Today you’ll discover that some of the most powerful bone builders are natural substances found in healthful foods. Discovering and learning which nutrients are most effective at building and renewing bone, and then enjoying the foods that contain them, delivers targeted nutrition that is the basis for the Osteoporosis Reversal Program’s drug-free approach.
This article is about such a key nutrient. It’s a powerful, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant polyphenol called cyanidin, and research reveals that it has the remarkable ability to inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts (the cells that tear down bone) while increasing the differentiation of osteoblasts (bone-building cells), and much more.
I’d like to begin by taking a closer look at cyanidin itself, and at the scientific studies about this powerful nutrient.
Cyanidin Defined
Cyanidin is a water-soluble pigment that belongs to a class of antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Interestingly, cyanidin’s color varies depending on the acid content of its environment. For example, in a very acidic solution, cyanidin appears red. In more alkaline solutions, it appears blue.
Not surprisingly, the highest concentrations of cyanidin are found in the skins and peels of certain colorful fruits, where it’s joined with sugar molecules to form cyanidin 3-O-beta-Glucoside. We’ll take a look at those fruits soon, because first, I’d like to review…
Why Antioxidants Are Vital For Building Bone
Polyphenols are completely overlooked by the Medical Establishment, yet without them, your bones can’t rejuvenate. Referred to as “undercover bone-builders” in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, antioxidants like cyanidin protect your bones from the very real damage caused by free radicals (aka reactive oxygen species).
Oxidation is a process not unlike rust, with normal cellular metabolism resulting in the damage of approximately one to two percent of cells. These cells have an unpaired electron, making them free radicals that steal an electron from other cells, rendering them damaged as well.
Antioxidants stop this chain reaction and free up the bones to undergo the remodeling process, which is the key to reversing osteoporosis. Supported by current research, antioxidants cannot be overlooked in the fight against osteoporosis.
When considered alongside additional research, it’s evident that cyanidin’s ability to protect bone mineral density is due in large part to cyanidin’s role in cellular differentiation, which we’re going to take a look at more closely in the following study.
Cyanidin And Bone Remodeling: How It Regulates The Process On A Cellular Level
The body manufacturers osteoclasts (to remove old bone) and osteoblasts (to build new bone) from cells called haematopoietic progenitor cells, or stem cells. Various factors are involved in determining what type of cell the stem cells develop into. For osteoblasts and osteoclasts, factors called macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and RANK Ligand (RANKL) “decide” what each cell will become by activating various intracellular signaling pathways.
By activating these pathways, M-CSF and RANKL regulate the expression of osteoclast- and osteoblast-specific genes. Cyanidin plays a key role in this process, as a brand-new study reveals.
Researchers investigated the role of cyanidin “in the differentiation of bone-association cells and its underlying mechanism.”1 They found that in various applications, cyanidin (C3G) reduced and/or inhibited the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. In addition, an activator effect was observed with regard to osteoblast differentiation. Considering the body of research, scientists concluded that,
“…these results strongly suggest that C3G has a dual role in bone metabolism, as an effective inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation but also as an activator of osteoblast differentiation. Therefore, C3G may be used as a potent preventive or therapeutic agent for bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis…” 1
The mechanism by which cyanidin does this is by inhibiting a “receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation and formation…and downregulated the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes.”1 In other words, cyanidin plays a role in the natural regulation of osteoclasts in the process of bone remodeling, inhibiting a key RANKL receptor at the appropriate time.
The body has to regulate osteoclast activity, or else too much bone would be shed. Amazingly, cyanidin is part of that natural process. But when the pharmaceutical industry produces synthetic drugs that artificially manipulate osteoclast activity – drugs like the popular bisphosphonate alternative, Prolia – then the trouble starts (more on this later.)
Foods Rich In Cyanidin
Here are the foods with the highest concentrations of cyanidin, many of which are Foundation Foods on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
- Black elderberry
- Red raspberries*
- Black currants
- Blackberries
- American cranberries*
- Black grapes*
- Plums
- Raw black olives
- Bilberries
- Blueberries*
- Hawthorn berries
- Sweet cherries*
- Dark chocolate*
*Foundation Food
A colorful fruit salad would be a fantastic way to enjoy these cyanidin-rich foods, or as a delicious topping for plain yogurt. And while it’s not a fruit, dark chocolate is a good source of cyanidin; try grating it over fruit or yogurt and discover a delicious way to add to the antioxidant content of the dish.
If you’re following the Program, then you’re familiar with various scrumptious ways to pack antioxidants into your diet, because antioxidants are absolutely crucial for rejuvenating bones.
Prolia: A Dangerous RANKL Manipulator
The Medical Establishment touts Prolia as a “safer” alternative to bisphosphonates. But Prolia is far from safe. It works by mimicking a cytokine called osteoprotegerin, which binds to RANKL and prevents its interaction with RANK receptors on the surface of osteoblast cells. Essentially, it renders osteoclasts inactive.
There, of course, is the problem. For healthy bone remodeling, osteoclasts must be active. The body naturally regulates their activity in the presence of good nutrition, as shown earlier.
That’s not the only problem with Prolia. Its list of side effects is disturbing, including osteonecrosis of the jaw, serious infections of the ears, bladder, or lower abdomen, and an unsettling warning from the manufacturer: it is “unknown” whether the long-term use of Prolia causes slow healing of broken bones or “unusual fractures.”
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program Takes A 100% Drug-Free Approach
Instead of relying on the artificial manipulation of prescription drugs, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program makes use of targeted nutrition, among other things, as this post illustrates. It simply means that diet and easy lifestyle changes are all it takes to enjoy youthful, strong bones without risking debilitating side effects.
Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss
Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
The only “side effects” from the Osteoporosis Reversal Program are stronger bones, better overall health, and more youthful energy.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy these cyanidin-rich foods? Did your doctor prescribe Prolia to “heal” your bones? Please share with the community and discuss today’s topic by leaving a comment below.
Till next time,
References:
1 Park, K.H., et al. “Dual Role of Cyanidin-3-glucoside on the Differentiatio of Bone Cells.” Journal of Dental Research. September 8, 2015. Pii: 0022034515604620. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26350961
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I am petite & small boned. As far as I know and test – in very good health. Not sure Dexa scan even measures my bones correctly. Am told, medical estblshmt has no way to measure for tensile strength at this time. So all drugs are tailored to manipulate DXA scores. Not confident thats the healthiest approach. I test low on DXA but am athletic, active and have not fractured bones even at accidental falls related to athletic activities. I love this program and it is well supported by Phds, PTs and MDs with open minds.
My Dr is pushing hard for me to take Prolia even though she can’t answer my questions about side effects and long term risks. MDs remain skeptical of anything not backed by scientific studies and basically, the only scientific studies fully funded – are drug related. And the studies are mostly funded by drug companies. Circular rationale at best.
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You make some very good points, and I appreciate these insights you’ve shared. You are right that there is no widely-available scan to measure bone tensile strength, and those with a petite, light build can have results that are easily misinterpreted.
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ngoodhealth
December 11, 2016, 4:16 pm
Vivian,
Thank you so much for your impassioned focus on this important area of health. There is a growing community of experts that have and are supporting you and you are saving the physical health of many folks who may be adversely impacted by the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.
Everything in the body is connected. Muscle strength is critical to supporting bones, balance and preventing falls. Aging bodies will lose muscle mass without a proactive program, like yours. Plus the nutritional guidelines you promote are the best anywhere for general good health. Once folks try it, they will have so much energy and less aches, they won’t want to go back to commercial food. And it works with every guideline that scientific studies are exposing. [Could be an answer to containing health care costs!] Thank you, again for outstanding work.PS – Every time a Dr pushes for those bone drugs and I ask about the long term side effects, I get an answer, “no one knows” – not even the FDA. My Mom was on Fosomax for 9 years and broke her femur. Her Drs told her had nothing to do with Fosomax & I don’t believe that.
This post was misplace below & meant to be directed to Vivian.
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I’m curious to know which area of study your MA is in Vivian. I’ve seen some of the information you’re providing here and, although you’ve shown a Doctor Trusted logo, the unbiased scientific evidence I’ve found suggests a lot of what’s here is hearsay at best. There really is no replacement for double-blind trials and since (Europeans) have been drinking Milk for thousands of years, I suspect there’s a blind agenda at work here. Perhaps one you’re not even aware of yourself.
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Vivian,
Thank you so much for your impassioned focus on this important area of health. There is a growing community of experts that have and are supporting you and you are saving the physical health of many folks who may be adversely impacted by the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.
Everything in the body is connected. Muscle strength is critical to supporting bones, balance and preventing falls. Aging bodies will lose muscle mass without a proactive program, like yours. Plus the nutritional guidelines you promote are the best anywhere for general good health. Once folks try it, they will have so much energy and less aches, they won’t want to go back to commercial food. And it works with every guideline that scientific studies are exposing. [Could be an answer to containing health care costs!] Thank you, again for outstanding work.PS – Every time a Dr pushes for those bone drugs and I ask about the long term side effects, I get an answer, “no one knows” – not even the FDA. My Mom was on Fosomax for 9 years and broke her femur. Her Drs told her had nothing to do with Fosomax & I don’t believe that.
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Yes my doctor insisted I took Prolia,and got upset every time I refused to do so. I do believe the manufactoring companies are influencing the doctors to prescribe what they want to sell!
I am no longer his patient and I firmly believe in healthy food and the least possible medicines injected in our bodies.”Save our bones” is a great way to protect yourself!!!-
Your story is a perfect example, Gloria, of taking your bone health into your own hands. Taking prescription drugs or not should always be a personal choice!
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Please can you let me know the best calcium to buy and where from. Last time I bought True Oesto is that still available or is AlgaeCal better?
Thanks for your help.Best wishes
Lulu -
Hi Vivian,
I have subscribed to your Save Our Bones program and am feeling so much more
confident about doing the program without the use of the biophosphonates…I couldn’t
bear the thought of taking the drugs and the possibility of one or more of the horrific
side effects…
I am currently reading, learning and enjoying the Save Our Bones book, Bone Apettit and also the Dencercise exercises which I am about to start this week…
I had an appointment with a Endocrinologist re my T score of -3.2 and mentioned to him that I would like to manage this on my own through nutrition and exercise for a year and
then have another BDT to see if I have been successful and to my surprise he was most
agreeable for me to give it a go and apparently I am not the first of his patients to want
to do the same….
Thank you so much for the program and the knowledge that I have gained from it…I now
feel so much better in knowing that I am not alone in this challenge for my future health.
Kind Regards,
Diane Welch-
Thank you for your warm and encouraging words, Diane. I thank you for choosing to manage your own bone health, and for sharing your experience with the community.
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Hi,
please, Is there an edition in French?
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Vivian I have good news! I reversed osteopenia from 2.5 to 0.3 in in less than 3 years thanks to you and my strong discipline. I will continue with the alkaline diet for the rest of my life. I am 70, I believe in prevention and I want to stay away from diabetes and osteoporosis. One suggestion: Would you ever though in publish you book in Spanish?
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Congratulations, Josefina! What fantastic progress, and you are right – your personal discipline played a significant role, no doubt. Thanks for your feedback about the Spanish version of the Program – at this point, I’d advise you to stay tuned! 🙂
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I swore that I would never take any prescribed bone builder. My doctor assured me that I should try prolea injections every 6 months. Before the 6 months were over I had bronchus for about 3 weeks; 2 attacks of painful jaws so bad that I couldn’t bite my teeth together; then I developed a horrible case of shingles on the right side of my head, face, and eye. (I had the shingles injection a few months before). My doctor then told me that I better stop the prolea injection cause it could cause serious infections including brain infections. I refused any other bone builders cause they all have side effects. I really have to argue with all my doctors because they all push the meds for bones.
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Dear Vivian
Could you give us an idea about how much black grapes, or how much black currants, or how much coco powder we should consume per day, or per week … ; When you recommend yogurt – you say not to eat too much of it. How much is “not too much?” In almost every post you recommend yogurt, still you say you’re not for it, because it’s dairy, but you recommend it because it’s alkalizing. So we shouldn’t eat too much of it. one cup per day? per week? per month?
Thanks-
Hi Shula,
My suggestion is to work these healthful foods into your diet several times a week. As far as quantity goes, your best bet is to use common sense – eating two cups of black grapes at every meal every day is probably too much, whereas eating a handful of black grapes once a week is probably not enough. Each individual is different in their nutritional needs and food preferences, so instead of taking the “prescription” approach, I recommend just eyeballing portions and determining what works best for you.
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Thanks for this information especially about Prolia. Last year I was diagnosed with osteoporosis for the first time and my doctor suggested Prolia. I’ve had 2 injections of it so far and I suddenly developed a femur fracture and the doctors are suggesting a hip replacement which I don’t want to do. Wish I never took this drug. Any suggestions are natural ways to heal? Of course, I’ll never again take this type of drug. This should help others who may be considering it to stay away from it.
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This is my first time responding to one of the blogs on Save Our Bones and I have something very important to share. In June of 2012 I was diagnosed as having osteopenia with a T-score of -1.5 on a Dexascan. Then in March of 2014 the Dexascan showed that my T-score was -3.0 and I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. My doctor wanted to give me the drugs to take, but after researching all of them, and finding the website “Save Our Bones” and reading everything I could on this, I made a decision NOT to take the drugs. How could anyone in their right mind take these drugs after reading about all the harm they do to your body? Not me! My doctor was upset and told me that my bones would get worse and that he would note in my chart that I chose to go against medical advice.
I joined the Osteoporosis Reversal Program immediately after that and received the book and other information. Combined with that I read and researched everything I could on fighting osteoporosis naturally. I began eating the bone-building foundation foods and taking my bone health in my own hands. I followed the recommendation of Save Our Bones and ordered “TrueOsteo” with AlgaeCal from Nature City. It is an organic plant-based calcium that provides advanced bone support. I have been taking TrueOsteo every day since then and following the Save Our Bones dietary recommendations. I just got back the results of a Dexascan that I had done one week ago. Guess what – my T-score was -2.3; no longer osteoporosis, but back in the osteopenia range! My Dexascan report noted that I had made a “statistical improvement” since the last scan! Wow – I was just hoping to not lose any more bone density, but instead I had this improvement in only 18 months! I was so happy! I have hope that I can continue to improve even more before my next scan in 2 years.
I will continue to take my TrueOsteo and eat bone-building foods for the rest of my life. My results prove that bone loss can be reversed without the damaging drugs they want you to take. I just wanted to share this with any other ladies out there that are new to this. I am 57 yrs old and I refused to destroy my health with the osteoporosis drugs; I encourage everyone with osteopenia or osteoporosis to do the same. Thanks so much Vivian!
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What an inspiring story, Sheila! It’s simply amazing how our bodies respond when we give them what they need, including bioavailable calcium like you’re taking.
To clear up any confusion on calcium supplements, I’d suggest reading this post for information:
https://saveourbones.com/confused-about-calcium-read-this/
I commend you for doing your research and taking your health into your own hands! Keep up the excellent work!
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I was diagnosed with osteoporosis more than 20 years ago in my early 40’s and, not knowing any better, I continued with foxamax for 5 or 6 years. Developing stomach distress, etc. before stopping. I continually followed ad health diet, exercised regularly and did regular weight bearing exercises but apparently to no avail. I am not sure that the foxy ax was helping either. My dr. Said that they have new measurements, no longer use the Standard deviations so she couldn’t say if there had been an improvement, then 2weeks ago I consented to a reclast infusion. So far I have not had negative side effects other that fatigue and aching joints. I am going to continue us to eat healthy bone building foods and hope that I did not make a bad decision on doing the reclast since it’s not undo able. Don’t really have a question, just wanted to vent a little and recommend that others do the research yourself since I feel that Drs are influenced by the pharmaceutical companies and really do not know.
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I have been hearing that strontium is a very effective supplement to reverse osteoporosis. Can you confirm this to be so or not?
I appreciate all the good sound advice you are giving. Thank you.
Rose Marie -
Thank you Vivian! Not sure how you find the time to keep up with all of this but it is truly appreciated. Only took Boniva for about a year and got so sick I could not function. Honestly I survived chemo, radiation, and surgery and would say that the side effects of the Boniva were almost as bad as the chemo. Been a Save Our Bones follower for the past 3 years and though my T-scores have not dramatically improved (did see some improvement) I can FEEL the difference. My neck is strong and doesn’t crack every time I turn my head, my hips never ache anymore, and exercise is enjoyable again. I am certain that the natural thinning of our bones simply makes them more flexible like the willow branches vs the Oak tree; our Oak trees branches break and fall in a big storm, the willow just flexes and moves with the wind, rarely a broken branch. Love and Blessings to you.
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Beautifully put, Cherie. T-scores only tell part of the story, as your experience shows!
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I had been taking Evista for osteoporisis in my spine for 4 years along with following your program, although I haven’t achieved the 75/25 alkaline/acidic diet yet. I’m getting closer. My bone density numbers have been improving so I went off the Evista for 2 years hoping diet and exercise would keep the numbers stable. Unfortunately, my bone density in my spine has dropped back to the osteoporosis range so I went back on the Evista. How harmful is this drug?
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Hi Karen,
You’re doing the right thing by researching as you make your decision about Evista. While there are many individual variables, how harmful Evista is can be deduced by looking at the facts. There are quite a few posts on this drug here on this site – here is a link to the search results for Evista:https://saveourbones.com/?s=evista
That should help you get started gathering information so you can make an informed decision. 🙂
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Please could you redirect all the very helpful emails you send to the above email address to:
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Hi Roisin,
Please check your inbox for a message from Customer Support addressing this issue. Thanks!
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Love love this newsletter so informative I
Look forward to reading it
Thank you!
Ellen-
That is wonderful to hear, Ellen. Savers like you are encouraging!
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Had one shot of Prolia a few days ago. Now that I intend to stop this medication after reading about the adverse effects, will it pose any further harm to my health?