This month's bulletin begins with a study that could lead to a novel osteoporosis drug. We'll examine what researchers have discovered and how it could affect the future of bone health.
Next, you'll learn about a study on the health impacts of ultra-processed foods. Cognitive decline may be more related to eating TV dinners than watching TV.
Finally, we'll review a study published in the journal Osteoporosis International that measured the bone health benefits of outdoor walks. Keep your sneakers ready, because these results will inspire you to get out of the house and hit the walking trail!
Natural Protein Studied As Potential Osteoporosis Drug
Researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK found that a short protein called PEPITEM (Peptide Inhibitor of Trans-Endothelial Migration) could be turned into a new osteoporosis drug.
The study administered PEPITEM to laboratory mice to study the protein's impact on their bones. The researchers found that PEPITEM therapy significantly increased bone volume and thickness in both the tibia and vertebrae of adult mice. They also observed the effects of PEPITEM on osteoblast cells in the lab and found that the protein increased the activity of the bone-forming cells.
Relevant Excerpt
“… the key test for a potential new therapeutic is its ability to target the natural repair process that is compromised by age, or inflammatory disease. Here the researchers showed that giving additional PEPITEM limits bone loss and improves bone density in animal models of the menopause, which is a common trigger for osteoporotic bone loss in humans. Their studies also showed similar findings in models of inflammatory bone disease (arthritis), where PEPITEM significantly reduced bone damage and erosion.”1
This discovery provides useful information on how our body regulates the bone remodeling process, but also poses unknown risks as a potential new drug. PEPITEM is likely to enter human trials, which will begin to reveal what unintended side effects are caused by the pharmaceutical application of the protein.
Synopsis
Scientists in the UK have identified a protein called PEPITEM and found that the compound increased the volume and thickness of bone in studies with mice. The researchers propose that PEPITEM could be turned into an osteoporosis drug that increases osteoblast activity to improve bone density.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Stroke And Cognitive Decline
A new study published in the May 22, 2024, online issue of Neurology linked ultra-processed foods to increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline. Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, fat, and salt, and low in protein and fiber.
The study followed 30,239 people aged 45 or older for an average of 11 years. Participants completed a food questionnaire used to calculate the percentage of their daily diet that was composed of ultra-processed foods.
Relevant Excerpt
“After adjusting for age, sex, high blood pressure and other factors that could affect risk of dementia, researchers found that a 10% increase in the amount of ultra-processed foods eaten was associated with a 16% higher risk of cognitive impairment.
They also found that eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment.”2
Similar to the results for cognitive impairment, greater intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to an 8% increase in risk of stroke. Participants with a greater intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods had a 9% reduction in their risk of stroke.
These findings reinforce the value of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program's 80/20 pH-balanced diet. Processed foods are acidifying, so they are naturally limited by a diet that consists of only 20% acidifying foods. Furthermore, the Save Institute recommends avoiding processed foods as much as possible.
Synopsis
A study in the online journal Neurology found that participants who ate a larger amount of ultra-processed foods had a higher risk of stroke and cognitive impairment. All processed foods are acidifying, so they're naturally limited by an 80/20 pH-balanced diet, but they should additionally be avoided as much as possible.
Walk Your Way To Stronger Bones
A study published in Osteoporosis International analyzed 24,700 older adultsā outdoor walking habits and risk of osteoporosis. They also considered participants' genetic predisposition for osteoporosis.
Researchers divided participants into four groups:
- those who didn't walk outside
- those who walked 30 min or less
- those who walked 30-60 minutes
- those who walked 60 or more minutes
The study included 37 months of follow-up, during which time -researchers found a significant negative correlation between daily outdoor walking and osteoporosis incidence risk. The reduction in osteoporosis risk was directly correlated to the length of walks ranging from 14 percent to as much as 40 percent for those who walked the most.
Relevant Excerpt
“Researchers also found a ādeclining trendā of osteoporosis risk among participants with both low and high genetic predispositionsāmeaning that whether or not osteoporosis runs in the family, a daily walk could help strengthen bones. Note that if you do have a family history of osteoporosis, squeezing in an hour of strolling each day could be particularly helpful: The researchers found that participants with a high genetic risk who walked outside for more than 60 minutes experienced the biggest drop in their risk.”3
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that stimulates bone formation. It is notable that this study examined specifically outdoor walking. Exposure to greenery and the outdoors has a positive impact on wellness and bone health alike.
Regardless of how much or how little you currently walk, you can increase the benefit by adding additional distance, frequency, or intensity to your walks. Additionally, choosing a greener walking path can enhance the positive effects of your walk.
Synopsis
A study of older adults found that those who spent the most time walking outdoors (more than 60 minutes per day) had the lowest osteoporosis risk. This risk reduction was also effective for people genetically predisposed to osteoporosis.
What This Means To You
Our body is a complex biological system that is sensitive to many kinds of input. That sensitivity is one of the reasons why drugs are such a risky proposition– they trigger changes and effects that are not intended or desired. But it's also why natural strategies for improving our health have such wide-reaching positive impacts. A balanced diet of whole foods and regular exercise can keep your bones strong and your life active.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program provides a comprehensive approach to strengthening your bones and reducing your risk of fracture without the risks of drugs.
You have incredible resources at your disposal– take advantage of what you've learned to build the future you deserve.
References
1 https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/new-therapeutic-avenues-in-bone-repair
3 https://www.thehealthy.com/exercise/walking/news-walking-outside-osteoporosis-risk-may-2024-study/
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- Scientifically Proven: Knowledge Is Power When It Comes To Improving Your Health
Save Our Bones Bulletin: Greenery Benefits Bone; Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk Of Stomach Cancer; Biotech Drug In The Works To Delay Or Prevent Menopause
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Scientifically Proven: Knowledge Is Power When It Comes To Improving Your HealthComments on this article are closed.
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I am 78 years of age and considered very fit since I exercise twice a week aquasize and gym not counting walking with the dog twice a day however I was diagnosed with osteoporosis two yrs ago. Arthritis for 20 yrs loss of cartilage between bones several operations. All bone drs want you to take the osteoporosis meds but I never have after following your web site. Was told I have probably 8 yrs left based on when my mother died. I would suggest that if your mother had osteoporosis there is a good chance you will get it and there is nothing you can do to stop it.
Your comments would be appreciated -
Hello Vivian
Would you give my answer please šš¼ -
I have have the same question as I walk mainly in the evenings when it is cooler over here in Western Australia. Does an hour walking in darkness – with my husband and our dog – provide the same benefits as walking in the daylight hours please? Also gardening in the daylight (sweeping, lifting, stretching, bending) count towards improving my bone density – together with household chores such as cleaning, washing the kitchen floor and hoovering (bending and stretching) also count towards improving my bone density? Thank you for all the great information Vivian. Most interesting and helpful! Rosemary.
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Thanks Vivian for the great news.
I do Walk in treadmill. I have problems to go under sun for a long time. Should I get same results, if I walk outdoor after sunsets? -
Thanks for sharing these news with us, Vivian!
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You’re welcome, Linda!
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I am behind on my reading but I store all information to read later. Have you written anything, or studied anything, about Evenity, which doesn’t have bisphosphonates? It states it doesn’t cause femar fracturs or osteonecrosis of jaw. Just wondering what info you have. Thanks.