I am pleased to bring you this month’s Bulletin, which is chock-full of exciting osteoporosis news.
We begin with a positive note that further confirms the power of the consumer in General Mills’ decision to rid its cereals of synthetic dyes and flavorings.
Next, you’ll discover the latest research to develop a new osteoporosis drug. Scientists are focusing on a class of popular diabetes medication in the hopes of achieving their bone-depleting side effects in reverse to treat osteoporosis.
And last, I bring you a recent study that shows swimming improves balance and reduces the risk of falls.
So let’s begin by taking a look at the positive effect of informed consumers.
1. Cereal Giant General Mills Has Pledged To Remove Artificial Ingredients
General Mills recently announced that they will eliminate artificial colors and flavors from all of its cereals by the end of the year 2017. Its short-term goal is to remove artificial ingredients from 90% of its cereals by the end of 2016.
Relevant Excerpt:
“General Mills cereals has committed to removing artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources from the rest of its cereals in response to consumers’ changing preferences.
… General Mills cereals plans to have more than 90 percent of the portfolio free of artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources by the end of 2016.
… Trix will now use ingredients like fruit and vegetable juices and spice extracts such as turmeric and annatto to achieve the fun red, yellow, orange and purple colors. Reese’s Puffs will continue to use peanut butter and cocoa and incorporate natural vanilla flavor to achieve the same great taste that adults and children have always enjoyed. Consumers can expect to see the updated Trix and Reese’s Puffs cereals on store shelves this winter.”1
Notice that General Mills responded to consumer demand. It really does make a difference when people become informed and refuse to spend money on foods they deem unhealthy.
Savers know that one of the first and most important steps they can take toward rejuvenating their bones is to avoid artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other ingredients that add to the body’s toxic load. Clearly, more and more people are catching on to the potential harm that such synthetic ingredients can cause.
2. New Osteoporosis Drug Targets Stem Cell-Regulating Protein
In their most recent osteoporosis research, scientists are focusing on PPARy, a protein that regulates the destiny of bone marrow-derived stem cells.
Relevant Excerpt:
“Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have identified a new therapeutic approach that, while still preliminary, could promote the development of new bone-forming cells in patients suffering from bone loss.
The study, published today in the journal Nature Communications, focused on a protein called PPARy (known as the master regulator of fat) and its impact on the fate of stem cells derived from bone marrow (‘mesenchymal stem cells’). Since these mesenchymal stem cells can develop into several different cell types—including fat, connective tissues, bone and cartilage—they have a number of potentially important therapeutic applications.
…The results showed that when human mesenchymal stem cells were treated with the new compound, which they called SR2595 (SR=Scripps Research), there was a statistically significant increase in osteoblast formation, a cell type known to form bone.”2
SR2595 is based on a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (such as Actos and Avandia), currently used to treat type 2 diabetes. One of the disturbing side effects of thiazolidinediones is their reduction of stem cells that develop into osteoblasts. The drugs effectively reduce new bone formation, and they do so by stimulating Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARy).
So researchers took note of this effect and set out to produce a drug that would suppress PPARy and thus have the opposite effect of increasing the number of stem cells that became osteoblasts.
SR2595 has been tested in mice and in human stem cells in the lab. Further animal studies are forthcoming.
This is another attempt by the Medical Establishment to unnaturally manipulate the complex process of bone remodeling. It also has the ring of “too good to be true,” which is always a big red flag. There is no such thing as a miracle osteoporosis drug.
Instead, wouldn’t it be encouraging if scientists looked for nutritional or lifestyle changes that naturally reduce PPARy levels? Unfortunately, there’s no such research in the foreseeable future, because that would not lead to a money-making drug that could be patented.
Thankfully, Savers know better than to rely on the pharmaceutical industry to come up with the latest osteoporosis “cure.”
Scientifically Proven: Swimming Helps Prevent Falls
An Australian study found a remarkable improvement in balance among participants whose primary form of exercise was swimming. Over the course of four years, researchers followed 1,667 senior men (average age: 76.8) and their exercise routines, and they found that the swimmers had better balance and fewer falls.
Relevant Excerpt:
“Men who swam were 33 percent less likely to fall compared to men logging other kinds of exercise. What’s more is swimmers had better standing balance, which means they moved less when asked to stand still for 30 seconds.
‘Unlike [with] land-based sports, swimmers are required to create their own base of support and at the same time, to produce a coordinated movement of both upper and lower extremities,’ Dafna Merom, study author and associate professor of physical activity and health at the University of Western Sydney in Australia…
While Merom didn’t find men exercising out of the pool were any less likely to fall, she does think there is reason to believe swimming specifically works to protect against fall-related injuries and trauma … In addition, the low-impact nature of water means it doesn't strain muscles and joints the same way as, say, strength training does. …
However, Merom added, the study was observational, ‘so the results show a link, but not a cause-and-effect relationship between swimming and a lower risk of falls.’”3
While this study comes to us from the Southern Hemisphere, in the Northern Hemisphere it’s the hottest time of the year and perfect for swimming!
I’m sure you’re well aware that balance training and targeted, weight-bearing exercise are also very important components to building bone density, achieving excellent posture, and preventing falls. In fact, the evidence is so abundant that The Establishment is actually taking note and “endorsing” exercise as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for osteoporosis.
The Australian study is a good reminder that a variety of exercise is the best plan. What better time of year to add some swimming in to your exercise routine?
Take Exercising For Your Bones to the Next Level!
Learn the 52 exercise moves that jumpstart bone-building – all backed by the latest in epigenetics research.
Swimming is not only fun; it exposes your skin to sunlight, boosting your Vitamin D and your mood. In fact, I like to do “land exercises” outdoors this time of year as well. The moves in the Densercise™ Epidensity Training System are easily performed anywhere, including outdoors on your deck, yard, or beside the pool!
Till next time,
References:
1 “General Mills cereals removing artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources.” General Mills News Releases. June 22, 2015. Web. https://generalmills.com/en/News/NewsReleases/Library/2015/June/artificial-cereals/4044ee9e-dc51-482d-bca7-58165fc18042
2 “Scripps Florida Scientists Identify a Potential New Treatment for Osteoporosis.” The Scripps Research Institute. June 12, 2015. Web. https://www.scripps.edu/news/press/2015/20150612griffin.html
3 Castillo, Stephanie. “Swimming Improves Balance In older Adults, But It Can Benefit Everyone Else, Too.” Medical Daily. October 18, 2014. Web. https://www.medicaldaily.com/swimming-improves-balance-older-adults-it-can-benefit-everyone-else-too-307410
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The 2023 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 : Your Guide to Safely Navigating the Produce AisleComments on this article are closed.
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Hi Vivian, I swim about 4 times a week and it’s a great all round exercise to keep fit. I find that pointing your toes after every stroke ( breast stroke ) and stretching your arms out as well helps maintain your mussels around your arms and legs.
Thanks once again for all your information.
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Thanks for the tip, Micky!
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Here is an interesting comment from Harvard Women’s Health Watch, vol. 22’Aug 2015.
An international team of researchers has pored over scores of studies of bone density, osteoporosis, and hip fracture and has concluded that the number of hip fractures that have been prevented by bone building drugs called bisphosphononates since 1995 doesn’t justify the expense and potential side effects of the medication. -
Vivian,
Does anyone have any information about kidney stones and loss of calcium which causes severe osteoporosis? I was diagnosed at age 57 with the spine of a 75 year old. I have passed 26 kidney stones since age 18. It seems I urinate out calcium. I was put on a diuretic to help stop the loss. I have seen many doctors and one of them told me I am looking for science that does not exist yet? I’m trying to do everything I can to help myself without taking horrible drugs that have terrible side effects. Prolia gave me pain in my legs among other side effects. The doctor told me it was in my head. No it wasn’t. Can anyone advise on suggestions?-
After years of kidney stones,I was told to juice a half of a lemon in thought the day and it will Ph balance your Union and help prevent stones,worth a try,God Bless you,Sandra
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Good Morning Vivian! just read the article on swimming and it seems like perfect timing to bring up a question that has come to mind quite often since joining the bones program. We have an outdoor pool however in light of the fact that we are being so careful to drink only distilled water as well as the types of cosmetics we use on our skin, how do you feel about swimming in chlorinated water? I have been very leery to get in…
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Hi Deb,
Chlorine is necessary to keep pools clean. So even though it’s a chemical, I believe that the benefits of swimming are greater than the detriments of swimming in chlorinated water. Just make sure you shower off after swimming. 🙂
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I just was examined by my endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic. I discussed with him what has been stated on these pages about the use of Reclast and other drugs. I cited the study to him about the negative effects that these drugs have. His response to me was that the study was from a British medical journal, I believe, and the doctor who stated these findings was a surgeon and had no expertise in these drugs to begin with. I am still puzzled as to what is going on. My doctor actually was very disappointed in this release as he feels patients who have osteoporosis are getting the wrong message. Hence, the less use of these drugs today. His position is that these are still viable and excellent drugs to use for those who are in danger of bone breaks or those who cannot afford to lose any additional bone mass. He has never talked adversely about exercise and proper nutrition and feels these are always part of a successful treatment plan, but Reclast is not to be dismissed due to these recent articles as the originator is of questionable qualifying medical status to this highly specialized field. In light of my discussion with him, he still feels I should have Reclast treatment this year to prevent any bone loss I have gained in recent years as a result of Celiac Disease. Has anyone looked closely as to the qualifications of this provider as submitted in this British medical journal and what may be his reasoning for submitting what appears to still be flawed criticism of these drugs as far as my endocrinologist is concerned??? I too am puzzled and this needs to me looked at more closely before I have another treatment as far as I am concerned, but I cannot risk losing bone mass I have gained with the use of these drugs, which was enormous. This is a very complicated specialty and one must look at the pluses and minuses of drug use and make the decision after discussing these with his or her specialist as nothing is completely safe when injecting in one’s body, but osteoporosis is very disabling. Sure, weight bearing exercise is great for this disease, but how do I get my mother to do this when she can hardly get out of a chair due to osteoporosis of the spine? Please comment as I do appreciate all other views on this as this is a very serious medical issue that affects millions to the point of total bedridden results.
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Greg, please go to https://www.algaecal.com/ for all your questions
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Hi Greg,
There is a great deal of information available that points to the harmful effects of Reclast. In fact, the list of side effects alone is one important indicator that circumspection is prudent.Here is a link to a list of articles I’ve written on this topic that should help you in your research:
https://saveourbones.com/?s=reclast
Keep seeking information and asking questions!
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Hi Vivian I don’t swim never took to it but I remember my Doctor telling me that swimming was not good if you had osteoporosis any one else ever told that.
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Hi Joan,
Because swimming is not a weight-bearing exercise, it’s gotten the reputation in some circles as being “not good for osteoporosis.” But as the study above shows, swimming makes sense as part of a regular weight-bearing exercise regimen.
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Fantastic news that Genersl Mills are going to use natural colours in their cereals, but for goodness sake DONT use Annotto or 160b. Haven’t you heard that it’s causing terrible side effects to susceptible children. My grandson is one affected, when he ingests even a small amount he goes out of his mind, is so strong that both his parents had trouble controlling him by the time he was three. I have seen the effects of ice on the TV, it’s very similar. He never remembers anything about it later. So please there must be something that can be used instead.
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Thanks again for the amazing amount of information that you keep providing for us. You must have a great research team!
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You are welcome, Betty! The interest expressed by the community inspires me to keep researching. 🙂
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Rebounding does it save your bones
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Does anyone have any information about kidney stones and loss of calcium which causes severe osteoporosis? I was diagnosed at age 57 with the spine of a 75 year old. I have passed 26 kidney stones since age 18. It seems I urinate out calcium. I was put on a diuretic to help stop the loss. I have seen many doctors and one of them told me I am looking for science that doesn’t exist yet? I’m trying to do everything I can to help myself without taking horrible drugs that have terrible side effects. Prolia gave me pain in my legs among other side effects. The doctor told me it was in my head. No it wasn’t. Can anyone advise on suggestions?
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Hi Ellen, if you drink 8 glasses of water each day, eating whole foods, and not processed and refined foods, drink a glass of fresh vegetable juice, follow to your best, the information Vivian gives to us in the community, use the calcium Vivian talks about, you would improve in your health. Stay away from red meat,pork, sugar. Animal protein pulls nutrients from bones. I am Vegan, for over 18 years, am 75, and with no health issue. I have learnt also about some foods that do help our bones, from Vivian. God bless her. I hope this tit-bit helps you.
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I left a message before but didn’t see a reply, so apologies if I missed it. I was wondering if anyone had information on the benefits of lactofferin? I understand it is good for bone building as well as prebiotic and probiotic. I did try goats milk kefir but as I am intolerant to cows milk I am not sure an animal milk that good for me. Or would taking probiotics fro health food store be just as good. All the information out there is very conflicting and confusing! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Has anyone made marmalade without sugar, using only lemons and honey, plus a small amount of water? It tastes pretty good and should be OK for us as citrus and honey are both alkalizing. You can google for the recipe, but don’t use as much water as they suggest, otherwise it is too runny.
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I have made jam with cooked fruit and raw honey only and keep it in the frig. I like it a little tart and freeze it if not using for awhile.
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Thanks!