‘Vivian Answers Day’ #2

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Inspiration

Evidence-Based
10 min Read

Question & Answer #1

Do fractured bones heal slower due to osteoporosis? and is age a factor – 81 years old?

-Lorraine A.

Dear Lorraine,

Excellent question! As I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, bones are living and active tissue that can regenerate and rebuild itself. Here's an interesting paradox: osteoporosis does not slow down fracture healing. But the most commonly prescribed osteoporosis drugs, bisphosphonates, can slow down fracture healing.

Quoting from an article titled “Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Pathophysiology and Epidemiology” published by the Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Institute:

“The resorptive power of osteoclasts is essential in bone remodeling. Although bisphosphonates inhibit bone loss, they can also inhibit normal physiological bone remodeling and turnover.”

Age can be a factor, but the bottom line is that regardless of age, bones can heal if their normal metabolism is not tampered with.

To your bone health!

Question & Answer #2

My doctor seems to think I would benefit by taking Fosamax I have osteopenia in my spine. I have read about this drug but I am not happy about the side effects. I am nearly 60 years old I have never had any pain in my back they think it was caused by taking prednisolone for my asthma and last year I had problems in my lung had a ct scan. The contrast they used shut my kidneys down so I had renal failure. So you can see my worry any information you can give me would be helpful thank you. Genny.

-Genny

Dear Genny,

Your doctor – and he is not the only one, unfortunately – is trying to kill an ant with an elephant. Osteopenia is an invented precursor to osteoporosis, a condition that can be reversed without taking dangerous drugs, as I clearly explain in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

You are right about not liking the side effects of Fosamax. Bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax (alendronate) have a long list of undesirable side-effects. And in your particular case, since you've had kidney issues in the past, the drug could actually harm your kidneys. There have been reports of severe kidney damage – even kidney failure – with intravenous bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid). One could argue that the IV dose is much larger than the pill dosage, but it makes sense to at least be very suspicious of microdamage to the delicate kidney tissue potentially caused by smaller doses of the drug.

Follow your instincts and question everything.

Question & Answer #3

I have been interested in bio-identical hormones and found someone to work with me. However- I am on Coumadin and my gynecologist says I risk getting blood clots- mixing hormones and Coumadin. Since I have to be careful of vitamin K- I thought hormones would be helpful for bone health. Do you think I am in trouble or is it minuscule?

-Sharon

Dear Sharon,

My question to you is “Why take a chance?”, especially if there is an alternate solution to your bone health. After all, your health is one of the most precious gifts you should safeguard. You are taking Coumadin for a reason, most likely because of a tendency to get blood clots. And your doctor knows this.

You don't need any type of supplemental hormones to tackle osteoporosis.There is a reason why the body slows down its production of hormones, and it is not a good idea to alter that balance. So I'll end with yet another question: “Why not try the Osteoporosis Reversal Program without taking ANY risks?”

Wishing you all the best,

Question & Answer #4

My Dr. tested my D levels since I refused to take any drugs for osteo (diagnosed by density scan). He said my test showed my D levels are on the low side. He advised one D per month of 50,000 units for three months & then to retest. It’s about time for the retest, but what do you think of this idea, please? He said D2, I take D3!!

I have an excellent diet for osteoporosis which I have studied throughout the nutrition community, plus supplements.

I’m 76 yrs. & in great health, other than osteoporosis.

Thank you for your good work & answers,

-Liz

Dear Liz,

You are right in taking D3. The Vitamin D2 your doctor has prescribed – also known as ergocalciferol – is of plant origin. Thus, it is very poorly absorbed, typically at 50% of intake. Cholecalciferol (D3) is the best form of vitamin D (at least for humans!). This has been vastly documented, and I am amazed at how often Save Our Bones community members mention that their doctor has prescribed D2 instead of recommending common sense sun exposure (weather permitting, of course), and D3.

In an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 84, No. 4, 694-697, October 2006) authors Houghton and Vieth clearly confirm this:

“The case that vitamin D2 should no longer be considered equivalent to vitamin D3 is based on differences in their efficacy at raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, diminished binding of vitamin D2 metabolites to vitamin D binding protein in plasma, and a nonphysiologic metabolism and shorter shelf life of vitamin D2. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, should not be regarded as a nutrient suitable for supplementation or fortification.”

Stay healthy and inquisitive!

Question & Answer #5

Can having osteopenia cause thigh muscles to hurt? I have low vit D and take 50,000 units of vit D once a week. I just can’t seem to remedy these aching thighs. I have started to use a Tens unit on my muscles. I’ll see if that helps.

Thanks.

-Dorothy

Dear Dorothy,

Osteopenia does not hurt. In fact, it's just a made-up condition that indicates a “risk” to develop osteoporosis. And in reference to taking 50.000 units of vitamin D, please see my previous answer to Liz.

In good health,

Question & Answer #6

Since you advocate wearing ankle and wrist weights to build bone, what about a weighted vest to wear while doing your normal daily activities. If so, do you recommend a specific brand and what about how many pounds it should hold? Also do the vibrating plates that you can do exercises on build bone as well? I have read extensive research on their benefits to bone health. Thanks for your input!

-Lacey

Dear Lacey,

The weighted vest is one more way to trigger a positive reaction on bones as postulated (and proven true) in Wolff's Law of bone formation. I explain its important principles in great detail in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Should you wish to wear the vest, you can adjust the weight to your own comfort.

The vibrating plates are still quite controversial, possibly because people with spinal injuries, such as slipped discs or pinched nerves may increase damage by using the machine. So check with your doctor before you invest in one.

Warm regards,

Question & Answer #7

I am a 58 year old male and had been an avid runner for the past 30 years. After breaking a leg (accident) and having knee surgery, I can no longer run. I was diagnosed with osteopenia 2 1/2 years ago and the Dr. told me to take calcium supplements and vit. D supplements. Two questions: Does working out on the elliptical machine at the gym count as weight bearing excercise? I recently saw the resuts of a study that linked vitamin D with increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Can you confirm and advise? Thanks!

-Steve

Dear Steve,

The term “weight-bearing” means your bones are working against gravity to support your body weight. So using an elliptical machine is considered a weight-bearing exercise.

About vitamin D and an increased risk in pancreatic cancer, you are pointing to a large study conducted in Finland. Here's the catch: all study participants were smokers, and indeed, men who had the highest concentrations of vitamin D in their bloodstreams had a greater risk of developing the cancer.

But an even larger Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study in the USA found that those with the highest consumption of vitamin D, 600 IU a day or more, had a 41% lower risk of pancreatic cancer.

Stay healthy and injury free!

Question & Answer #8

I have epilepsy as well as osteoporosis. The latter was a direct result from taking certain epilepsy drugs sine a baby. I am in the process of recovery from a hip fracture that went misdiagnosed for the first month as being soft tissue damage.

I was wondering if there was anything else I could do or take that would speed recovery whilst I am on crutches, as I am more vulnerable to another fall, seeing as I have poorly controlled epilepsy. I don’t want to hinder my process so far with the exercises and diet I am doing for bone strength. Thank you Vivian.

-Julie

Dear Julie,

I hope that you are feeling better. Your best bet is to continue on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program so your bones remodel as nature intended, all the while you nourish them with the Foundation Foods and Supplements.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Question & Answer #9

I have been trying to keep to your program for quite a while now and I take a magnesium supplement. For the last month or so I have been using a magnesium oil spray because I feel that sometimes the by mouth supplements can upset the gut. My dilemma is “how do I know that the magnesium is getting into my system”? Has there been any independent research on this?
Regards

-Heather

Dear Heather,

Magnesium oil spray is absorbed through the skin (transdermal absorption). The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it acts like a giant sponge. Dr. C. Norman Shealy, has done extensive research on transdermal magnesium oil and postulates that it is especially valuable for those who can't tolerate oral magnesium supplementation.

Warm regards,

Question & Answer #10

I know you suggest algae calcium but which one do you think is the best? If a person cannot seem to tolerate that kind of calcium, what calcium supplement would you suggest? I am having a terrible time trying to find the best supplement. Thank you.

-Kathleen J.

Dear Kathleen,

Many supplement companies incorporate plant-based calcium in their formulas nowadays, and they are all quite similar in composition. Among them are New Chapter, Garden of Life, and Algaecal. If you have a difficult time tolerating these supplements, your next best option is amino-acid chelated calcium.

As I explain in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, it is important to take the Foundation Supplements in the right balance, because they all are synergistic with each other. So to get maximum results, don't forget to balance the calcium properly with bone healthy minerals and trace elements.

To your health!