Question & Answer #1
What is the difference between low turnover and high turnover osteoporosis? Thanks!
-Dinah
Dear Dinah,
The characteristic of low turnover osteoporosis, also known as age-related or type II osteoporosis, is that bone resorption outpaces bone formation. In other words, when the normal bone remodeling cycle is disrupted.
High turnover osteoporosis or type I is caused by a sudden hormonal imbalance, particularly lower estrogen levels, which trigger calcium loss from the bones. While type I osteoporosis is usually associated with spinal compressions, type II is typically blamed for spinal and leg fractures.
Of course, this is the medical establishment’s view on osteoporosis, which they wrongly catalog as a disease. As a Save Our Bones community member you already know that osteoporosis is not a disease, as I clearly explain in the Program. You can also read a synopsis on this important topic here.
Once we get rid of this myth, we can ignore the different types of osteoporosis since as I wrote in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, calcium loss leading to bone fragility is caused by a biochemical imbalance that can be easily corrected without any drugs.
Stay curious… and healthy!
Question & Answer #2
Vivian,
My husband loves soup, so we eat it every day at dinnertime. I always used chicken or beef stock to add flavor, but now that I’m following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, I’d like to replace it with an alkalizing stock.
Could you give me a good and easy recipe as a replacement?
Thanks!
Trish
Dear Trish,
Here’s my favorite alkalizing soup stock recipe:
Vegetable Broth
Makes about 10 Cups of Broth
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
1 pound celery, chopped
1 pound carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, whole
1 bay leaf, or a few sprigs of rosemary
Fresh parsley, to taste
2 teaspoons sea salt (or adjust to taste)
Black pepper to taste (optional)
1 gallon water, distilled
Directions
Heat a large stock pot with some olive oil in the bottom.
Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, (any other vegetable you might have), herbs, and salt.
Pour in the water; turn up the heat and cover.
Cook for 1 hour, turning the heat down a bit once it starts boiling.
Let it simmer uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Strain the vegetables through a sieve. If you desire a smoother, more liquid texture, you can strain the liquid a second time using a cheesecloth.
Enjoy!
Question & Answer #3
What is the best time to take bone building vitamins, AM or PM?
-Bridget
Dear Bridget,
As I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, it is best to take the Foundation Supplements with food. I take them in the morning, so I don’t have to remember later in the day. The only supplement I also take with dinner is extra calcium, since the maximum absorbable dose is 500 mg at a time.
In good health!
Question & Answer #4
Are gluten free baked goods alkalizing or acidifying? ie: gluten free pizza, bread, cookies, etc.
-Mary
Dear Mary,
Gluten free ingredients are typically acidifying, since the wheat is most often replaced with other cereals such as corn or oats which have an acid ash residue. However, buckwheat, despite its name, is not related to wheat and it is both alkalizing and gluten free.
Stay healthy,
Question & Answer #5
You mentioned that lemons had calcium. Do limes also have calcium? I really enjoy all the articles you have sent.
-Brenda
Dear Brenda,
Lemons are one of the Foundation Foods listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. In addition to being alkalizing, they contain vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. In fact, one lemon contains 15 grams of calcium.
You most probably already know that Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body. It’s necessary for the production of collagen, which maintains bones and cartilage.
While limes are a source of Vitamin C, they don’t contain calcium. However, they do have small quantities of potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus.
Be well,
Question & Answer #6
I am 70 years old and I have been taking calcium, but I have just read an article from England saying I should not take these supplements because of side effects, especially heart problems. What do you think?
-Pearl
Dear Pearl,
This is an excellent question! The flaw in a blanket statement condemning calcium as bad for the heart is that Mainstream Medicine basically ignores the difference between the types of calcium supplements.
To get all the details and my take on this controversial topic, you can read my blog post titled ‘Calcium and Heart Attack Alert: My Take'.
Best wishes,
Question & Answer #7
What would you recommend when a physician tells one has low vitamin D in the blood. I was told that my blood level is 22 (it should be at least 30). I’m already taking multivitamins, and have now added 1000 D3 per day. What is my next alternative should this not help?
-Claire
Dear Claire,
You are on the right track, but since Vitamin D is poorly absorbed from dietary sources (both food and supplements), you might want to consider upping the dose for the first month or two, perhaps to 2,000 IU (plus the 400 your multivitamin/mineral supplement most probably contains).
I also recommend you sunbathe for at least 20 minutes a day without using sunblock. To avoid this problem in the future, if you live in an area with few days of sunshine or if the weather doesn’t permit you to be outdoors in the winter, you might want to consider a sun lamp made specifically to increase or maintain Vitamin D levels. Should you need to use one, make sure you follow manufacturer’s directions to avoid skin problems.
So let the sunshine in!
Question & Answer #8
Re Forteo — is it true that Forteo can cause osteosarcoma?
-Debbie
Dear Debbie,
Indeed, osteosarcoma – a dangerous bone cancer – is a scary diagnosis. During laboratory trial studies prior to the drug’s approval, almost 45% of the rats treated with Forteo (teriparatide) at the highest dose developed osteosarcoma.
Fortunately, very few humans who've taken Forteo have reported contracting this lethal disease. But the drug is still riddled with mystery and other nasty side effects.
You can read more about Forteo here.
Keep asking questions,
Question & Answer #9
Dear Vivian,
Is there any medication that can help with osteoporosis?
-Irma
Dear Irma,
It depends whom you ask this question to. If you asked a doctor, he or she would tell you that there’s more than one medication that can help you. My answer to you is that all osteoporosis medicines carry unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. And what’s worse is that those who are willing to risk their health as a trade-off experience only temporary bone density improvement – if at all. That’s because osteoporosis drugs can’t be taken for more than a few years, precisely because of their terrible side effects.
Fortunately, you don’t have to take chances with your health in order to improve your bones and increase their density. If you haven’t yet, I urge you to download the free Natural Bone-Building Handbook, where I give you information on how to naturally reverse osteoporosis.
And if you wish to bring your bone health to the next level, get the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Thousands have reversed their osteoporosis without taking drugs. I’m pretty sure that you’ll be truly inspired by the Real Life Results from Save Our Bones community members. I know I am!
To your bone health,
You May Also Like These Related Articles:
Vivian Answers Day #28: Calcitonin Nasal Spray Still Prescribed By Doctors, Persistent Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades, Natural Ways To Reduce Or Eliminate Wrinkles, And More!- Vivian Answers Day #27: Hip Fracture And Forteo Injections, Drinking Cow’s Milk, Filtered Water, Vegetarian Protein Sources, And More!
- Vivian Answers Day # 26: Caffeine and Calcium, Cartilage Integrity, Strontium Conundrum, Osteopenia Diagnosis, Alkalizing Drink, And More!
Comments on this article are closed.
-
-
I am a 56 yo woman who is overweight, but fit. I work out daily (cardio, weights) and also do a lot of outdoor activities (backpack, hike, kayak, haul/stack wood, etc). I do not eat red meat. I juice daily. Lots of fruits, veggies, only whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, no wheat. You get the picture.
I also have osteoporosis. I have not yet taken the meds, but my DEXA shows decreased bone density despite my efforts, and it gets worse each year. I *think* I know what is causing the osteoporosis (genes!): I have hypercalciuria. This means that I do not absorb calcium; it is spilled into my urine at an excessive rate. Unfortunately taking calcium supplements causes formation of kidney stones. Taking too much vitamin D also aggravates this condition (but not taking it means my Vitamin D levels are low and my bones and muscles ache). Eating an alkaline diet can actually be another aggravator. I have never met an endocrinologist or nutritionist who can advise regarding hypercalciuria and osteoporosis. The usual “fixes” are simply not helpful and can actually be harmful. I would love to hear your thoughts on treating hypercalciuria/osteoporosis.
-
Can your program work for spondylosis as well?
-
My oncologist suggest taking Zometa infusuions to strengthen my bones. Your thoughts on this would be helpful.
-
Acid due to hiatal hernia has been a problem. Does Prilosac have side effects that I may want to avoid?
-
As per Vivian’s recommendation, I have been making my own yogurt using low fat milk. My family and I eat it everyday with honey. It is delicious. However, many health practitioners say all milk products are acidic. I have also checked on the internet and yogurt is listed as acidic. Why the discrepancy? Has Vivian got any comment on this? I would also like to ask Vivian if home-made cheese is alkaline or acidic. If it is alkaline,I would love to make my own low fat cheese too as my family just loves eating cheese.
Thank you Vivian for giving of your time in answering all of our questions. It is so much appreciated. -
Gluten Free and Bones : This is what I have learned in the last 2 years with osteoporosis. * Check your Vit D level. I was insufficient despite living in Hawaii. ** Everyone with osteoporosis should be checked for gluten intollerance.( skin tags in the arm pits, flatulance, constipation, facial blemish’s which persist after age 20., these are some of the inoccuous signs) The prevalence is quite high. Your body can not absorb proper nutrients to build bone. I was found to be gluten intollerant.
That said I changed my diet and followed the alkalizing food method. Introduced weight lifting and bone building exercises. I was sure I was reversing my bone health. Until my recent exam. I continue to loose bone. ** Everyone who is found to have gluten intollerance should also be checked for thyroid problems. Not just TSH but Free T3 and Free T4. My TSH was checked 2 years ago and was normal as it is again this year but I asked to have Free T3 and Free T4 checked. I have a low T4, thus I am hypothyroid and thus do not produce calcitonin to help put Calcium in the bone. Wish I had know this 2 years ago! If you take you temperature for a week in the morning before you get up and it is low this is a good indication you need to have your thyroid checked. Mine was 95.6-96.7 average. Other SX: scalopped tongue boarder and eyebrows which fade half way. dry skin, feeling cold. dry lack luster hair, bags under the eyes.
Keep learning! Aloha -
Hi Vivian. Have been on Enbrel & Reclast in the past. Discontinued them based on cost & your recommendations. My RA doctor is now pushing me to take once a month Simponi injection based on my 88 out of 100 result on the Vectra RA blood test. I presntly take 4mg of prednisone daily & 7.5 mg of methotrexate weekly. Other than Simponi cost( $2200 per injection!!), I am worried about all the potential side affects. Any recommnedations or advice?
Pam -
I have copd, asthma, and allergies. I have it bad enough i need to take breathing treatments twice a day. i know if probably isnt good for my bones but dont know what else to do. i am trying to use the principles in your book regarding eating, and also i work with a stretching program that is on tv, and am working toward walking more.
i also take several supplements, use natural hormones and in general have tried to do healthy things for a long time. still i have this lung condition. do you have any suggestions??? -
Hi Vivian, i love reading all your information ,and since i started on save your bones diet i have lost weight,but do suffer with a lot of wind ,farting can you help me with this .Cheryl
-
Thank you Dr, Vivian, and all my family of the community. I have learned so muce from The Save Our Bones Program.I am so thankful we don’t have to be in the dark any more about our health. With your take charge apporch, you inspire us to do just that, I feel so much better that to know that I can have a greater say-so about what affects my health, after all I’m the one who has to live in this body.
Thanks again Dr. Vivian, it’s caring people like you who are the REAL DOCTORS. Keep up the good fight. GW. -
On March 2th, 2012 I ordered the exercise book and accordin to my vias statement the transaction went through on the 5th of March.
It is now April 25 and I have not received it nor any verification that it is coming. Can you help me with this. I am anxious to start the exercises.
Sylvia -
Vivian I have never heard of reverse osmosis water or Kongen water.Can you explain.I am not taking any calcium supplements just what is in food.Is that sufficient?
-
Hi Vivian, thought you would like to know that in the Cider Vinegar book by the Braggs they also suggest drinking distilled water.
-
Dear Vivian
Following the bad press & risks in taking the drug Strontium Ranelate (Protelos), do other natural strontiums – eg strontium citrate or /strontium carbonate carry the same risks? -
I love reading your comments to questions. I always learn something new!!
-
I bought the whey protein and read the labal, who – team sports competitors, weight – training, individual, body buiders …..
maximise musel growth and repair…. I don’t know it suits for
older people or not, please advise. -
Hola,
I would like to know your opinion of cissus quadrangularis and MSM, please.
I am looking for additional support.
Thank you -
Hello Vivian,
I have problem with Algae Ca (stomachake). I am going to make homemade almond milk with liquid vit D in addition. Is that good choice?
Please respond -
Is lactose free milk OK in terms of acidifying?
-
No really, Joyce.
-
-
I have a question: is lactose free milk acidifying ?
-
Thanks for all the questions, and all the answers. Very informative. Shula
-
Vivian, I heard that calcium gets into your arteries. Is that true? Since I heard that, I quit taking it because I already have blocked arteries in my legs. It’s called peripheral artery disease, or P.A.D. Any advice for me?
-
Vivian, I’m on Coumadin and stay away from brussel sprouts, brocolli, kale, etc. because they can alter my numbers.(I love them, by the way.)I’m afraid I’m not getting enough of the greens in my diet.What do you recommend? I do eat lots of other, mainly, root veges. Thanks.
-
Marie, you might want to load up on other alkalizing veggies. And perhaps you could consult with a naturopathic doctor. There are other natural products that have potent blood thinning properties without interfering with vitamin K, as does Coumadin.
-
-
I saw my dr today. I have osteopenia and according to my blood work I am throwing off more bone than i am building. I lost 10%of my bone in one year. He is advising reclast. The blood work item is c- telopeptide serum. Mine is 707 and should be less than 300. I do not want to take the recast. Any suggestions on how to stop this process. He said my body thinks it is pregnant when I asked him the reason. Would it help to have my hormones looked at. Help me please if you can.
-
Hi – the vegetable broth looks great – can you set it up on your site so that it is easily printed? Thank you.
-
Hi
I copy and paste to a new document. Highlight the text, hold down your control button while at the same time you press ‘C’ button. Go to your new document and press Control + ‘V’ to paste the text you just copied. Then save.
-
-
I was told that making soup using bone broth is good for bone growth. Is that correct? Please let me know. Thanks.
-
I have been told I am anemicth low iron. I feel very good , but look pale. I am supposed to eat a lot of red meat and liver and chicken. I try, but don’t eat enough meat since my favorite meal could be pinto beans and cornbread. I will get better, but wanted to tell you that I follow your words closely and try to do my best with eating meat. Keep the good words coming.
-
Not really, Christine. You’re much better off making a delicious and alkalizing veggie broth.
-
-
Today I received your book “Save our bones program”.Thank you!
At the end of the book you recommand us to drink distilled water.
I live in France and I ask myself where I could find bottled distilled water for drinking.I usually find distilled water for many purposes in shops but not advisable for drinking.-
Bonjour, Christian! I guess your best bet is to get your own countertop distiller. Or as a second choice, you can drink reverse osmosis water.
-
-
Hi all, I am surprised to find out that buckwheat is alkaline. I thought all grains except millet were acid.
-
Precisely, Dee! Buckwheat is not a grain. It is actually a fruit seed related to rhubarb.
-
-
I am following an alkaline diet. Recently I bought strips at the health food and check my urine for acidity once a day, in the morning. When the level is too high I modify my diet a bit. I found out that melon (yellow) bring the acidity down and improve the alkalinee level.
-
Hi! Vivian,
Is Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Milk Good For Your Bones?
And Thank You Again For All You Do. Keep Up The GREAT WORK!
LOVE, MS. L. (LESLIE)
-
Leslie, if you get the Blue Diamond almond milk, pick the unsweetened kind 🙂
-
-
I read, with interest, when you said “Vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid …..” However, is it not true that ascorbic acid is made from hydrochloric acid and corn syrup? This is NOT vitamin C and should never, never be confused with the real stuff! I read a newspaper article that said Vitamic C is bad for you — NO, ascorbic acid is bad for you! It will literally clog your arteries and can cause many health problems. I wish doctors, etc. would stop advocating ascorbic acid — it is bad for you and it is NOT vitamin C. Am I wrong?
Thank you.-
Judy, ascorbic acid is simply another name for Vitamin C.
-
-
Quinoa is a wonderful and highly-nutritious gluten-free grain. My understanding is that it is “slightly acidic.” How does this compare with wheat and oats?
-
Sharon, quinoa is actually quite alkalizing, and is an excellent choice as a side dish or other.
-
That’s great to know! Thanks! I’ve been buying Sprouted Quinoa and using it as a base for raw vegetable salads (with nuts and olive oil) or fruit-and-nut salads.
-
-
-
Have you heard of a place called “Osteo Strong.me” that has an exercising machine to strengthen your bones?
-
Vivian.
You may have heard about
Robert Morse.nd
Having listened to all you have said I then discovered this man who goes much further than you and is on Utube big time.
I am still learning and trying to take it all in and wonder if you have heard of him.
Margaret -
I am 80 years old and have been diagnosed with AMD (age-related macular degeneration) in my left eye. I wanted to read your article on the subject, but when I clicked on to it, nothing happened. Would like to know more about the subject. Thanks for your advice.
-
Alkalize your body, lots of fruit and vegetables, no red meat, wheat or sweet, and a large amount of supplements of CAROTENOIDS from a reputable place. GNLD is a great company to purchase from. Stay with it and you may be one of the many to turn “macular” around. I have seen it happen and it can happen for you. My Mother had macular and I am 71, and am not going there. She was helped, but catch it soon. My very best to you. Kathryn
-
-
In reading another comment about distilled water being acid try Kangen water. Google it. Tje Japanese use it in their hospitals. It is alkaline.
-
Dear Vivian,
Thank you so much for your help. I am confused about milk. You say do not drink cow’s milk but say ok for whey and Greek yogurt with live bacteria. Is that correct? If so, then why if both products come from cow’s milk or did I get this wrong?
Carole
-
Vivian, this morning I received an article from John Hopkins saying that distilled water is acidic, which contradicts your opinion. Perhaps you explain why they have this opinion.I am drinking distilled water now and certainly don’t want to continue if they are right. I am folowing your program and doing quite well. Haven’t had a Dexa exam since but will in the Fall. Also I am now taking the new blood thinner Pradax(in Canada) which I believe is under the name Pradaxa in the U.S.I take this as a stroke preventative as I have A-Fib which BTW was caused by my taking Actonel several years ago. Wondering what information you might have on this drug if any.
-
Rochelle, the pH of distilled water is rather acid – around 5.4. However, distilled water helps alkalize the body.
-
Distilled water is not alkalizing because the minerals have been removed. Not a good choice. You want minerals, they are very essential to life and energy.
-
Hallelujah Acres makes WaterMax with ionic sea minerals for in distilled water
-
This has been my understanding for sometime also. I think it might have been from the Mercola website that I read this.
-
-
-
Re poor eyesight (Question 1). One of the most successful methods to improve eysight is the Bates Method. I’ve tried it, along with the other recommendations, in a big by Harry Benjamin (first published in 1928 (!) yet people still don’t know about this or any other similar methods), and I managed to replace the spectacles more than once for lower ones. The book is called ‘Better Eyesight Without Glasses’ and it combines the 3 elements: (1) Eye exercises (memory, reading, etc… but most importantly palming) (2) Neck exercises (3) Diet (much similar to that recommended by our wonderful Vivian).
Thanks again to Vivian who through her work here is letting all these health-related topics open.-
You may find EYEBODY by Peter Grunwald interesting
https://www.eyebody.com/introduction/home.cfm
-
-
Where is the answer to Gluten Free and Bones #20?
-
Hi Nancy,
It’s Q&A #5 🙂
-
My husband and I do a lot of day hikes. I am wondering if there is a preference between backpacks or fanny packs. I have both and do not notice a difference when I hike but I am concerned that one or the other may put more pressure on my spine which has been diagnosed with osteopena.