If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, it is more than likely that your doctor prescribed an osteoporosis drug such as Fosamax followed by the proverbial calcium recommendation.
That’s exactly what happened to me after I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. My doctor also advised me to “drink plenty of milk”. Luckily, I did not follow his flawed advice and instead, I embarked on my own quest to conquer osteoporosis which culminated in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Today, I want to share with you yet another piece of valuable information about a little-known bone health gem. It is vitamin K, best known for its blood clotting functions. In fact, vitamin K gets its name from the first letter of the German word “koagulation.”
If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, your doctor will most probably let you know that vitamin K counteracts the intended effects of your prescription and that you need to discuss with him or her your vitamin K intake. Otherwise, vitamin K is widely ignored by mainstream medicine, even though it is essential to your bone-building capacity.
Vitamin K helps your bones
Vitamin K is related to osteocalcin, also called bone Gla protein, which is a calcium-binding protein synthesized by osteoblasts or bone-building cells. It also works synergistically with vitamin D to regulate the production of osteoclasts, cells that remove old bone so that new bone can be deposited in its place.
In Chapter 3 of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I write that bones are made up of 65% mineralized collagen and 35% collagen matrix made of minerals and other nutrients. The most prevalent mineral in bones is calcium. The calcium-binding capacity of osteocalcin is activated when it is chemically altered through a vitamin K-dependent process known as carboxylation.
Bone health benefits of Vitamin K stun researchers
Many scientific studies confirm Vitamin K’s positive effects on bone-building processes. One good example is an article published in the European Journal of Pharmacology by Akiyama and team. The researchers actually identified a process where a form of vitamin K2, a menaquinone known as MK-4, inhibits the formation of osteoclasts (Effect of vitamin K2 [menatetrenone] on osteoclast-like cell formation in mouse bone marrow cultures. 1994).
Interestingly, bisphosphonate drugs attempt to perform a similar function, but fail miserably at matching the well-coordinated performance of vitamin K. Because bisphosphonate drugs damage and distort osteoclasts, while vitamin K helps coordinate the right amount of osteoclast production with other bone cells so as to achieve the appropriate balance.
You see, bisphosphonates are synthetic drugs deprived of a biological role in bone metabolism unlike vitamins and other natural elements. How sad that this crucial distinction is ignored by mainstream medicine!
Another study on vitamin K and fracture prevention had such unexpected positive results that even its lead author, Dr. Angela Cheung, touted it “surprising”. (Vitamin K Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia [ECKO Trial]: A Randomized Controlled Trial. 2008). Published in the journal PLoS Medicine, the study involved 440 postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteopenia.
Half of the participants were given a vitamin K1 supplement and the other half took a placebo for two years, with 261 continuing for two more years. While bone density scans showed equal bone loss in both groups, over the four year study period more than double the women who took the placebo suffered fractures compared to the group that took the vitamin K. But unfortunately…
Mainstream medicine is curiously skeptical of vitamin K’s bone health benefits
Typical of the complete disregard for natural health solutions in mainstream medicine and despite her excellent study results, Dr. Cheung is skeptical. She writes that it is “premature” to recommend vitamin K to osteoporosis patients. And Dr. Roberto Pacifici, director of the division of endocrinology at Emory University in Atlanta, commented on the same study in a WebMD interview that he was unimpressed with the results and that “people should not go out and buy vitamin K because of this study.” But why not? Especially since…
A myriad of other scientific studies also support the use of vitamin K for bone health
It seems that most doctors have conveniently forgotten about the Nurses' Health Study that followed 72,327 registered nurses for ten years. This is one of the largest research projects showing that nurses with the lowest vitamin K intake had a 30% higher risk of hip fracture than those with the highest vitamin K intake (Feskanich D. et al. “Vitamin K intake and hip fractures in women: a prospective study”. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999). The median vitamin K consumption for this study was 169 micrograms per day, all derived from foods sources rather than from supplements. Diane Feskanich writes that this “…suggests the need for a higher vitamin K requirement than the current recommended dietary allowance…”
Just because doctors turn their back on such an excellent bone health vitamin, it doesn’t mean that you should too. So am giving you the…
Best sources of Vitamin K
All varieties of vitamin K are fat-soluble and belong to a chemical category called naphthoquinones, but there are two basic types of vitamin K. Phylloquinones, or vitamin K1 which is made by plants and menaquinones or vitamin K2 synthesized by intestinal bacteria.
Unlike vitamin K1, vitamin K2 does not concentrate in the liver. The body stores only limited amounts of vitamin K in the liver, so it is important to have enough bio-available K2 in the body.
The richest dietary sources of K1 are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. Green peas, romaine lettuce, and bell peppers are some of the less concentrated but still very good sources of this vitamin. Even spices such as fresh parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, black and cayenne pepper are rich in vitamin K1.
Even though it is fat-soluble, there is no documented toxicity with high doses of vitamin K, with the exception of synthetic K3 or menadione, which I do not recommend.
The Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin K for adult women is 90 micrograms and 120 micrograms for men. To give you an idea of what a low level this is, one cup of boiled spinach has 889 micrograms of vitamin K1.
If you are following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program it is really easy for you to get enough vitamin K1. However, for maximum bone-building benefits I recommend you add a K2 supplement to your dietary intake.
The best natural source of vitamin K2 is derived from fermenting a unique form of soy known in Japan as natto. If you are on anticoagulant medication, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to supplement vitamin K, but you should consult with your doctor.
Are you already taking a vitamin K supplement? Will you start now? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below.
Thanks for the information I will speak with my doctor in reguards to vitamin K2. In tour debt….Thanks, Arlene
I read the article about Vitamin K. I am schduled for hip surgery. I have been taking asprin for pain. Would that interfere with Vitamin K assimilation? Thank you for the info re Vit K. Betty
I find Vivien’s blog really useful, packed with sensible advice . Thank you so much for keeping us in touch . May you be blessed with good health for looking after the interest of others .
The vitimin K article is interesting. I will in-
crease my intake of green veges. However, I have
been daignosed with breast cancer and was told not
to have soy products. What is your
recommendation for K2 in this case? Thank you
for the wonderful information.
Hello Vivian,
I was diagnosed with osteo arthritis in my knees 3 years ago. My doctor only suggested that I take glucosamine tablets, as there was really nothing else that could be done medically. I do take the above as well as fish oil, but to be honest nothing really works. I understand the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, Will anything work or do I have to have a knee reconstruction eventually.
Thankyou I love your knowledg on these subjects and look forward to trying what ever I can and you recommend. THANKYOU
I’m wondering what your opinion is of coral calcium as a supplement. It was very popular a few years ago but I don’t hear much about it anymore.
I am on Advar (Asthma medication) which causes osteoporosis. My Doctor gave me fosavance and I have been taking it for the last few months. Because I am on a drug that causes osteoporosis should I continue taking Fosavance or do your program.I feel that I am in a situation that I am damned if I do and damned if I don’t.
Osteo-K is a 45 mg (not mcg) of vitamin K2 MK4 menatetrenone. It is used in Japan for osteoporosis. This is a huge dose, but other studies found that even at 125 mg of K2 MK4 there is no adverse effect.
Obviously these studies look at the number of fracture over a period of time between two groups with or without the substance in question. Some people in the 45 mg K2 group did suffer a fracture, so it may be that some in the group lacked Vitamin Kn, but some not, so the results are difficult to interpret in finding the best formula for osteoporosis as of the current state of knowledge.
I would say that the best is to find a doctor willing to do a follow up with bone formation and none resorption test as well as the amount of Calcium and phosphate in the blood and urine as you add different supplements.
I would start with the most obvious, 1200 mg Calcium, 500 mg Magnesium, 2000 IU vitamin D3, 50 mcg vitamin K2 and other trace minerals, do the test, then add organic silicon for a month, do the test, then add vitamin K2 Mk4 45 mg and do the test, then add milk basic protein 30 mg and do the test again, throughout these tests, exercise level should be constant.
This is tedious, but the best way to find out your best formula for increasing bone strength.
Good idea. I count 4 tests after each additional supplement. But what kind of tests are these?
Also, will each additional supplement prompts the bones to show mineral improvement? I read on this blog and elsewhere on the net that many patients with osteoporosis show improvement of their dexa scan after 2 years of sticking to an alkaline diet, the right supplement and daily exercise.
Hello Vivian and May and Luc Very good comments above. Even if it takes 2 years I’m willing. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose so Why Not? I like the idea of being tested after these supplements are added. I’m a cancer survivor…..I’ve read a lot about diet to prevent reoccurence. Eating an alkaline diet is very important to prevent cancer. Cancer has a hard time growing in an alkaline enviroment. Not eating sugar is very important. Cancer grows fast, it prefers sugar for the quick energy it needs to grow. I intend to kill 2 birds with one stone. Get rid of cancer while building my bones. Sounds like a winner.
Vivian
I try to eat a lot of all different greens, love saurkraut, eat spinach in all of my salads.
I do not take any vit k, only what is in my regular vitamin that I take daily. I also take gingo biloba, coq 10 with fish oil with clamari.
Would taking vitamin K bee too much of a blood
thinner? Please give me your thoughts. I realy
appreciate all your efforts to help with the
problem of osteoporosis. I’m determined to whip
this problem. One other question…Can you explain to me how bone density is measured. Thanks much
prob
My nutritionist tells me that spinach binds calcium so it is not recommended for those of us who have osteoporosis. Green, leafy veg: yes. Spinach: no.
Hi Helen,
Laboratory studies have shown that the oxalates in spinach do interfere with calcium absorption, but the reduction is relatively small. So go ahead and enjoy that occasional serving of spinach if you choose!
Thanks Vivian for the news on Vit K2. My doctor told me of the benifits of K2 only a week ago. It is expensive in Australia. $124.00 for 90 capsules. Looking at internet prices. Hoping to find a reasonable price
I get my Vitamin K2 at Vitacost.com. 90 softgels, 100mcg from Natto extract + $4.50 shipping (US dollars) It is the best price I have found on a reglar basis. Good Luck!
Vitacost is my supplier also. The Vitamin K2(MK-7) I take is from Natto Extract and is 100mcg.
I did some research before I bought it. Started taking it six months ago.
Hi Trish Lewis
I didn’t know you could get Vit K2 on its own in Australia. I have only found it to be in multi vitamins etc and the amount is tiny. Could you tell me where it can be purchased?
Thanks
Thanks, Vivian, for your article. Yes, I had heard that Vit K was very good and although I have changed several of my prescriptions including Actonel for the natural alternatives, I am told that I cannot take Vit K because of the awful medicine, Warfarin, which I have to take for a slow leaking Tricuspid valve. However, I do eat the green leafy vegetables that you have mentioned and they do not seem to have an adverse effect. Barbara
Hi Vivian
I don’t know about everyone else but my suppliment cabinet is getting very full of different vitamins and minerals which I am sure is helping me but it is taking me longer to consume all these than it is for me to have my meal. With all your contacts and connections can you tell us of a complex that would help us cut down on all of these pills. Mabye down to two or three instead of the eleven I am now taking.
Thank you
William
Hi! Vivian,
I Already Eat A Lot Of Foods With Vitamin K In Them.So Hopefully That’s A Good Start. I Also Think You Should Let Your Doctor Know Before You Start A Vitamin K Supplement Program. And Even Though They May Not Agree With You They Should Respect Your Decision To Try It, And Then Have You Take A Density Test To See If It Helped.
Thank You Again VERY MUCH For ALL YOUR GREAT ADVICE.
LOVE,
MS. L.
I have osteoporosis and I have been taking Vit K for years along with most of the other supplements you recommend in your book — and I have had 4 very bad falls — and not had any broken bones. Of course I don’t like falling and I am very careful now. But I read that Vit D with all the positives it has — also is very good for giving older people better balance and it sure has with me. I feel much younger because I have
become a lot more stable on my feet and I’m turning 75 this month!
Also, I love your book. Thanks!
Hi Vivienne,
I take CVS Calcium Chews with Vitamin K 40 mcg daily. I thought spinach had oxalic acid in it which blocked calcium absorption. Thanks.
Liz
I am taking spinach two times in a week for the last 3-4yrs. and thankfully no fall no fractures although I am diagonsed with osteoporosis.
Sarla
Spinach and brocolli also suppress the thryroid. I do not deliberately eat spinach. If I get it in the bags of mixed salad greens, that is the only amount I eat. It seems eating has to be very calculated the more we learn about foods. ugh!
Raw spinach has Calcium Oxalate that is denatured therefore split when cooked – thus the “fuzzy” sensation that you feel when eating cooked spinach verses Raw. To really get a boost one may try drinking a raw juice combo of Spinach/carrot. I have done this at the rate of 16 ounces of spinach w/ carrot for a total of 32 oz/day and many days 2 quarts of this mixture. Ina addition to the Vitamin K and Calcium benefit each 32 ounce portion is some 20+ grams of protein!!
Thanks for the info on the K1. I was guided to began administering K1 to my small animal patients over a year ago and other than the guidance and the enhancement in general metabolism I knew that there was a greater benefit. Namaste’
DrRogerValentine.com
I have taken coumadin since 1998, and have had to avoid multivitamins with 25% Vit. k. I do eat green veggies and usually can compensate the dosage of the warfarin when I know that I have eaten more than I should have. Everything reacts with coumadin and it is difficult to work all of this out without really paying attention. Once in a while my blood is too thin, but for the most part is stays in the area desired.
Aging, is not for sissies.
I have osteoporosis an I am only 58. The drs have no idea why I do as I have been tested for a casue and there is no reason for it..they said must be a throw back genetic thing. Of course no one I know or my family knows has had a problem with any disease. Long and healthy life should be my genetics…not osteoporsis. I tried taking the vitamin K as you suggested and after a few weeks my varicose veins were intolerable. What made that happen??
Osteoporosis is common with people who have Celiac Disease. I know as I was diagnosed at age 43 with Osteoporosis. A three panel blood can help determine if this might be the root cause. All the best GP
In my powder milk “Ensure”, I get the Vitamine k1, I get the Vitamine k2 from our community source – soft boiled egg.
Thank you very much, you always look afer us.
Dear Vivian, I am doing all I can to improve my bone health and following all your advice. But I am worried by a website I have just read about CODEX ALIMENTARIUS,as it seems they are wanting to ban our vitamins and supplemants and promote taking the dreaded drugs.Irene (UK)
Yes I am a great believer in Vitimin K and it is help me enormaousley as I keep snapping my musseles at the chest level, for no reason at all. sinse taking vitamin K carefully belended with other plant based vitimins, I have not had any problem at all about snapping my mussels. I have however a lot to learn, and your information is invaluable thank you very much.
Vivian,
Thank you very much for sharing the sources of vitamin K with us. I appreicted.
Susan
Vivian: Thanks for Help me, you are very nice Lady,Sincer4ely
Maria J. Mckenney
I started taking a “bone building” vitamin complex a few years ago. My husband and I were taking a weight training class at our local junior college. It involved some aerobic activity as a warm up before the weight training. One day I started having chest pains and had to ask my husband to take me home. The only change I had made was the vitamin complex. I checked the ingredients. The only one with which I was not familiar and which had not been included in any other supplement that I had taken was Vitamin K. I found a description of Vitamin K’s effects — aha!! helps the blood to clot. Since we eat a lot of green leafy vegetables, broccoli, salads, etc., I concluded that I was probably getting too much Vitamin K. I stopped the complex with Vitamin K. Meanwhile, my doctor had made an appointment for me with a cardiologist for a stress test. The test was two weeks after I stopped the Vitamin K. The cardiologist finally stopped the stress test and was very irritated that it had been ordered because I obviously had no problems. So it is possible to get too much Vitamin K by taking it in supplement form.
I JUST HAD A TOE SURGERY, SO I NOW NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR MY BONES. SO MOST DEFFINETLY I WILL START THIS VITAMIN. I’M 53 YEARS OLD AND IT SEEMS THAT OSTEOPOROSIS RUNS IN MY FAMILY. MY MOTHER HAS IT & SO DOES MY AUNT. SO I’LL BE TELLING THEM ABOUT THIS VITAMIN. THANKS FOR THE INFO!!!
I am 75 yrs. old and have been on Plavix for 3 yrs., mainly because of angina. My doctor does not recommend any type of Vitamin K for me.
I have taken a product called BONE-UP, made by a company called Jarrow, for the last 2 years. It is a calcium formula to promote bone density. In the last year they have added Potassium Citrate & MK-7. I take six capsules per day after meals. Have you heard of this supplement and if so what do you think of it.
I purchase this only in a Health Food Store,namely Whole Foods.
Thank you Vivian for all you do.
Clancy
I also take Bone Up but was told by a midwife I saw after my bone density t hat I should take 2000mg a day of calcium. If you look at the mg. on the bottle of Bone Up 6 capsules only have 1,000 mg. per serving therefore the proper dosage for osteopino or osteoarthritis would be 12 capsules per day.
Vivian, I have been taking vitamin K2 since you recommended it.
Thank you very much.
Thanks again for great information Vivian – I have plenty of raw spinach daily – and when I get my hands on the GREEN COOKING BANANAS again that should take care of the intestinal flora too!! I have been a bit slack in exercising lately – and must get back into the swing of it. I feel good – my nails are not splitting and breaking anymore – so I assume that they would “window” what my bones are doing??? Blessings, Kelsey, TOWNSVILLE, QUEENSLAND. AUSTRALIA.
I look forward to all the info and research you do. I read with a lot interest in the vitamin K. I am a vegan and take a lot of vitamins. Yes B12. still looking for one I like, Powder form, spray, sublingual.
Do you think one should also take L-Lysine? I have read it helps!
bula Mt
Vitacost has a Methylcobalamin form of B-12 in a spray that tastes good. It’s Pure Advantage B-12 spray.
I want to hear more! I have severe osteoporosis
Dear Vivian: Thank you for allowing me to print out your article on vitamins K1 and K2. I do not take any vitamins, try to eat healthy foods, but have a little osteopenia since about 6 months. I am very impressed with your comments and research and think your articles make a lot of sense. I would buy your book and program but am not able to print out all your e-mail articles since my printer holds only a limited amount of paper and I spend little time on the computer, since I am too busy. Have asked the people who answered my phone calls if they could print out your articles and send them to me, if I subscribe to your book and program. They told me they could not.
I have told some of my friends about your website since bone diseases are one of the most common among seniors. I am 85 years old, work full time, and now go to physical therapy twice a week to see if it will help my pain.
If your articles could be printed out and sent to me it would be a great help. I would then buy your book and what goes with it.
Thank you again and best regards,
Inge
I am so engrossed with all the info.
I am so greatly thankful for sharing with us all about the natural way of combating osteoporosis.
I took Fosamax for 3 1/2 years and it effected my bottom jaw–read more here
https://fosamaxsideeffects.com/
WOW THANKS FOR THE INFO I PRAY THAT YOU WILL GET BETTER. I WILL INFORM THOSE I KNOW OF THIS RESULT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! MY NAME IS LOURDES JIMENEZ.
I took Fosamax for 3 1/2 years and it effected my bottom jaw–also read here
https://fosamaxsideeffects.com/
Hello, I am new to the community and looking forward to saving my bones!
I’ve been taking vitamin K for 3 years in a product called Barley Life. Its so fantastic! I love it so much, I sell it now. I want all of my friends to know.
I haven’t been sick since I started taking it.
Esther In TX
What is barley life? How much is it and how much does it cost? Thanks so much!
finding it all very interesting. Still hesitant about the programme as I don’t have any obvious side effects.
I’M SO GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS. BUT IN THE LONG RUN IN MANY FOLKS IT DOES TAKE AWHILE FOR THE SIDE EFFECT TO HIT. BUT TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH IT WOULDN’T HURT TO START WITH THE VITIAMINS MENTIONED IN VIVIAN’S REPORTS. I’M SO GREATFUL TO HER AND THE FACT THAT SHE KEEPS SENDING MORE, AND MORE GREAT INFORMATION. MY NAME IS LOURDES JIMENEZ AND THOUGH I DON’T HAVE THE ILLNESS IT DOES RUN IN MY FAMILY. SO I’M TAKING THE ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO’S BEEN THERE. I PRAY YOU DO GET WELL AND THAT YOU WON’T HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!
I have taken vitamin K2 50 mcg ( not the natto form for years but still had low bone density last BMD test.
I am now trying the Natto form 100 mcg and the
Save Our Bones program as best I can. I have read conflicting info about acidic foods from another online doctor’s health letter. Namely tomatoes and oranges being acidic rather than alkaline as in your program. Please clear this up for me !!.
I am interested in vit K but cannot eat salad or green vegetables as I feel sick as soon as they are in my mouth. Is there any other way to get vit K? if not what supplements could I take?
I take a product called Barley Life, which has been said, is the equivalent of eating your green veggies! I posted earlier, that I love this product so much I began selling it.
Happy to help.
Some of the Bone Density supplements already have the Vitamin K incorporated into the formula such as Bone Density and Bone Maximizer
Thank you soooo much for this most fascinating information! I was diagnosed with osteoporosis after my T9 crumbled whilst trampolening a year ago (ouch!) and I took alondronic acid for a year (without any change to my spine but surprisingly an increase in my hip density, which flummoxed my consultant as he said this bone was of a different nature) (I also take walk extensively, take calcium with vit d and do regular reiki and energy work on my bones) After a year I stopped the medication because of chronic heartburn, which is when I found your site. However, I have been taking anticoagulants since I was 30 (I am now 56) and asked my consultant if this fact may have effected my bone health by depleting it of vit k. He stated categorically that this was not the case. (I have a metal heart valve and take 6mg of warfarin daily) I’m sorry this is a bit long winded but I can’t help but feel taking anticoagulants may have contributed to my osteoporis? I realise you may not be able to answer this personally unless I get 10 hearts(LOL!) but thank you so much Vivien for allowing me to share!
Well done, Barbara! And keep up with your husband’s excellent health habits. Bee pollen? No harm in taking it, but not essential either.
I had no idea I was eating Vitamin K1 with my spinach, I just love the stuff. And thyme too, I put that on everything. I usually test my alkalinity with https://www.phteststrip.net as well
Hi all,
Regarding Grapfruit (I love it) – doesn’t it interfere with Cholesterol drugs (simvastatin)?
Thanks,
Elaine
Yes – key drugs which grapefruit juice should not be consumed in a unsupervised manner include :-
HMG-COA reductase inhibitors (statins – such as simvastin),
Immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
Psychiatric meds (diazepam, midazoleam, buspirone)
Calcium channel blockers ( felodipine, nimodipine, pranidipine).
If you are on any of the above meds, my advise is to chat with your G.P. first.
i was reading on the k2 i have been diganosed with osteo about 10 years now and my bone specialist put me on fasovance but for about 2yrs she has taken me off all supplements so i take daily 4 healthy bone factor which i get in each pill30mcg of kitamin kmenaquinone and calcium i get 156.25mg of hydroxyapatite so should i take a separate vitamin of vitamin k2 what do you recommend thanks grace
I can’t help but continuing to talk about Barley Life which is a product I take and sell. Haven’t been sick in years
Happy to help.
Esther in TX
OK Esther, we get the picture. You are trying to sell a product. Should you be doing this on this thread?
I was diagonised with oestoporosis and the doctor prescribed Actonel, along with 500 mg. of Calcium and 1000 iu of Vitamin D. I asked him about side effects and he smiled and said “none”. This is the best medicine on the market. That sly smile did not sit well with me. So I started looking on the internet for Actonel and I found your website and requested a copy. I am glad I did. I also went to my family doctor and asked him to look at the report. The family doctor said there were definitely side effects and if I did not feel comfortable not to take it. Just to take Calcium and vitamin D. Though I had the prescription filled, it is sitting in a drawer. I will never take it. I would like to purchase the set of books that you are giving away free, can you please tell me how to obtain them. It is very important to me. Thanks. A reply URGENTLY would be greatly appreciated.
I have heard that Vitamin K would not be good for me..I have Polycystic Liver & Kidney disease – taking immunosupprsent drugs -had a kidney transplant 3 years ago- on fosamax – have osteoporosi & osteopenia. have a lot of upper leg, lower back & hip pain..I’m interested in this program and researching all of the interesting articles about what foods to eat and not to eat and want to build my bones naturally. The medicine I’m on hinders my bones but saves my new kidney. please advise on some of the vitamins
I was taken by Patti’s comments. I too had a kidney transplant 2 yrs ago. Because of PKD. was on fosamax but stopped. It was damaging my teeth and gums. Now I’ve lost more bone density. I’m osteopenic & osteoporotic in the spine and hip. Not good. I’d be interested in knowing what has worked for others in saving and building their beautiful bones.
I had my first discussion with my doctor about not taking the Osteo meds this past Monday. He listened to me and is willing to let me do things my way for a year, and do another scan in a year to see how I am doing. That same night on the ABC news the report came out on the osteo meds, the breaking of this news made shout for joy. Vivian you said it in your book about Mercks legal woes, and that they have put aside $48 million for a defense fund. Looks like they are going to need it.
Thank you Vivian for all the information you have given us and please don’t stop. I am following all the suggestions you have given. I am determined to improve my bone density so when I have my next scan it will show. If it doesn’t I will continue the program anyway, it just may take me longer, to improve.
when did you start the saving bones program?
Dear Vivian,
I am so pleased to read of your program and I’m glad you have the courage to buck mainstream medicine in the treatment of our bone health.
I discovered natto a couple of years ago, but something about it doesn’t work for me. Supplements of Vitamin K-2 based on natto extracts leave me feeling tired and sick. They don’t energy test well for me, either. Fortunately, I greatly desired to find a compatible Vitamin K-2 supplement. I found a national brand of Vitamin K-2 that is synthesized menaquinone, and it agrees with me and energy-tests well for me. I will be having a bone density test done soon at my doctor’s request.
Also, I agree with you about pasteurized milk products being acid-forming in the body; however, I have just recently become aware of teh value of food made by the process of fermentation, including kefir and hard cheese made from raw milk. Are you familiar with the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon? There is much in the book that is consistent with your research and your findings and your teaching. There may be some information in this book that will be of further help to your patients. Sally Fallon continues the tradition of Weston Price. The main idea is that traditional foods eaten by earlier populations around the world kept them healthier than we are with all our modern medicine! All of these populations had some sort of fermented food, which added probiotics to the people’s diets and made them healthy. The probiotics caused manufacture of vitamins in the gut, aiding the immune system and aiding in digestion.
I agree with you 100% that the medicines touted for preventing and treating “osteoporosis” are very harmful.
Thanks for your great work!
Kay
I will try taking Vitamin K soon. ABC World News did a report on Fosomax stating many women taking it suffered femur fractures it was a side effect that FDA kept hidden from MDs and public. Stating it helps initially but after years of taking inhibits the bones natural ability to strengthen. They probably all carry the same risk. I need more help with the plan–how to incorporate more alkaline less acidic foods into a meal.
Yes…I have been taking MK-7 for some time now. Can you tell me the ebnefits of that to the bones? Also I was told by Eidon Industries ( organic bioavailable minerals) that SILICONE is the MORE IMPORTANT THAN CALCIUM for the bones! Also…that we humans often get TOO MUCH CALCIUM…which can be harmful. I haven’t had abone density test yet but will soon. I am in my late 50’s. Mom had severe osteoporosis. However…..I am a health nut….eat lots an dlots of greens..love them….and run 2.5 miles every morning. I hope all of that helps somewhat.
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for the above information. I really learn a lot through your letters. Even though I have heard about the problems with cans – to see your info in such detail is more informative. Thanks for the Vit K info. I really do listen to you. Thanks
mary jean
Yes Vivian, thank you so much for your studied information. And I shall be taking Vit. K2, provided it is available here. Probably is.
I’m a great believer in having lots of greens . Also, reading today’s info regaarding Kellogs Smart stuff, I’m so glad I never touch it, or have any of those products in the house. to start with, the list is far too long – that always makes me suspicious. It looks as tho, we also should be looking out for gravy mixes etc, after reading about enriched flours – which I don’t use anyhow. Thank you for all your advice. June