Vivian Answers Day #17: Cell Regeneration, Boniva, Magnesium Overdose, Calcium Absorption, Best Water, And More! - Save Our Bones

Question & Answer #1

I have osteoporosis, and my doctor told me that the only way to get cured is to take the drugs. But I don't want to, I'm really scared of them. I asked if there was a way to build bones without drugs, and he said that I'm stuck with the bones I have unless I follow his advice. I just found your website, so I'd like to know if what he told me is true.

-Eleanor

Dear Eleanor,

Perfect timing to find the Save Our Bones community! To answer your question, doctors seem to think that we're stuck with what we have… unless we do what they say. But that's not so, and I have to say that they might forget a basic principle of biology: that our cells are constantly reproducing and thus renewing themselves… if we provide them with the nutrients and with the environment they need. Bones are also made of cells that are alive and that need proper caring so they flourish, and that's the basis of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

As a Biologist, I find this topic fascinating, and not only as it relates to bones. Because cells are the building blocks of all our organs in the body. So cell renewal is essential to health and to staying young and vibrant.

In fact, I've run into some eye-opening research about a natural substance found in a common food that has shown to help the body create rejuvenated cells, regardless of age. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about it here.

Click here for more shocking discoveries about cell rejuvenation.

Stay young and inquisitive!

Question & Answer #2

Can you tell me why these drug companies are continually given air time to advertise bisphosphonates, which as we know thanks to you,Vivian, are so deadly? The Boniva adverts featuring Sally Field spring to mind in particular?

-Fran

Dear Fran,

Pharmaceutical companies have the right to advertise the products they sell, just like any other company. What would the criteria be to ban them from advertising? But here's what's important: the responsibility of making the decision whether to use them or not is in our hands, regardless of the ads.

I did pick up on Sally Field's starring role in the Boniva advertisements, and wrote a blog post about it titled ‘Boniva: What If Sally Field Told the Truth'.

If you haven't read it yet, check it out. And if you want a good laugh, watch this short video about the Boniva ads that was featured on Saturday Night Live.

Keep asking questions!

Question & Answer #3

My osteoporosis is in an advanced stage, with almost constant pain. I am doing exercises, taking supplements, etc. But I’m not sure what supplements post osteoporosis requires. Most articles, etc. that I read deal with prevention of Osteoporosis. Can you help me?

-Helen

Dear Helen,

I hope you're feeling better. To answer your question, in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program you'll find tons of information about the Foundation Supplements, which are the bone-healthy supplements that build and strengthen your bones. They are not difficult to find exotic products. In fact, the Foundation Supplements are vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are easily available just about anywhere.

And if you'd like to bring your bone health to the next level, get the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. It's risk free for one full year, so you have nothing to loose and everything to gain – including your bone density!

Best wishes,

Question & Answer #4

Can I overdose on Magnesium supplements? Thanks for clarifying.

-B. Oliver

Dear Oliver,

Most magnesium overdoses occur when ingesting too much Milk of Magnesia (an over-the-counter laxative and antacid) or Epsom salts. Some of the side effects of magnesium overdose are nausea, diarrhea, a slower heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting. An overdose can be more severe if someone has kidney issues.

On the other hand, it is impossible to overdose on magnesium from eating foods that contain it. And – you guessed it – magnesium is listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program as a Foundation Food.

With all the emphasis on calcium to stave off osteoporosis, magnesium has been all but forgotten by mainstream medicine. You see, every organ in the body requires magnesium for proper function. It also activates enzymes and contributes to energy production.

And because of its important role in bone health, magnesium is also listed In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program as a Foundation Supplement, where -among other things – I explain how magnesium acts synergistically with calcium. The recommended ratio between calcium and magnesium is 2:1, and the RDA is 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men.

To your bone health!

Question & Answer #5

I switched to the raw whole foods calcium product. The suggested amount is 750 mg daily. Is that enough? I was taking 1200 in the regular calcium supplements.

-Anne

Dear Anne,

The answer to your question is: it depends on your diet and lifestyle. If you follow the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, then 750 mg of calcium is plenty. Why? Because the Program is designed to help you retain most of the calcium where it belongs: in your bones. If you're not following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and are eating an imbalanced diet and perhaps taking acidifying osteoporosis drugs, then no amount of calcium is enough.

Think about this: almost everyone with an osteoporosis diagnosis is told by their doctor to take lots of calcium. So if calcium would be the answer, why are doctors also prescribing the drugs?

Stay natural!

Question & Answer #6

My husband is a chemical engineer and believes it is not wise to drink distilled water. Do you have any concerns about distilled water?

-Diane

Dear Diane,

I recommend drinking distilled water with a few drops of lemon to detoxify and to balance your pH. In the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, which is part of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, I write this:

“All water, including distilled water, is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, so it is electrically neutral. However, the negative and positive charges are unevenly distributed. The electronic (negative) charge is concentrated at the oxygen end of the molecule. This ever-so-slight charge imbalance coupled with the highest level of purity found in distilled water helps create an alkaline environment, even though distilled water does test acidic for its pH.

The unencumbered and subtle negative charge in distilled water attracts the positively charged acidic waste products and helps flush them out of the body. Perhaps this is why another common myth about drinking distilled water is that it causes essential minerals to leach out of the body, but nothing could be further from the truth.Thanks to the cleansing action of distilled water, your body will have a more alkaline pH, which is essential to your bone health, as I write in the Save Our Bones Program.”

Here's to the “chemistry” in your marriage!

Question & Answer #7

What is the role of vitamin K in calcium absorption? I know that it is a blood thinner and one should consult with a physician before taking it, but I also hear that it helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth. If it is so, what type of K should one take and how much?

-Margots

Dear Margot,

This is an excellent question, because just like I wrote in my answer about magnesium, vitamin K is also often forgotten by mainstream medicine. However, please note that Vitamin K is a blood thickener, not a blood thinner. Yet a large number of studies scientific studies confirm Vitamin K’s positive effects on bone-building processes. In fact, this vitamin is listed as one of the Foundation Supplements in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. To get all the details and dosage information, read my comprehensive article titled “Vitamin K: Your Osteoporosis Knight in Shining Armor”.

Enjoy!

Question & Answer #8

I have been told I have osteopenia in the lumber spine -1.8 Also osteoporosis in the femoral hip -2.9 I have no pain or stiffness whatsoever,I am very supple. I am wondering if this is normal?

-Jane

Dear Jane,

Of course it is normal ! If you have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program you already know that osteoporosis is not a disease. And that the DXA (previously DEXA) scan machines that focus only on bone density are not good (and reliable) bone health indicators. Because contrary to what the medical establishment wants us to believe, bone density is but one of the many components of bone health. Very dense and non-renewed bones may be more prone to fracture than supple and renewed bones.

Warm regards,

Question & Answer #9

In a 24 hour urine test my doctor said I spill too much calcium into my urine and not to bother to take calcium supplements because I’m not absorbing them. Should I not take any calcium supplements?

-Margaret

Dear Margaret,

Your doctor is giving you only half the story… You can – and should – take action to make sure you retain the calcium you take. That's one of the basics of reversing osteoporosis and therefore, one of the main goals of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Please read my answer above to Anne about calcium.

And here's my gift to you (and to your doctor): ‘The Ultimate Calcium Guide'.

To your strong bones!

Question & Answer #10

I have rheumatoid arthritis and take 9.5mg of prednisolone daily. I am following your programme of diet and supplements and find your ongoing tips very interesting and useful but can all of the things I am doing really negate the damage the steroids are doing to my bones.

-Brenda.

Dear Brenda,

Congratulations on your decision to follow the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, especially since you're taking prednisolone on a daily basis! As you surely know, corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and to suppress the immune system. Unfortunately, these synthetic steroids deplete the body of key vitamins and minerals such as B6, Vitamins D and K, zinc, and potassium. So pay special attention to those, since they are also Foundation Supplements (except for potassium).

Keep up with the Program and have a healthy and happy 2012,

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Terry

    7yrs ago my doctor told me my test results showed early RA and put me on methytrexate and prednizone which I took for 1mo. & quit. I didn’t want to have the side effects of them. He was not happy so put me on a low-dose antidepressant for the pain which I quit because I was sleepy even after lowering it again. Also said I had osteopenia and anemia. My question is now I have awful pain in my hips & other joints. Cannot sleep due to the pain, which is worse when I lie on my buttocks, sit too long, so I live on aleve. WHAT CAN I do or take in supplement form, (also said I don’t absorb calcium, it goes in my urine but I still take calcium 1000mg, gel cap, a day,) without going to more docs, shelling out money to them.

  2. Lucy

    Dear Vivian

    I find your comments on various issues interesting and make sense. I have seen a product on-line called GetAwayGrey which is meant to reverse grey hairs. I would be appreciate your thoughts on the efficacy and safety of this product. Sincerely, Lucy.

  3. Barbara Higgins

    The doctor who did the radiation for my breast cancer 3 years ago has suggested that I take Viactiv Chews to build calcium since I don’t want to take bisphosphonates. Are Viactiv Chews safe to take?

  4. Mary Young

    I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I stopped taking the prescribed Fosamax after reading Save Our Bones and gave the book to my physician. She reviewed it and said Vivian made very good points. I am following the program and have switched to almond milk as recommended. I do like to heat it and add one teaspoon each of truvia and vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It tastes like a delicious latte. I do worry that heating may damage some of the calcium. I heat it just until boiling. Please advise. Thank you.

  5. Dona

    WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR KIDNEY RECEPTORS ARE NOT WORKING? i BELIEVE YOU NEED THEM TO SIGNAL THE KIDNEYS TO DISTRIUBTE THE CALCIUM TO OUR BONES

  6. Babs

    Your comment to #9 with too much calcium in their blood is not correct. She needs to have her parathyroid tested with simple blood work. A tumor in your parathyroid will cause too much calcium to be in your blood instead of your bones. Most doctors don’t realize that you need to have this bad parathyroid removed. It never gets better! Doctors will go on for years running test when in fact it needs to be removed before the calcium will finally go where it is needed…into your bones. Go to http://www.parathyroid.com if you would like to learn more.
    Barbara

  7. Pam

    Vivian,

    I recently purchased your densercise program. I’ve been considering buying a weighted vest. What are you views on wearing a weighted vest to help build bone mass. Also, where would I purchase one?

    Thanks,

    Pam

  8. Marolyn Yard

    I have your Save our Bones book from two years ago. Is this new package much more complete?

  9. sukh

    Thank u so much for the priceless advice u give out so generously.

  10. jenny

    I am so stiff and sore in the mornings I can hardly get out of bed ,it seems to be more my muscles than bones,I was taking lakota for rheumatoid arthritis but stopped as I thought it might be causing this,I do take vitamins and find if I take an extra strength aspirin I can get through the day,but the soreness and stiffnes is back next morning.

  11. Myrtle MacKenzie

    I have severe osteoporosis and have tried many ‘cures’. The past two years I have only taken calcium, vitamin D, and a multivitamin.
    My Dr. wants me to try aclasta but I am concerned about side effects since it’s taken only once a year.
    I would like your opinion. Thanks!

  12. Patricia Harding

    Question about ITP. One day towards the end of March, I got a lot of black and blue spots on my body. I thought it was funny, but thought I must of bumped myself, but when a large one appeared on my breast, I knew it was not bumps, so I want to a doctor in AZ where I spend the winter. She immediately put my in the hospital. It seem my blood platelets had suddenly dropped to 6,000. After transfusions and bone biopsy and drawing blood everyday, etc. all the stuff they do in the hospital I was released after 5 days, but had to keep getting the blood checked every week. (At my regular doctor in my home state I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis a couple of years earlier and I refused to take the fosamax) I started doing weight lifting and the next year when I was supposed to get another bone density test, the doctor said I didn’t need it because it would have the same score or worse because I had refused to take the fosamax. Now, this Arizona Dr. tells me I need to take the fosamax because the prednisone weakens the bones and could break a femur bone. My platelets go up and down so it seems I can’t get off the prednisone because I am told I have to be weeded off it slowly. I have your Save our Bones and really love what you write. I thoroughly believe in every thing you say. Thanks for any insight on my question.

    • Teresa

      My daughter got TTP last summer. She was on steroids for a while, but weaned off of them over a 6 month period. While in the hospital, one of her roommates had to watch a video about fosamax and statins. The videos both mentioned that a possible side effect was the developement of TTP. I know ITP is a little different, but I would be causeous about it. My daughter had pain in her hips and knees and took a glucosomine, MSM, and crogoten (Spelling?) combo for six months. Her pain went away and her blood tests have been fine since.
      Good luck with the ITP.

  13. Elizabeth

    I was on Actonel for 4 1/2 years and had Osteopenia but when my doctor took me off Actonel I got Osteoporosis. She prescribed 1 a day Actonel in the spring of 2009 but I never took it. I went to the nutrition store and bought a bone builder formula containing calcium magnesium, vitamin d, and vitamin k.

    I had a bone scan in November 2011 recently and I do not have any osteoporosis and my condition has reverted to osteopeniaI also bought your book vivian and follow the diet and healthy eating.

    Thank you so much.

    Elizabeth

    • linda

      I’m interested in knowing what supplement you bought. thank you.

    • Jan

      Did you still take Calcium with Vit D and magnesium with your bone building formuala?

  14. Shula

    Thank you so much for continuing the Q & A program, it is so helpful. Shula

  15. Edna Eads

    Hello,
    I enjoyed your “Vivian Answers Day #17” but the No. 7 question regarding
    vitamin K confused me. The lady “I think she signed her name Margot”, said
    she knew vitamin K was a blood thinner. You didn’t correct her statement, just gave her info regarding bone health. Did I misread the question or
    am I mistaken in that Vitamin K actually thickens the blood, not thin it.

    Just want the lady to have the right info in case she is on blood thinners
    and educate myself if I’m wrong.

    Edna

    • tal

      I was surprised too. Vitamin K was given to me in injections before surgery because I didn’t have enough clotting factors, which definitely means this is a thickener not a thinner. I have always known vitamin K to be a clot enhancer. I didn’t like that the issue was not corrected. I would like to see misinformation corrected so others do not read that and then believe that instead of the facts.

      • LynnCS

        I’m still there myself. Wondering if we will hear more but, I think all you gals are right. I am sure it has to do with enhancing the clotting ability of the platelets. This is why our friends on blood thinners can’t eat many of the greens we enjoy. Vit K.

        • Margaret

          Hi,
          Re Vivians Answer Day# 17. Q 7
          If LynnCS, Tal & Edna Eads re read Vivian’s answer you will find the question was answered. Quote -However please note, Vitamin K is a blood thickner not a blood thinner. Unquote.

        • Annie

          It really is upsetting to read some of Vivian’s answers, or I should say, when she does not answer people on her site, but only tells them to buy her “Osteoporosis Reversal Program ” …

          Vitamin K2 MK-4 takes the Calcium to our Bones Not our Heart Arteries. Which is becoming a problem.
          K2 MK-4 has a short shelve life in the body. It needs to be taken 2 to 3 times aday..
          Vitamin K-7 might be taken 3 times a week. It stays in the body longer.

          There are different vitamin K’s.
          K does clot the blood. Anyone that is taking blood thiners needs to contact there Dr.

          I’m now thinking, Vivian does not know about K2-MK4, or other K’s, or she would have answered!!

  16. ERNEST GRIESSER

    QUESTION !

    I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MILK PRODUCTS CANCEL BENEFICIAL ANTIOXIDANTS. DOES THIS ALSO APPLY TO YOGURT AND GREEK YOGURT?

    IS THERE A SAFE DIGESTION TIME BEFORE AND AFTER TAKING ANTIOXIDANTS TO USE
    THE ABOVE MILK PRODUCTS IN MODERATION? IF SO, HOW MANY HOURS/MINUTES?

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

    • tal

      Milk actually leaches out calcium from the bones, all animal products are acidic and anything acidic will cause calcium to be leached. I wish the milk industry would quit telling us to drink milk, it is not what we need. Yes milk has lots of calcium but not what gets absorbed by us, instead you will most likely leach out more calcium than what you take in when you drink milk not to mention all the fat you will be avoiding by not eating, drinking milk/animal products, if you need probiotics there are better choices than yogurt which is milk/fat. Other foods rich in absorbable non-leaching calcium would be best and less fattening. You can find a list of high calcium foods online by typing that in – foods high in absorbable calcium. An excellent book is The China Study excellent reading on osteoporosis in there. Good luck.

      • LynnCS

        I have downloaded Vivian’s brochure on Calcium because I have an old brain…lol…and need to go back and reread things. She says that the yogurt becomes a bit different because it is fermented. I do prefer to find other sources though.

        • Annie

          Fermented food is healthy.

          Milk is a Acid food.

          Make sure the Yogurt you buy does not have any “high fruitose corn syrup” or added sugar, or fake sugar etc.
          Sugar robs our bones of calcium, and clogs our arteries.

  17. Elaine Schaeffer

    Thank you, all the info is very interesting. I have some friends and I have been looking at their book called cook right 4 your blood type. I noticed in the back they also have eat right and live right 4 your blood type. Anything to this ideal of health.? I noticed a lot of the food that are good for you are not for a type 0 blood. One thing about it there is plenty of food to eat that is on the lists. Just wondering how it works with the food on save you bones. Thanks I am still healthy and listen to friends who are trying to get healthy. Thanksyou.

    • LynnCS

      Every now and then I think, could it be true? Then I realize that I am never going to eat animal flesh again, so it really doesn’t matter if an O is supposed to eat a lot of flesh foods. I am going to have to do it in a way that I truly can live with. Eating dead animal flesh ain’t it. It is adidifying and causes all kinds of negative effects on the body for everyone. Why would I want to go that way because one author wanted to sell books? That’s my take on that blood type idea.;~/ lol..

      • LynnCS

        Ehem!!! Acidifying!!

  18. Pam

    Dear Vivian,
    It’s so nice to have someone to talk to and get straight answers. The Rheumatologist that I was referred to by my doctor told me I needed to get started on the Osteoporosis drugs immediately because my matrix was disappearing and if it got thin enough, It would never be replaceable. She said that you needed to stop the loss in time to save enough matrix in the bone or else. That was 4 yrs. ago. I didn’t take the drugs, but according to my dexa-scans, my numbers keep going down. I’ve been going to a wholistic doctor doing whatever she’s advised. I get lots of good walking , Pilates exercise, and some weight-lifting. Your book just arrived. I do most of what’s in there already. There were a few things I’ll add to my regimen. Was that doctor right about the matrix? It scared me. I’m going for another scan in Feb. Hopefully it’s improved!! Thank you so much for what you’re doing. Pam

  19. Leanne Hoole

    I really appreciate your program of nutrition and eating advice on how to achieve an alkaline pH. I have no problem maintaing an alkaline pH during the day. But I do have a drop in my pH during the night. In the morning my pH plummets to at least 4.5. What do you recommend me to do, to address this issue? Has anyone else reported this phenomenon? Many thanks for your consideration.

    • Alison

      Try a tablespoon of lemon juice before you go to bed. Really increases my PH. I have heard that it is also very good for heartburn, if anyone suffers from that.

      • LynnCS

        Very interesting…I do know that we lose our ability to digest due to lowered stomach acid as we get older. Adding lemon juice to my smoothies and salads have helped with that. As a matter of fact, I have learned that it is good to have a small amt of bicarbonate of soda at night in a glass of water. It might be prudent to look see what Vivian has to say about that. If wrong we could create a very uncomfortable night and upside down ph. Vivian. What do you say?

  20. bea

    vivian i went to my foot dr. about 3 yrs. ago and he took e-rays of my feet well the bones and my leg bones were a very very dark color and right by my big toe was a little white he told me the white was what my bones should look like that was when i was on reclast well i have been off of reclast now for about 2 years now and i have been on your have our bones now as much as i can well i went back to my foot dr. just before christmas and he took exrays and i had a stress fractor but when he took the exray my bones in my legs were all white but down my feet were a light gray does it mean save our bones is working ? my stress fracture was caused from me speed walking every day i guess i just have to slow down a little as much as i hate to .oh i am 76 yrs old.

  21. Celestina Marie

    Great Q&A Vivian,
    Thank you so much!

  22. Sharon

    My doctor is wanting me to take Forteo (the once a day shot) for a year or two at the most. What are your thoughts on this drug. I understand it is very expensive and I really can’t afford it nor do I want to inject myself with it.

    • mary

      I was told I had to take Forteo or suffer in a wheel chair by the time I am 60. Scared and half sick at that answer, I asked the nurses in my doctor’s office what THEY take. Then asked the doctor what HIS wife is on. I even went further and asked the lady who runs the bone scanning machine what she takes. I found out than NONE of those ladies take any bone medicine because of the reports they have read. So, I changed my diet (hacres.com) and follow Vivian’s advice. Now I feel healthy as can be at 5’6″ and 137 pounds. Thank you, Vivian!

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Sharon, be sure to check out my blog post titled “The Forteo Mystery: What You Should Know About This Puzzling Drug”. It has lots of important information and a little comic relief at the end. Laughter is the best medicine 🙂

  23. Germaine

    I am now 65 and had two infusions of Pamidronate and two more of Reclast, the last one being in 2006 or 2007. Do I have any cause to worry about my bones becoming super-brittle, or that so called “necrosis of the jaw” (horrendous thought !!) hitting me now or later on ? wish I had never listened to those supposed bone doctors. Why does the general public put their health and lives in the hands of these money-grabbing shysters, without a second thought ????

  24. Lucy

    For the woman who can’t absorb her supplements, I had the same issue. I went gluten-free, and the urine test which determines calcium loss went from a high of 52 to 23 in just three months. My thryoid medication also had to be lowered because I am absorbing it now!

    • LynnCS

      Interesting. Maybe that’s why I had to get off my high dose Armour Thyroid. I went from needing high doses to having hyper thyroid symptoms. Could be Hashimoto’s but, for now, I test ok. Hmmm! Nice to think I might have improved my digestion/absorbability. Yay! Good that my hair has stopped falling out (and many other good things.) Good nutrition is the answer to a lot of problems, isn’t it?

  25. Carol Fontanini

    I understand Vitamin A is not good to take for persons with osteoporosis

    Can you recommend a Multiple Vitamin that does not have Vitamin A in it?

    Thank you.

  26. Nu Ly

    I cannot take the supplement CoQ10 50 mg, when I take this, my bood presure goes higher. Please advise.

  27. Barbara

    I am just nursing my 5th rib fracture in 2 years. I am 62. I was first labelled osteopaenic about 10 years ago, when I had my first fragility fracture.
    For most of my life my diet has been pretty much in accordance with your principles and I am fit and active. Can you explain why I might have developed such fragile bones and would adhering to your programme really make any difference?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Barbara, bone health involves an integrative process, and for that reason the Osteoporosis Reversal Program offers a solution centered around easy dietary and lifestyle changes. I urge you to download (if you haven’t yet) the free RESTORE report. You’ll find it on this page, in answer #3.

  28. Susanna

    Very helpful, as always. Thanks for your insights. One correction, however: Vitamin K is NOT a blood thinner; it actually “thickens” the blood. According to mainstream doctors who treat atrial fibrillation with coumadin/warfarin, it is “contraindicated”; they discourage its use, which can be catastrophic for bone health. Vitamin K is actually used as an “antidote” to coumadin, for blood that needs to be thickened up for surgery, etc. With that said, one can work with one’s doctor to incorporate K-containing foods and supplements into the diet (for bone health) by balancing the thinner with their consumption. We tracked my mother’s PT/INR levels and increased the coumadin dosage as needed. Whatever you do, DON’T forego this important nutrient! Work with your doctor to get what your bones need for their good health.

  29. Ann

    Question?!
    Dear Vivian,
    I have your book and email messages which are greatly appreciated.

    My husband was diagnosed with high grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a short time after having had approx. a year on fosamax (alendronic acid) for osteoporosis. He was successfully treated for the cancer with chemotherapy. We have had many weeks and months in hospital as he had neutropenic sepsis a number of times and other complications. Scans last spring showed the cancer in remission but a focus growing quickly in his intestine. It is not generally known that chemotherapy can reactivate old TB. My husband had a kidney removed over 50 years ago for TB and was succesfully treated then. He had urgent surgery last summer to remove this active focus which was causing obstruction – with weeks in intensive care and 3 months in hospital. The biopsy showed active TB despite the fact he had been successfully treated many years ago. He has almost finished the modern course of TB drugs but during the last two months has had two collapse fractures of his spine caused additionally by large doses of steroids over the past year – a lot of time in bed – and other chemotherapy drugs. Everyone believes he’s a ‘miracle’ man! I’ve been told a number of times he wouldn’t survive the night. Hospital staff have been wonderful although wards are very understaffed.

    We saw the endocrinologist yesterday who wanted to put him urgently back on Fosamax/strontium or infusions of Acclasta (Zolendronic acid). I expressed anxiety about these drugs and he has delayed the decision whilst doing various tests and x-rays. I said there was evidence contraindicating these drugs and he wants me to give him some rigorous research papers (?) proving my point and showing evidence for ‘my’ opinions.
    Please can you help by giving me some academic/medical references? I have your book etc but need appropriate material to give him. Look forward to hearing from you. Happy New Year

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      I hope your husband is feeling better. He’s certainly a fighter! Bisphosphonates are cleared through the kidney, so giving any of the variations of this drug – and especially zoledronic acid – is a very risky proposition. Cases of kidney failure have been reported with the IV infusion… and your husband has only one! You can read all about this and the latest warnings on zoledronic acid in my blog posts titled “Alert: Reclast and Kidney Failure”, “Alert: New Life-Threatening Reclast Side Effects”, and “Reclast: the Miracle Oral Bisphosphonate Alternative?”. As always, all the scientific sources are referenced at the bottom of each article. Wishing your husband good health and a full recovery!

  30. Rose Somma

    My doctor is recommending that I take Prolia, as I have had negative results with Evista & Actonel. I have resisted strongly! I haven’t seen any ads on this drug. To me, they are all in the same category: not for me! How does this one rate? I am just curious. Thank you.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Rose, I’ve written an article (blog post) about Prolia titled “Prolia (denosumab): My Review. Just write this title on the Search box at the top right of the Save Our Bones website, click the Enter key, and you’ll see it.

  31. Colette

    I a 60 years old and was diagnosed 3 years ago with Osteoporosis. I was prescribed Bonviva but after reading your articles stopped taking it after one week. My dentist was in total agreement ,he said I could develop osteoporosis in my jaw. I have come accross a herbal tablet called Osteo Plus and wondered what your opinion of the tablet is? I find your articles really interesting and informative. With Thanks

  32. Audrey

    I just left a comment and forgot to add that I have had a thyroid cyst for many years. I believe this happened as a result of a complete hysterectomy. I have refused medication for the cyst and refused to have it removed surgically.

  33. Audrey

    I have been lactose intolerant for years and for the past 10 years every calcium pill I took made my bones ache. I have also been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. I refused to take all the drugs that were recommended to me. I just was diagnosed with a parathyroid adenoma. This was discovered through a blood test which showed very high blood calcium levels and very high parathyroid hormone levels. I was told that surgery was the only cure and that after the parathyroid adenoma was removed my osteoporosis would begin to reverse immediately at up to 8% per year bone density growth. I would like to know if surgery is the only remedy and if the information about reversal of osteoporosis is true. I understand that after surgery follow up visits are not necessary and no drugs are recommended. Please advise.

    • Mira

      Dear Audrey, last July I had half of my thyroid removed, because of a cyst, and 2 parathyroid glands removed (the wrong ones)- surgery failed. I still have high calcium and PTH. I am now waiting for II opinion, don’t know what to do, my surgeon wants to operate again. My osteoporosis is -4.2; and I am 53.
      I wish you good luck for your operation (it’s not so bad)
      Please, let me know how it goes. I guess I was very unlucky, as usual.
      Kind regards and all the best, Mira

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Audrey, even though the adenoma is a benign tumor, it’s not a good idea to keep any tumor inside the body. I wish you a speedy recovery from the surgery!

  34. MZULKFLLIE

    I am 51 years old. I am a bit scared of taking calcium supplements. I was told that calcium could cause the artery to swell and thus encouraging the cholesterol to get stuck and eventually block the artery. My cholesterol level is high. How should I go about this? Should I take calcium supplement and if so how much?

    • Carl

      You don’t need to supplement calcium if you are getting enough in your diet. Most green veggies, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and many other nuts will give you enough calcium, and in the most usable form as well. However, I do suggest that you use magnesium oil by massaging it into your skin every day. Start with one-quarter ounce a day, and build up to 1-2 ounces a day. You can buy Magnesium oil from http://www.swansonvitamins.com (the least costly one) or http://www.ancient-minerals.com. I use the oil I get from Swanson, and I love how it helps with my osteoarthritis pains.

      Another way of administration is to simply drink magnesium chloride in ones water or juice. The best way is to combine one of the transdermal routes with oral[4] for concentrated doses that achieve maximum therapeutic effect.

      Each spray of Magnesium Oil contains approximately 18 milligrams of elemental magnesium.[5] An ounce would contain just over 3,300 mg. Five sprays in a glass of water would thus be almost 100 milligrams.

      Three to five to even ten sprays of magnesium chloride in a glass of pure water or juice is an excellent way to take magnesium internally. It assists digestion, counteracts excess acidity in the stomach, and delivers magnesium swiftly into the bloodstream for distribution to all the cells of the body. Minerals like magnesium in ionic liquid form are vastly superior to pill forms. Much more magnesium will get absorbed and absorption will not depend on hydrochloric acid levels.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Check out the free Ultimate Calcium Guide I’ve linked to in Q&Q #9. Just click on it (in red), and it will take you to the free download.

      • Mary

        Speaking of the guide on calcium there was no opinion on tricalcium phosphate. i recently purchased this gummy calcium dx mix from the health food store. i don’t know if these are any better for bones than the caltrate carbonate chewables i take now. help!

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