Question & Answer #1
I’m 68 and started Actonel 3 years ago (once a week). The only side effects I had was constipation. After 2 years I started having pains in my shins. I then developed colon cancer and had a large section removed, no chemo or radiation. I am fine now. I stopped taking Actonel this May when the shin situation increased, cold turkey, no weaning off the drug. I haven’t experienced any problems doing that. I will have a bone scan in a couple of months when I have a physical. Question: was it OK to just stop taking the drug with no weaning off period? I am relatively active and eat well according to your recommendations. Thank you for all your good work for our bones!
-Shirley
Dear Shirley,
Cold turkey is the best way to stop the drugs, and it's great to hear that you are doing well with your health now. As I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, bisphosphonate drugs alter normal bone metabolism. And as short-sighted studies show, they typically offer temporary benefits – at best – during the decoupling of bone destructive and bone building cellular activity.
Even the mainstream media is finally catching up to us and acknowledging this, judging by a funny video spoof of a popular drug. If you want to laugh a little, it is posted right here as “Saturday Night Live and Save Our Bones Partner Up.”
Remember, laughter is the best medicine!
Question & Answer #2
I switched to fluoride-free toothpaste as suggested in your program. At my recent dental check-up I was told that my lower tooth surface where my gums have receded slightly had some soft pre-cavity spots and that I should use a fluoride rinse after brushing. With no eating or drinking suggested for 30 minutes after, the rinse stays in your mouth for quite a while. It seems that just brushing with fluoride toothpaste and not rinsing with fluoride would be the lesser of two evils. Would you listen to or ignore your dentist’s advice?
-Theresa
Dear Theresa,
It looks as though the toxic fluoride supplementation and treatments will soon be relegated to the dustbins of medical history. Even the CDC is now considering reducing the amount of recommended fluoride in tap water because it actually hurts teeth. I write about fluoride and how it negatively impacts bone health and a lot more in the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, which I can tell you have read.
Additionally, a breakthrough study published in the December 2010 issue of the journal Langmuir discloses that the synthetic fluorapatite layer formed by using fluoride products is so thin, that its protection is more than questionable. So knowing this, you won't need to settle for the lesser of two evils.
To your beautiful and fluoride-free smile!
Question & Answer #3
Thanks for your great program which I refer many of my counseling clients to. Question for myself is “Since I have on your program I have been losing weight as I eat less protein and carbs. I am now about 16lbs under weight. It does not matter how much I eat of the healthy food, I cannot put the weight on as it is so healthy it goes right through my system. It is digested well, yet with less carbs and protein, I am concerned. Every time I see a health bar I see “ACID” screaming at me, as the proportion is NOT 80/20.” What would you suggest I do in relation to this diet and my specific problem?
-Beth
Dear Beth,
Your weight issue could be the envy of many, but it needs to be solved nonetheless.
To begin with, try maintaining a 70/30 balance for a few months, which is still a much more alkaline diet than the standard acid-loaded “Western” diet. You'll be able to incorporate more high calorie foods such as meats and grains (pasta, bread, etc.).
Also, keep in mind that there are alkalizing foods that pack plenty of calories, such as sweet potatoes and dried fruits. Then see what happens when you revert back to 80/20.
In good health,
Question & Answer #4
My husband and I dance (Carolina Shag dancing) an hour on most days. Is this enough exercise to keep our bones strong? We also lift light weights a couple of times a week. Is dancing as good as walking?
-Sandy
Dear Sandy,
Dancing is an excellent weight-bearing exercise, and lots of fun too. Studies have shown that, as it relates to bone-building exercises, dancing compares to walking and climbing stairs. Bones are living tissue that respond to exercise by becoming stronger, and as I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, the right exercises are very important to build bone density. That's why I devote Chapter 13 in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program to bone health exercises. Make sure to follow the “Density Training” technique which is the easiest and most effective exercise routine for vibrant bone health.
Have fun and keep moving,
Question & Answer #5
My question is why you do not recommend taking strontium as a supplement for osteoporosis.
-Sandra
Dear Sandra,
I don't consider strontium a supplement because its presence in bone and in the rest of the body is minimal. Strontium can have undesirable side effects, most commonly diarrhea, nausea, headaches and skin irritation, the latter sometimes severe. It also distorts DXA scan results because it is denser than calcium.
As if this were not enough, there are two more problems with strontium. The first one is that it competes with calcium for its absorption. The second issue with strontium is that it thickens mostly the outer cortical bone, as studies have confirmed. This can actually make bones more prone to fracture as it reduces their tensile strength. You can read more details about strontium in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Keep asking questions,
Question & Answer #6
I am 60 years old. For several years, I have resisted taking bisphosphonates, although I am concerned about my bone density which is worsening. I lift weights, go ice skating, eat extremely healthy: no sodas for 30 years, green vegetables every day, fruit daily, no caffeine, follow mainly alkaline diet. But yearly DEXA scan shows bone density decreasing to -2.5 in spine, -2.0 in hip. I have just begun to take Calcitonin, derived from fish hormone and around long before bisphosphonates appeared. What can you tell me about it?
-Ellen
Dear Ellen,
There's something “fishy” about calcitonin, and my prediction is that one day, the companies that make these kind of drugs might be in troubled waters. I say this because salmon calcitonin's role is bone metabolism is not well understood, and that can lead to some unwanted surprises as time goes by.
Quoting from the manufacturer of Miacalcin, “the actions of calcitonin on bone and its role in human bone physiology are still not completely elucidated, although calcitonin receptors have been discovered in osteoclasts and osteoblasts.”
Additionally, there is a long list of side effects, including hives and skin rashes, difficulty breathing, nosebleed, stiffness, dry mouth, muscle pain, etc. You can get the complete list of side effects and more about this drug in the free Natural Bone Building Handbook and even more information about it in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
There is no need to drown in the turbulent seas of confusing and harmful drugs. You can easily keep your bone health afloat with the help of the common sense natural solutions.
Take it easy!
Question & Answer #7
Hi! Vivian, I have been on Actonel for about 4 years for osteoporosis and it has not improved my bones, so the doctor has prescribed FORTEO, and now I’m on the fence, since reading your article, it is a very difficult decision to make when one has spoken to various nurses etc. and have gotten their opinions.
-Carol
Dear Carol,
I'm sorry that four years went by with no improvement. Now your decision should be easy. You've already tried taking osteoporosis drugs with no improvement. Does that mean you should graduate to yet another drug? The fact that your doctor would like you to do this is a clear indication that there's something deeply flawed with the way mainstream medicine “treats” osteoporosis.
Here's what I recommend so that you don't go one more day without rebuilding your bones: If you haven't yet, get the free Natural Bone Building Handbook where you'll discover how easy it is to increase your bone density without dangerous drugs. Then try the Osteoporosis Reversal Program to accelerate your bone growth and know exactly what to do every step of the way without drugs.
I wish you great success with your bone health and I'm confident you'll do great,
Question & Answer #8
Your Save Our Bones book claims milk robs bones of calcium. Wouldn’t serum electrolytes be used first to buffer the pH from 2 to 7.4 or so rather than going right to using calcium from the bone? Please explain.
-Ann
Dear Ann,
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water, and calcium is a very important electrolyte. You are right when you say that serum electrolytes buffer the blood to alkalize the pH. However, I explain in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program that – as is the case with modern acidifying diets – serum electrolytes get rapidly depleted. That is why calcium is pulled out of the bones, weakening them and leading to osteoporosis.
A well-balanced eating plan insures that most of the calcium remains where it belongs: in the bones. And that is what makes bones strong, naturally denser, and thus resistant to fracture.
Keep asking questions,
Question & Answer #9
I am having a real hard time digesting calcium so instead of over-the-counter calcium I have decided to drink goat milk, since it has such a wonderful supply of natural calcium. I was wondering what your opinion is.
-Karen
Dear Karen,
While some people find goat milk easier to digest than cow's milk, I think that goat milk is great for baby goats (kids). Raw goat milk has a slightly alkaline to neutral ash residue, but it changes to the acidic side of the spectrum once it is processed. I am not an advocate of drinking any animal milk, whether raw or processed.
You might want to try instead goat whey protein, which is rich in alkalizing minerals. Or another option is to take plant-based algae-derived and/or calcium citrate supplements.
Stay healthy!
Question & Answer #10
Could you please tell me about the mixed vegetable soup I make is good enough for my bones or not. I take it at least 3 times a week. Do you think I have to add other ingredients into it?
Broccoli 30%
Onion 20%
Cabbage 20%
Carrot 20%
tomato 10%
-Jen
Dear Jen,
Your recipe is excellent, and sounds delicious. The majority of its ingredients are included in the list of Foundation Foods. The best way to get bone-healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is from nutrient-rich foods, so it is really smart to eat a wide variety of them.
And in these cold winter days, what could be better and cozier than a bowl of hot soup? You might also want to try my mother’s delicious Hungarian Mushroom Barley soup, one of my favorite perfectly balanced recipes. It makes 4 Servings:
Mom's Hungarian Mushroom Barley Soup
Ingredients
1 lb. mushrooms, cut
2 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 cup barley, cooked
2 tablespoons
non-hydrogenated vegetarian butter*
4 cups water
Black pepper, paprika, and sea salt to taste
*Vegetarian butter is not margarine. In the US, this kind of butter is sold as non-dairy spreads. If you can't get them or live abroad, you can use regular butter, preferably grass-fed organic.
Directions
1. Cook the mushrooms and onions together in the butter until well-done and add 4 cups water.
2. Add the celery and cook the vegetables for approximately 10 minutes, until tender.
3. Season to taste and add the cooked barley smoothed in a little milk substitute. Let the soup thicken and boil up.
Enjoy!
Hi Vivian
Have been reading your receipes, I will try the mushroom one,now that we are coming into Winter I like making soup.Also I use Pearl Barley but will use the hulled one. Being from Scotland my mother always had the soup pot on but of course it was everything under the sun put into it but it was great.
Do you think your approach can also help – to some extent – against breastcancer related boneloss?
I am 69, and 12 years after mastectomy; but metastases since 6 years, treated with hormone blockers; at the moment I do have metastases in the bones of the upper part of my body. They don’t cause me pain yet, and the bisphosphonate (“Bonefos”) I stopped as it made me feel very bad, causing cramps.
I am already on a alternative anti-cancer diet (vegan, no sugar, lots of vegetables) + taking vitamine pills: Calcium complex, and extra vitamine D.
Thank you for any advice.
Beate
No luck with several attempts to download the free Natural Bone Building Handbook. I see from the comments that others have had the same experience. How can I get the handbook?
Hi Lynn – We send out an email with a download link right after you sign up to get the free Handbook, but sometimes the email can end up in your spam folder. Did you check there? If it’s not there, please email Customer Support (su*****@**********es.com). That’s the best way to get help with order questions/issues. 🙂
I’m going to tryt the hungarian barley recipe but what is milk substitute?
If I were Ellen (Q#6 Calcitonin) I would feel very disappointed with the dismissive reply you gave. She is clearly following your programe to the letter yet her bone density is worsening. Advising her that there are plenty of natural alternative solutions is no help when this is what she has been doing.
I went to http://www.reclast.com and couldn’t find anything about side effects. It said
“Studies have shown that 3 infusions over 3 years is the best way to keep getting the benefits of Reclast. Ensuring that you receive your yearly Reclast infusion on time will help keep your bones strong, without interrupting your active lifestyle.”
It recommends the Reclast which I’ve never used. I have had HYPERTHYROIDISM for almost 20 years and I take tapazone, and also I’ve had Osterporosis for 16 years. I was on Calcitonin (with no side effects) for several years and my condition was stabilized.
Then my insurer said that Calcitonin wasn’t proven in studies to help osterporosis but Fosomax and similar drugs were, so I can’t take Calcitonin any more. Also I haven’t taken the Fosomax either. That is what my doctor is pushing me to take. I have never broken a bone or lost any height. I feel stronger than when I was younger, but the bone x-rays show that I am actually weaker.
I have well water that is high alkaline. Is that going to be a problem to work with your 80/20 recommendation?
I have not been able to find any fault with Forteo. Does anyone know of a bad experience with this drug?
I am 75 with severe osteoporosis and a history of fractures.
About 10 years ago (when I was in severe pain from compression fractures) my endocrinologist strongly suggested daily shots of Forteo, parathyroid hormone. For 2 years I dutifully gave myself a daily shot. Apparently, my bone density improved (although I would now question that) , but, as the months went by, the side effect was intolerable.I developed such severe acid reflux that even the endocrinologist (who claimed that there was no connection with the Forteo) suggested a proton pump inhibitor. Now they are pushing the new drug Odanacatib, ODN. I will not take it.
Beginning this year 2011, I no longer receive Vivian’s E-Mails,why??
I have read your Osteoporosis Reversal Program and found it to be such a relief to find an alternative to drugs. I have been trying to stay on track with the 80/20 Alkaline/Acid foods but still find it difficult to keep my PH around 6.5-7. I have been trying a mineral salts supplement called Alcabase by Tracelabs. 1 tsp in war water daily. My PH is up to 7. What is your opinion on this product?
Thank you
I recently read that distilled watter is more acidic and I am concerned that by drinking it, although the fluoride (that my community adds to our drinking water) would be filtered out, drinking distilled water could negatively impact the alkaline balance I am trying to achieve, and that is needed to protect my bones. Unfortunately I can no longer locate where I read it. Do you have any comments? Thank you.
First off, I love your book and your questions/answers on email. What a world of knowledge.
I am confused as I have Strontium 2 and the label reads “research shows that strontium increases osteoblast activity (bone building) and reduces osteoclast activity (bone breakdown), leading to normalized bone density. Your question and answer above says stontium thickens mostly outer cortical bone. Am I misreading something – – isn’t the osteoblast activity the inner bone? I would love you to clarify.
Is coconut milk as good for the bones as almond milk?
Lorraine
I understand that coconut is very good for the brain and the bones
Thanks for the Mushroom soup recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
I found out I have osteoporosis when I was 47. I am now 55. I refused the drugs the Dr. wanted me to take and found a good calcim powder the]at you mix with water. My question is The Dr’s are now saying it is bad for your heart to take calcium supplements. I would like your opinion on this.I am vegetatrian (mostly vegan)thanks
Teresa – Rockingham West Australia
Hi Teresa,
I wrote a blog post about this. You can check it out here: Calcium and Heart Attack Alert: My Take
I am a vegetarian so was interested to your response to Teresa’s question.