Have Scientists Discovered An 'On/Off' Switch To Younger Bones? - Save Our Bones

Today I’ll share with you a study that provides fascinating insights into the mechanism of aging and its association with bone loss. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have uncovered significant breakthroughs in the realm of age-related bone loss which provides valuable information on how to keep your bones “young”.

Eternal Youth?

In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, I point out the fact that aging is not a disease; it’s a natural biological process. Bone density naturally decreases a bit with age, but bone renewal and regeneration continues no matter your age, if you’re doing what’s right for your bones.

This is important to understand so you can confidently stand up to the Medical Establishment that sees aging and osteoporosis as “diseases”, and “treats” them as such by prescribing toxic drugs.

Now let’s take a look at the aging process, starting with our DNA.

The DNA of Aging

Just what happens at the molecular level when we age? Each double-helix-shaped molecule of our DNA has tips, and these tips have pairs of enzymes that form chains. These enzyme chains are called telomeres, and their role is fascinating.

You see, when cells regenerate and replicate (as when your body builds bone), DNA molecules must make exact copies of themselves. Telomeres help offset the inevitable misalignments that occur when DNA replicates, thereby preventing the loss of precious DNA information.

Yet in some body tissues and cells, including bone-building osteoblasts, the telomeres chains get shorter, resulting in errors in the DNA sequence as the cells replace themselves. Eventually, the telomeres chains get so short that the cell stops dividing and dies. This process can reduce the osteoblast population.

A Telomeres ‘On/Off Switch'

The University of Pennsylvania study I mentioned earlier reveals that an enzyme, called telomerase, can prevent certain cells from declining, including osteoblasts and their precursors.1 It does this by lengthening the telomeres chains, so cells can replicate normally. (Remember, it’s the shortening of the telomeres chains that eventually cause the cell to die.)

When telomeres were artificially shortened in mice via a designed lack of telomerase, age-related problems manifested, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. These mice also died young.

While the normal aging process leads to shortened telomeres in the body, and therefore, also affecting bones, the good news is that this is not inevitable. In fact, studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods increases telomerase activity by double digits.2 Exercising and stress reduction techniques also showed beneficial effects.2 So if you’re following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you are already on the right track!

Easy Ways to Manage Telomerase

It may sound too good to be true, but there is scientific proof that resveratrol, a compound found in dark-skinned fruits such as grapes and blueberries, effectively increases telomerase levels.3

Aerobic activity, including walking, and taking Vitamin C, a Foundation Supplement, are also effective and easy ways to maintain desirable telomerase levels.4

Isn't it great to know that this is yet one more aspect of your bone health you can easily control without dangerous and toxic drugs?

Till next time,

References

1 Pignolo, RJ, et al. “Defects in telomere maintenance molecules impair osteoblast differentiation and promote osteoporosis.” Aging Cell. 2008 Jan; 7(1):23-31. Epub 2007 Nov 20.
2 Dean Ornish et al. “Increased telomerase activity and comprehensive lifestyle changes: a pilot study.” The Lancet Oncology. OnlineSeptember 16, 2008.
3 WANG Xiao-bin et al. “Resveratrol-induced augmentation of telomerase activity delays senescence of endothelial progenitor cells.” Chin Med J 2011;124(24):4310-4315.
4 Furumoto K et al. “Age-dependent telomere shortening is slowed down by enrichment of vitamin C via suppression of oxidative stress. Life Sci. 1998;63(11):935-48.

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Janae

    That’s a birlliant answer to an interesting question

  2. Leslie (Ms. L.)

    Hi! Vivian,

    This Article Was Wonderful. It Was Very Informative On How To Keep Our
    Bones Healthy, And Let’s Us Know That We Can Control Our Bone Health By
    Eating The Right Foods Such As Fruits And Vegetables, That Can Increase Telomerase Activity By Double Digits!

    Thank You VERY MUCH For Sharing This Article With Us!

    LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L.)

  3. Susan

    I’ve been reading about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, but then came across comments that it is not recommended for people with osterporosis. What is your advice?

  4. Jill Thomas

    Hi, I have been diagnosed with Paget’s Disease and my specialist would like me to have an infusion of one of the biphosphonates. There is nothing else on offer and I know the risks of having the infusion but should I way up the benefits against the risks as I understand it can halt Paget’s in some cases for a considerable time, ie years. I am definitely not keen on the idea but I don’t think there is any halting this disease…….

    Any comments or alternative options?

    Regards
    Jill

  5. Selma

    Vivian, Thank you so much for this information. Some way to help our bones
    are easy if we only know about them. Your help is appreciated by me and many,
    others!

    Selma

  6. Philomena Hutchinson

    Thank you very very much Vivian, for your kind generosity, taking your precious time, through your never-ending research, in helping us all over this globe, to save our bones by certain exercises and particular foods. Divine showers of Blessings to you!

  7. Linda

    I am a senior now and I was told that taking progesterone helps bones, memory and a host of other age related illnesses. Do you agree if so which would be the best way to get it, by patch/cream or oral. Thanks for all the info I enjoy reading what is good for us.
    Linda

    • Dee

      HI LINDA, I ALSO AM INTERESTED IN PROGESTERONE. DR. NEIL BARNARD WROTE A BOOK ABOUT FOODS THAT HEAL PAIN AND HE ADVISED WOMEN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS TO USE A CREAM AND THAT THEY HAD GTOOD RESULTS. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN AFRAID TO TRY IT. ANYONE ELSE HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH PROGESTERONE?

  8. Judy

    Interesting, you comment here on Blueberries being a dark/good fruit to eat, but they are on your “Do not eat list”, or I should say acid list. My husband eats them because they are supposed to be good for their antioxidants and, here I have avoided them because of the acidity. Am I right or wrong, which way is it????

    • Patricia (Yorkshire - United Kingdom)

      Hi Judy
      Blueberries are Very good for but eat them with other foods that are alkaline, this way you get the perfect PH BALANCE which we must all strive for who have osteoporosis.
      You can eat any acid foods if you make sure its combined with 80% ALKALINE foods Its important to eat acid foods also.I eat my blueberries with a banana or large apple
      Hope this helps
      Pat

  9. sarah witkowski

    I am a 58yr old, very active, person recently “diagnosed with osteoporosis—I bike about 40-60 miles a week, work full time as a nurse on my feet, run on occasion, follow the diet fairly well and I love to swim–about 3-6 miles a week–I swim outside year round in a chlorinated pool–do I need to give up the swim ? anything else I can do ?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Chlorine is a chemical, but it is necessary to keep pools clean. My opinion is that the benefits of swimming are greater than the detriments of swimming in chlorinated water. Just make sure you shower off after swimming. 🙂

  10. Roy Pyle

    My dentist thinks I should have a root canal in a lower back tooth. I know the tooth is loose because I can wiggle it. Obviously the connection to the bone is not as it should be. Is there any assurance that this can be corrected without the root canal or extraction?
    What would you suggest?

    • Gillian

      Several of my teeth were very wiggly, then I lost one. My dentist referred me to a periodontist who wanted to cut my gums and clean the roots. I was wary about cutting into my body so instead I had B.O.S.T (Bone One Session Treatment)for my gums. With B.O.S.T they first analyse what bacteria are in your mouth, then its basically a deep clean of all the teeth but without cutting the gums. The treatment is done in one session so that all bacteria is cleaned away and there is less chance of reinfecting yourself. The deep cleaning takes about four hours but I was lying on a waterbed so I wasn’t uncomfortable. Afterwards you get taught how to clean round and under the gum line with a special gysmo and special little wooden pegs. I have been very happy with the treatment. I dilligently do the daily gum cleaning. My teeth aren’t nearly as wobbly. I saw a young woman dentist in London and afterwards was moved to give her a huge hug. I have seen some good dentists in my time, I have never been moved to give one a hug before. It might be be that you need root canal treatment, but if it is a problem of weak bones look up BOST and see what you think.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      I am sorry you’re having dental troubles. Since I am not a doctor or dentist, I can’t advise you as to your specific dental issue. This is definitely something you’ll want to talk to your dentist about. Wishing you a healthy outcome!

  11. Joan

    Vivian – I would appreciate receiving your thoughts and comments on Evista for Osteo. Thanks.

  12. Susanne

    Thank you Vivian for your prsuit of so many interesting news of latest resurch.
    The following question I put already earlier, but didn’t find an answer : Do you have experience with osteoporosis due to overproduction of Parathormon, which sucks the calcium out of the bones into the blood ? I have this very rare kind of osteoporosis, which is called primary Hyperparathyreoidismus.
    Looking forward to your reply

    • Customer Support

      Hi Susanne,
      Please click on the Customer Service smiley face in the upper right-hand corner of the site, and we’ll be glad to discuss this with you directly. Thanks!

    • Claire Trickler

      I had a parathyroid tumor which was causing the problems you describe. I had the tumor removed at Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa, Florida. Go to http://www.parathyroid.com for a lot of wonderful information about this topic.

  13. Stephanie

    Very excited to read the “savourBones Program”

  14. Dianne Pilling

    I believe too if you think young and keep mobile and don’t fall into thinking old because you have reached the age that is recognized as old, you will keep aging at bay,as I do.Mixing with younger people helps your mentle attitude to life as well.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Excellent point, Dianne!

  15. Marc

    Fascinating.

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