whether in my home or my favorite restaurant, I apply your good advice, found in, ‘Save our Bones Program’. I have thanked your many times, yet I wish to say, “Thanks again, Vivian!
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Vivian:
I came across this great website as I research the side effects of bisphosphonates.
I am 45 years old and have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I exercise, eat well and always make sure the right nutrients get into my body. I read food labels in detail and keep a log of the vitamins and minerals I need to digest each day. I eat a lot of dark greens and always choose organic. I take some supplements but try to get most nutrients from food.Considering I am taking in the right amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, etc. How do I know if my body is absorbing it all? I hate to think that after all this nutrition work, my body is not benefiting from it.
I will try everything before choosing a drug from a pharma company. I worked for one and I am convinced their mission is not to cure. Their mission is to keep the world sick so to keep the revenue coming in.
Please help?
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Cathy, if you’ve just been diagnosed with osteoporosis, remember that DEXA scans are not always accurate. There are small variations in the readings which are related to the machine itself and also to the amount of lean tissue you may have developed during your exercise routine. 🙂 Also, the score does not tell you if the bone is strong; it simply places your results within a certain age and gender group.
As you probably know, mainstream medicine needs numbers to diagnose and to prescribe. Natural advocates like you and I don’t! We just need common sense and knowledge applied within realistic parameters. 🙂
Here’s the important part: if you are following the program, it is more than likely that your bones are in excellent shape!
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Love drinking water but let’s face it our tap water is so contaminated with chemicals and water distillers are way too high!!!
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what do you think of Alkame water? do you think it is good for the bones?
thank you
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Thanks for the latest info. It would be wonderful if they could find safe ways to increase the osteoblasts that build new bone with less threatening drugs. I eat well, exercise etc but my density keeps going down. I do wonder if I have an absorption problem of nutrients I need for building bone. My doctor checked some of the elements in a blood test but they all registered satisfactory. I am thin and lightweight which is a problem for bone building.
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Betty, there are safe ways to increase osteoblasts! In fact, research has shown that
lycopene, a polyphenol and antioxidant found in alkalizing foods like watermelon, tomatoes, and apricots, actually stimulates osteoblasts.You can read more about lycopene and osteoblasts here:
https://saveourbones.com/save-our-bones-daily-double-challenge-9/
Other nutrients stimulate and increase osteoblasts, too, such as polyphenols found in foods like apples, cantaloupe, cherries, raspberries,strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, celery, onion, and parsley. That’s an important reason why these are Foundation Foods in the Program! 🙂
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Hi! Vivian,
Very Interesting Article, And Very Informative!
I Try To Get My Significant Other To Do Things To Help Save His Bones. But He Says He’ll Only Listen To What His Drs. Tell Him! He’s Very Stubborn!
How Can I Convince Him That Your Program Could Help Save Him From Getting Osteoporosis, And Keep His Bones Healthy?Got To Go Now. Take Care, And Stay Well.
LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L. CARMEL)
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Sorry Leslie – I wish I knew the secret for curing stubborn partners! 🙂 Hopefully, your successful example will inspire him.
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For sleepless nights or any kind of hard to sleep times, may be there is an imbalance of hormones, I take Liquid Melatonin from Life Extension, and it works , helps mesh up circadian rhytm, and also anti cancer, helps some other problems too.
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Let me see if I understand your reasoning in drug development versus your program. Since we cannot have a “perfect” drug then we should suspend any effort and instead rely only on your plan which in your opinion is absolutely perfect and has no risks. Indeed, it does have a risk and that is the risk of failure.
I am sorry, this disorder is far too important to shut of pathways to resolve the pain and agony it brings. You need to think for a minute to two before you hit that send button.
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Hi John,
Osteoporosis drugs can have dangerous, life-altering side effects…the Osteoporosis Reversal Program does not. 🙂 In addition, osteoporosis drugs often do not work and fail to “cure” osteoporosis, whereas many have reversed this condition naturally! You can read all about the positive experiences of the Save Our Bones community here:-
I so agree with you Vivian….I am only one of many who appreciate all your information…..fortunately I have never resorted to drugs for my osteoporosis problem (or for any other problem) – instead I rely on correct nutrition, natural supplements and exercise – your Save our Bones program is excellent – it points us in the right direction. Your sincerety comes through with all of your posts, and is so much appreciated. Always looking forward to your emails. Thank you.
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You are welcome, Ildi! And thank you for your kind words.
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I fractured my wrist last week in a bad fall while walking down an aisly at a consumer show. Someone had laid an electric cable across the walkway and not laid a carpet over it – so the cable snagged me and I landed on the cement floor with my hand outstretched. What at first looked like a bad strain, turned out to be a fracture when x-rayed. Now my arm and wrist are in a cast for the next six weeks.
What I would like to know is: what supplents are recommended to aid the healing process ? I have heard that crystals can firm, which in turn make movements of the wrist painful. Anyone who has gone through this sort of fracture and can give advice ?
Thanks,
Harold Fues
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Hi Harold, I fractured my wrist last January after falling heavily on ice. I had to have it pinned, and my surgeon recommended 100mg of vitamin C for a good two weeks following surgery, to aid healing and lessen the chances of complications.
It’s a simple enough regime; worth a try maybe? I recovered well by the way and hope to do too!
Best wishes -
This is for Harold Fues: If you believe in Therapeutic Essential Oils, Young Living has oils for bone problems, strain, sprain, bone fractures and etc if you are interested in adding to your Save our Bones Program, which is very effective and I used it, and it works. please let me know asap. Thanks.
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I broke my right wrist last June. I was my worst break thus far. I took calcium citrate 1000mg per day and my regular supplements and ate lots of vegetables and protein. The important stuff I really needed to know: change your mouse to a left handed mouse in the computer control panel, it makes life much easier. Open your bottles with your feet and other hand. Buy a soft small ball to squeeze (I went to the dollar store) and use that to strengthen your hand when the cast comes off.
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Thankyou Vivian, that is very enlightening, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a couple years ago, and have used a cpap machine since, so hopefully that will be helping me now in more ways than one.
I do wish that all the adverse stuff about bisphosphonates would get out to all the Doctors, as they are still prescribing them here, and most people trust their Doctors, they don’t realize that the Doctors don’t often know anything about what they prescribe, they just look on their computer, find what is recommended by their higher authorities, and just write a script.-
Very insightful, Pearl. That’s why I want to get the word out to as many people as possible! And I hope you are sleeping better now. 🙂
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June 2014, I was informed my jaw problem was osteonecrosis ONJ. This is my second go around. This time it is much worse. Am under the care of two Physicians and have found the Forteo injections I have been taking since Dec. 8 2014 seems to be of great help. I had no dental extraction either time this occured. My last extractions were when I was in my twenties and am now eighty six. I do believe the injections of Forteo have had some success in the healing of this last effort to find something to help ONJ. All recommendtations have been do not have any of this bone removed. Have lost considerable weight because I could not chew any food, my regular dentist made a mold of plastic of my lower teeth that I wear to cover the rough bone exposed, I wear it except when trying to eat soft foods. The Teriparatide Therap;y for Aalendronate Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.Eli Lilly Co. You can check this out on the Internet as my family has done so for me.