This month's Save Our Bones Bulletin brings updates from the cutting edge of scientific research.
First, we'll examine a study from researchers who are unraveling the mysteries of aging. They've constructed a uniquely accurate aging clock that could help predict and intervene in the process of aging.
Then, you'll learn the results of a survey revealing that Americans don’t consult with doctors as much as they used to, due to the advent of the internet and AI.
Finally, we'll discuss a study on the power of prunes to improve the quality and structure of postmenopausal women's bones.
Simulated Biological Clock May Unlock Mysteries Of Aging
A recent study published in the journal Nature Aging addresses one of the long-standing questions in aging research. Is the process of aging predetermined, progressing regardless of circumstances, or does aging occur as a result of the wear and tear of living?
The changes associated with age do not progress at the same rate for everyone, making our chronological age distinct from our biological age. Biological age is a measure of changes in the body, as opposed to chronological age, which only measures elapsed time.
One way of measuring biological age is physical indicators called aging clocks. Aging clocks are built using biological data, such as DNA methylation patterns or gene expression levels. Gradual damage within cells also contributes to aging, but this process is less observable and predictable, as it occurs more or less randomly.
The authors of the new study built a simulation of that random cell damage. A computer learning model replicated the random damage that occurs over time. This program was able to predict the “biological age” of the simulated models with striking accuracy.
Relevant Excerpt
“These findings have profound implications for our understanding of aging. They suggest that the changes we observe in aging clocks may not be the result of a deterministic, pre-programmed process, but rather the inevitable outcome of stochastic damage accumulation over time. In other words, aging may be more like the wear and tear on a well-used machine than the ticking of a pre-set clock.”1
The growing certainty that aging is a gradual process of wear and tear opens the possibility for interventions that slow this process. The Medical Establishment will tend toward pharmaceutical interventions, at the behest of Big Pharma.
However, there are natural paths to reducing wear and tear and supporting the body's repair and maintenance processes. The Osteoporosis Reversal Process uses an all-natural approach to prevent and reverse aging-related bone loss.
Synopsis
Researchers have built a computer simulation of the random damage that occurs in cells throughout the body. They combined this data with measurements of aging clocks (biological age indicators) to learn about the process of aging. Their findings suggest that aging is more the result of wear and tear than of some predetermined process, indicating that interventions to slow aging are feasible.
Americans Asking More Health Questions On The Internet Than To Doctors
A survey of 2000 Americans found they are more likely to consult healthcare websites (53%) and social media (46%) than a real-life doctor (44%) about health concerns. The survey revealed that 73 percent of respondents believe they have a better understanding of their health than their doctors do.
When asked whether they would trust AI (artificial intelligence) to handle health-related tasks, only 6% of Americans said they wouldn't trust AI.
Relevant Excerpt
“Respondents say they would rather consult the internet or ChatGPT instead of their doctor because they don’t understand their healthcare insurance or what it covers (57%), they’re embarrassed by what they’re experiencing (51%), or because they want a second opinion (45%).
The PX — or patient experience — is not just about the relationship between patients and providers,” says spokesperson Lija Hogan, principal of enterprise research strategy at UserTesting, in a statement. “Healthcare journeys include digital touchpoints that extend beyond scheduling appointments or remote visits. Americans are using AI as a means to help them navigate a complex experience with more information that is understandable and relevant to them – and that they feel is trustworthy.”2
This data reflects the shifting landscape of healthcare and wellness. As more information about health and medicine becomes available to average people, they are more engaged in understanding and making choices about their health.
This trend can yield positive results if medical professionals embrace patients' growing involvement to collaborate on health choices.
Find a doctor who is happy that you're actively engaged in managing your health, and will listen to your questions and any information you have to offer. If your doctor doesn't listen, or resents your attempts to take control of your own healthcare journey, it may be time to find a new provider.
Synopsis
A survey found that people consult websites more often than doctors about health concerns. Only 6% of Americans reported that they wouldn't trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to handle health-related tasks. This shift toward independent research and using online resources should be met by practitioners with engagement and collaboration.
Prunes Protect Postmenopausal Women's Bones
A new study has found that eating prunes each day had a positive impact on the bones of postmenopausal women.
The study was a 12-month randomized controlled trial with 235 postmenopausal female participants. The women were assigned to one of three groups: no prunes, four to six prunes (50 grams), or 10 to 12 prunes (100 grams) consumed daily.
Over the course of the study, the participants' bones were assessed using a peripheral quantitative computed tomography, or pQCT, scan. This technology allows for cross-sectional imaging to measure 3D bone mass density, bone geometry, and bone strength.
Relevant Excerpt
“Over the course of one year, the researchers found that measures of bone mass density and bone strength at the tibia, or shin bone, all decreased in women in the control group. In contrast, those who ate at least four to six prunes every day maintained bone density and bone strength and preserved bone structure, particularly in cortical bone.
While both groups of women who consumed prunes saw benefit, four to six prunes a day may be the more feasible dose. Women in the 100-gram group dropped out of the study at a higher rate because they got bored of incorporating so many prunes into their daily diet.
“It's pretty exciting data for a 12-month study,” De Souza said. “We were able to maintain and preserve bone at the weight-bearing, cortical bone of the tibia and the maintenance of cortical bone and bone strength is key to avoiding fracture.”3
A previous study found that daily prunes consumption for a year preserved total bone mass density at the hip, showing that the positive impact goes beyond the tibia.
Researchers believe that polyphenol compounds in the prunes are part of the explanation for their positive effect, along with a beneficial impact on gut health. Prunes are known for their high fiber content and positive impact on digestive health.
Savers can immediately capitalize on this finding by adding prunes to their daily diet!
Synopsis
A new study has found that postmenopausal women who consumed between four and 12 prunes each day increased their bone density and quality. Prunes offer valuable polyphenols and an excellent source of gut-health-improving fiber.
What This Means To You
Our bodies never stop changing. Whether you're seven or 77, your body is in flux. That means that we always have an opportunity to improve our health and wellness. No matter what aging clocks may reveal, or AI may predict, the future is full of change that we can steer.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program is like a roadmap that helps you navigate the process of change so that your bones become stronger and your fracture risk stay low. Through all-natural interventions like changes to diet and exercise, you can build stronger, healthier, higher quality bones.
Don't wait to get started on your bone health journey.
References
1 https://studyfinds.org/secrets-of-aging-biological-clock/
2 https://studyfinds.org/trust-ai-social-media-over-doctors/
13 comments. Leave Yours Now →
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Hi Vivian, what I do with prunes bcause u cannot always get them without preservatives is I cover them with boiling water 4 a bit, thro off the water, rinse them, then cook them 4 a few mins., & throw off the water again – then cover with boiling water & then eat!
Another thing I do, & hope it is fine, I buy milk without preservatives, full cream, then I mix this with kefir, & leave this outside in of course a glass jar, in the sun until it is thicker & becoms kefir! In South Africa, we lov our sour milk!
Hope u aprove of this Vivian!😹😸😺😻 -
AI is risky because it does gather information from bloggers and amateurs. They may be honest, but they are unverified. One search with AI (Perplexity.ai) pointed to a website that wrote “kale should be avoided as it is a source of oxalates” this is wrong as I checked with websites from recognized universities and health organizations.
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I was eating 6 prunes a day and my potassium level got too high had to see the renal specialist. After not eating it for a month tested potassium level and got under control.
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Julie, when the kidneys don’t function well, it’s best to avoid excessive sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. And in reference to prunes, dried fruits have concentrated nutrients compared to fresh fruits, including potassium.
Take a look at this: 1 cup of prunes contains 1,270 mg of potassium, which is almost five times the amount of potassium in 1 cup (165 g) of plums.
I’m glad your results are good now!
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Doctors are more and more confined by the various medical “associations” and by group practices to adhere to specific protocols rather than to suggest treatments specific to the patient. Personalized medicine is the (too-far-off) future, but I’m not convinced AI should be involved – and I’d guess many more than 6% reflected in the study would agree.
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Finding a doctor that will listen to you and not get angry with me for
choosing to not take her prescriptions and agree with my natural health options is hard to do especially now that there is such a shortage of doctors in my area. So I have not been able to see a doctor for many years. I manage to be quite healthy except for my
legs and feet which give me a lot of discomfort. I just celebrated my
90th birthday yesterday.-
Happy Birthday and congratulations, Helen! We are thrilled to have you in the Saver community! Unfortunately, your situation with doctors is not unusual, and for that reason, we’ve included the Doctor Communication Tutorial in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Feel free to reach out to Customer Support and stay healthy and strong!
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I thought prunes/plums were one acid fruit we should avoid and now we need to eat them every day?
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Plums and prunes are acidifying, but let’s keep in mind that when we follow a pH-balanced diet, acidifying foods such as animal protein, legumes, and whole grains, can be (and should be) consumed in moderation combined with alkalizing foods to balance the pH.
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Isn’t there going to be trouble at the other end from eating that many prunes per day?
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You don’t need to eat a lot of prunes because many fruits contain bone-healthy polyphenols, such as apples, blackberries, cantaloupe, cherries, grapes, pears, pomegranates, raspberries, and strawberries. So, as you can see, there are other bone-healthy options in case prunes don’t agree with you.
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Aren’t prunes, i.e. dehydrated plums, supposed to be acidifying? I love plums and prunes, but ever since I read in the Program that they are acidifying, I often refrain from eating them as much as I would like. Thank you for your reply and all the valuable information you always provide. Kind regards. Franca
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You are correct, Franca. Prunes are acidifying, but they are also a rich source of bone-healthy polyphenols. You can balance their consumption with alkalizing foods.
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