Vivian Answers Day #23: Milk, Bone Health Philosophy, Shrinking Height, Hydrochloric Acid, And More! - Save Our Bones

Question & Answer #1

I’ve known for years that processed milk is bad for you and will not drink it. But my wife has been told by doctors to drink lots of milk and she makes up for both of us. My question is, how can I convince her that doctors are wrong about milk and get her to stop drinking that toxin?

-George McClelland

Dear George,

There are plenty of mainstream scientific studies that support our view – that milk is bad for our bones and for our health. Your wife may or may not have read my two blog posts, ‘The Milk Myth' and ‘Are They Right About Milk?' about this controversial topic here and here.

Fortunately, the truth about milk is starting to filter through mainstream medicine. Not all doctors recommend milk. In a recent New York Times article, the author quotes his own doctor, who told him that:

“Lactose intolerance is a pretty good sign that we’ve evolved to drink human milk when we’re babies but have no need for the milk of any animals.”1

If this sounds familiar, it’s because in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I expand on the same concept. I also explain why milk is a bad drink – especially for bone health. I’ve also devoted an entire chapter – Chapter 7 – to dispel the notion that doctors are always right. In it, I reveal shocking recommendations made by doctors in the past, that were later proven to be highly detrimental.

So… got (anything but) milk?

Question & Answer #2

I am wondering what the alternative is if ones bone density worsens after discontinuing Actonel and following Save Our Bones. Is there ever a time to reconsider taking medication?

-Janice Illingworth

Dear Janice,

The answer to this question is on page 162 of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, where I wrote:

“Identifying your bone health philosophy is a giant leap in the right direction… Knowing what to do with it, is no small feat.”

So now my question to you is whether you’ve formulated your bone health philosophy based on potential results or based on your belief on what's best for you. Much like with any other important decision in life, a careful analysis of the situation, including the possible different outcomes is an excellent idea.

Also, bone density is just one aspect of bone health. Keep in mind that the main focus of bone health is to prevent fractures, and as I’ve explained in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, less dense but healthy and renewed bones have better tensile strength than thicker, denser, older bones.

If you are following the program (and therefore not taking osteoporosis drugs), your bones are healthier, whether or not that is reflected in the scores.

Here’s to your bone health philosophy!

Question & Answer #3

My latest bone scan showed a 4.3% improvement. I have never had an improvement before and the radiologist called it significant. I was very pleased. However over the years, I have lost height from 5’6″ to 5’4″. I have been trying to stand taller, and I do your exercises too, and have started taebo classes as well, very slowly. My question is this: Did osteoporosis cause my loss of height, or is it normal aging where we just shrink a bit in between each vertebrae until we become noticeably shorter?. Will this continue now that I am improving my bone health? I am 65, and went through menopause at 46.

-Paula Blake

Dear Paula,

First of all, congratulations on your improvement, and I thank you for sharing the good news. Now to answer your question, until recently, mainstream medicine typically blamed osteoporosis for height loss, as a result of vertebral fractures leading to kyphosis, more commonly known as the dreaded dowager’s hump.

However, recent studies have shown that only about one-third of people with kyphosis actually have vertebral fractures. So in the vast majority of cases, height loss is caused by poor posture, with the typical forward-leaning head, slumped shoulders, and a sunken chest.

Since you’re exercising for your bones, your muscles are also getting stronger, which means it’ll be easier for you to keep a good and straight posture.

And here’s an easy trick I do a few times a day to keep my head aligned. Just stand against the wall for a few seconds, making sure your shoulders and your head touch the wall. You’ll instantly notice a straighter and more youthful posture.

Stand tall… and smile!

Question & Answer #4

As we age we begin to lose our hydrochloric acid thus our digestion begins to slow down. Good digestion is key to healthy, strong bones because without good digestion we are not absorbing our nutrients very well. Many people supplement with hydrochloric acid to increase their stomach acid. My question is, what effect on the pH of the body does supplementing with HCI have? Does it make the blood more acidic and if so, could this present a problem in keeping a pH balance?

-Marilyn Turnbull


Dear Marilyn,

It is true that as we age we typically produce less hydrochloric acid (HCl), and as you write, some opt for supplementing with betaine HCl. It is beneficial for the digested stomach contents that enter the upper intestines to be very acid, since it triggers the secretion of more alkalizing elements, such as bile, actually helping alkalize the body. Additionally, enough acid in the stomach helps better digest foods and absorb valuable bone-healthy nutrients.

Isn’t this “food for thought” easy to digest? So keep asking questions 🙂

References

1 https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/07/got-milk-you-dont-need-it/

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. C. Davisson

    I put collagen peptides in my coffee in the morning for healthier skin & hair and for bone health. Can you tell me your opinion of collagen peptides? I enjoy reading your emails on Save Our Bones.

  2. L.D.

    Hello Everyone, My battle has been long and difficult. I finally stumbled across “Save Our Bones” and began a better journey. That was after the trouble began and, I did well for a good long while, or so I thought then began feeling different. I had already been diagnosed with osteoporsis in 2004 shortly after my first surgery. I was 58 and told to go on Actonel or Fosamax which I promptly rejected. I did as many natural things I knew to do and followed the program. Unfortunately for me, a med. I was taking to prevent cancer return “Endometrial Carcinoma” had a side effect that wasnt on the paper you get with the med.. My last pt scan showed 6 compression fractures and I’m 2″ shorter with a crumbling spine. I stopped that med immediatley and have started a program and suggestions from the Save Our Bones community again. The med I was given was Megestrol the generic for Megace, I took it for more than 3 yrs. sooooo,, be aware and look online after you get a med home “before” you take it. They knew I had osteoporosis and never warned me I was wheelchair bound. I’m seeing an orthopedic Dr. in 2 weeks mostly to see what he’ll suggest. No shots or pills will be acceptable.. I’m defeated and darn near distroyed but I will move through this with Vivian and all of you… Thanks to everyone, keep the information flowing, you all are saving lives…. Thanks Vivian!!!!!!

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Stay strong, LD! Thank you so much for writing in and being a part of the Save Our Bones community. I wish you a speedy and thorough recovery!

      • L.D.

        Hi Vivian, Thanks for the encouragement. I do keep leaning against the door frame to assist with being taller but right now, my shoulders are 3 1/2″ out. I like the program exercises better than what the PT gal gave me and all hurt a bit shortly after I”m done at present. I know that will pass as I heal or after, I so wish I had been properly informed and not be where I am but, life has many lessons. I want a new xray to reveal just where I am and will report here what poison is his preference. He has no idea I intend to challenge his advise, this could be interesting indeed. Next time I see my PT gal I’m going to give her the information on Save Our Bones so she can be more informed for her clients as well. She’s young and open to knowledge, thank heavens for that. Okay, I’ll be back after 3/11 and should have some good stuff to tell. Oh yes, I’m 67 and hope to be better than I’ve been in years soon. Thanks so much, L.D.

        • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

          You are welcome! I am glad you’ll check back and let us know how you’re doing. 🙂 If you need advice on challenging your doctor’s advice, you can check out Doctor Communication Tutorials that came with your Osteoporosis Reversal Program. 🙂

          • L.D.

            Hello All, I’m back to report on my Orthopedic Dr. visit and advice. An xray showed how bad off I am with 6 compression fractures and he has refered me to their osteoporosis clinic. I called there to ask what could they do for me. A Dexa scan, blood work and after a medical history their usual course for someone with compression fractures is, Forteo for 2 yrs. 1 shot each day. After that, Prolia for the remainder of my life… I told her I’ll get back to you…My back is wicked today and I’m doing the best I can to find comfort with heat and cool with arnica gel from time to time. Could be I’m having a tough time after 2 days of driving and going into 2 stores each day. I hope that’s all it is and will be better tomorrow..

  3. Jean Yonce

    I just ordered and read the save our bones program. I’m very impressed with all information. I would like to know your opinion and recommendation on magnesium supplementation. Several doctors have told me not to take magnesium citrate because it would cause bowel dependency. Then I read that magnesium oxide isn’t well absorbed and can also cause dependency. Do all magnesium supplements cause dependency? Should we only get our magnesium from food?

    • Customer Support

      Hi Jean,
      We’re glad you’re enjoying the Program! Please feel free to use the Search feature at the top of the page for more information on specific topics not covered in this post. 🙂

  4. ESTELLE

    A QUESTION FOR VIVIAN AND ANYONE WHO CAN ANSWER: SORRY I MISSED YOUR QUESTION WEEK OR DAY. I CANT GET INTERNET ACCESS EVERY DAY. I HAVE A QUESTION HERE. BE NICE IF YOU CAN ANSWER SOON, RIGHT HERE.
    WHILE SURFING AROUND FOR JOINT SOLUTIONS, I CAME ACROSS A PRODUCT CALLED EZORB. THEIR WEBSITE IS ELIXIRINDUSTRY.COM. THEY CLAIM IT HELPS BONE,JOINT AND MUSCLE METABOLISM, WHATEVER THAT MEANS…AND CURES FIBROMYALGIA, AND MORE. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IT OUT.? THEY CLAIM IT ALSO HELPS REVERSE OSTEOPOROSIS AND STRENGTHENS BONE, MUSCLE AND JOINTS. I’D BE INTERESTED TO GET YOUR EDUCATED, NATURAL-HEALING-PREFERRED OPINION. ITS MADE OF ANHYDROUS CALCIUM ASPARTATE IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. EZORB.CHECK IT OUT. SEE WHAT YOU THINK. THANKS

  5. Beth Elsey

    I’ve just purchased Save Our Bones. I’m very confused because I had an estrogen receptor breast cancer removed and put on an estrogen blocker. My bone density was -1.5 and the doctor told me to take 1000 mg calcium–now I’m reading this is dangerous and if my blood calcium is good I don’t need it. I had a blood test and I was told my blood calcium was excellent. What is the truth?

    • ESTELLE

      FROM MY READING AND EXPERIENCE WITH VARIOUS CONVENTIONAL DOCTORS, I’VE LEARNED TO MISTRUST MOST DOCTORS AND DRUGS.CHECK OUT A GREAT BOOK CALLED “DRUG MUGGERS” BY SUZY COHEN, A PHARMACIST INTO NATURAL HEALING, AND EXPERT ON DRUG BAD EFFECTS AND HOW TO COMPENSATE FOR NUTRIENTS THAT ARE DEPLETED BY MOST DRUGS, WHICH CAN CAUSE MORE DISEASES AND DISORDERS. MY ADVICE TO YOU IS, GO SEE A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR OR COMPLEMENTARY DOCTOR AND A NUTRITIONIST..ALTERNATIVE ONE. I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT CONVENTIONAL DOCTORS ARE OFTEN DANGEROUS. NO EXAGERATION. THE NATURAL HEALERS ARE BETTER. CHECK OUT DOCTORMICHAELMURRAY.COM,BOOKS AND HIS VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE, AND FOLLOW LINKS YOU FIND INTERESTING. NATURAL PROGESTERONE TO BALANCE ESTROGEN,BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES ARE OTHER SUBJECTS YOU MIGHT FIND INTERESTING. LIFE EXTENSION.COM ALSO.AND BYRON RICHARDS AT WELLNESSRESOURCES.COM…SUBSCRIBE TO HIS FREE NEWSLETTERS AND WEEKLY PODCASTS AND YOU CAN ASK HIM QUESTIONS TOO. SEE HOW YOU LIKE THESE CONTACTS. AND DO A LOT OF READING BY COMPLEMENTARY DOCTORS AND NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS. DONT JUST BLINDLY FOLLOW YOUR CONVENTIONAL DOCTOR. GOOD THAT YOU ARE ASKING QUESTIONS. I’M NO DOCTOR, BUT I’VE READ A LOT OF NATURAL HEALING BOOKS BY COMPLEMENTARY AND NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS, CHEAP ON AMAZON.COM AND THRIFTBOOKS.COM… ALSO CHECK OUT TITLES OF DR RAY STRAND’S BOOKS.EG “WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESNT KNOW ABOUT NATURAL HEALING MAY BE KILLING YOU”…A PROVOCATIVE TILE. I HAVE THE BOOK. ITS GOOD. EYE-OPENING. LEARN MORE ABOUT NATURAL APPROACHES TO YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS AND NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

      • ESTELLE

        ALSO, DONT JUST TAKE CALCIUM ALONE. THAT IS DANGEROUS. A GOOD FORMULA WITH MAGNESIUM, ZINC, HIGH VIT D3 SILICA BORON ETC IS NEEDED.
        I GOT THE “TRUEOSTEO” THAT VIVIAN RECOMMENDED, AND BEEN TAKING IT, BUT IT DOESNT HAVE ANY ZINC AND ONLY HAS 64MG MAGNESIUM, WHICH IS MUCH TOO LITTLE, IN MY OPINION. I TAKE EXTRA ZINC AND MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE. START LOW AND GRADUALLY INCREASE MAGNESIUM TO AVOID DIARRHEA. AN EXPERT WOMAN DOCTOR WHO WROTE “THE MAGNESIUM MIRACLE” SAID CALCIUM CAN CAUSE CALCIFICATION OF ARTERIES AND SOFT TISSUE ORGANS WITHOUT ENOUGH MAGNESIUM. CHELATED MAG IS BEST, NOT OXIDE OR HYDROXIDE FORMS. VIT K1 AND K2 ARE ALSO NEEDED TO GET CALCIUM OUT OF ARTERIES AND INTO BONES. “SUPER K” FROM LIFE EXTENSION IS A GOOD ONE…IF YOU ARENT ON BLOOD THINNER MEDS AND DONT HAVE KIDNEY PROBLEMS.

  6. betty miles

    cold you tell me if betaine hydrochloride is helpful, I also take digestive enzymes before each meal Thank you.

    • ESTELLE

      THERE’S AN EXCELLENT BOOK ABOUT GERD AND ACID REFLUX, CALLED “WHY STOMACH ACID IS GOOD FOR YOU” BY THE FAMOUS MAVERICK, COMPLEMENTARY DOCTOR JONATHAN WRIGHT. MY GASTRO-ENTEROLOGIST WANTED ME TO TAKE PRILOSEC TO REDUCE STOMACH ACID, WITHOUT EVEN TESTING MY STOMACH ACID LEVEL.I INSTINCTIVELY REFUSED, KNOWING THAT STOMACH ACID IS NEEDED TO DIGEST CALCIUM FOR THE BONES. LATER I FOUND OUT LOW STOMACH ACID IMPEDES DIGESTION OF ALL NUTRIENTS. DR WRIGHT SAYS MOST PATIENTS, 90%, WITH GERD, HAVE TOO LITTLE STOMACH ACID,(HE TESTS THEM) AND NEED BETWEEN 1-7 CAPSULES OF BETANE HCL+PEPSIN TO INCREASE, NOT DECREASE STOMACH ACID. THE GERD USUALLY IMPROVES AND SO DOES DIGESTION AND OVERALL HEALTH, BECAUSE ONE IS GETTING MORE NOURISHMENT TO THE BODY. HE SAYS ITS BEST TO TEST STOMACH ACID FIRST BY A DOCTOR TO MAKE SURE… AND HIS BOOK GIVES CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO KNOW HOW MUCH TO TAKE. “DOCTOR’S BEST” IS THE BRAND I USE. HAS 650MG BETAINE HCL + PEPSIN + GENTIAN BITTERS. THERE ARE LOWER DOSES AVAILABLE BUT DR WRIGHT SAYS TO START WITH 600MG. PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW CONVENTIONAL DOCTORS’ ADVICE TO REDUCE STOMACH ACID, END UP NOT BEING ABLE TO DIGEST CALCIUM AND MOST OTHER NUTRIENTS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STOMACH ACID AND THEY CAN END UP WITH OSTEOPOROSIS, DEPRESSION, DEMENTIA, HEART DISEASE, CANCER AND BACTERIA AND VIRUSES IN THEIR STOMACH, WHICH NORMALLY GETS KILLED BY ENOUGH ACID…AND OTHER DISEASES DUE TO MALNUTRITION. WE NEED ENOUGH STOMACH ACID TO DIGEST ALL NUTRIENTS IN THE STOMACH AND FURTHER DOWN. THIS IS ONE OF MANY REASONS WHY I DONT TRUST CONVENTIONAL DOCTORS. I ALSO USE NATURE’S PLUS “ULTRA-ZYME” MULTIPLE ENZYMES. I DONT BURP OR HAVE FLATULENCE AFTER MEALS ANYMORE. AND I SEPARATE MY PROTEIN MEALS FROM MY STARCHES, BY AT LEAST AN HOUR OR TWO…..BETTER FOOD COMBINING. THIS HELPS ALSO.
      ENZYMEDICA ALSO MAKES GOOD ENZYME SUPPLEMENTS THAT CATER TO SPECIFIC NEEDS. THEY HAVE A CD INTERVIEW ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS. THEY SPECIALIZE IN DIGESTIVE AND OTHER ENZYMES FOR PAIN AND OTHER NEEDS. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ENZYMES, PLANT AND ANIMAL-DERIVED ENZYMES. LONG STORY. CHECK THEM OUT. VERY INTERESTING.

  7. karen riedl

    Is TruOsteo sold in retail stores?

    Drug stores, health food stores, etc.

    I’d rather not buy anything on line with a credit card.

    Thanks,
    Karen

  8. Linda K. Showers

    I have a question about filtering your tap water using the Brita filters. Is this any where close to being as good as buying distilled water?? Thanks!

  9. padmanav dash

    very informative

  10. Nancy Allison

    I have been followimg the “Save our Bones” program, but since cottage cheese is not listed under foods that are alkalizing or acidifying I would like to know if eating it with fruit is ok. It has protein which I need so I hope it’s not bad for my bones. I was surprised that it’s not listed under dairy foods.

    Hoping for an answer, thank you.
    Nancy

  11. Andie

    I see the questions others ask but do not know where to post my question. Here is my question: Would horseback riding at a canter cause my vertebrae to weaken or “crush together.” I have osteopenia (T scores between -1.3 to -1.6. I went on a ranch vacation with my grandchildren and I rode for at least an hour a day for 4 days cantering part of the time. Upon returning home, I have experienced lower back pain (the resulting sciatica pain has greatly decreased) and so has the lower back pain until I stoop or do my “walk my bones stronger” routine. I’ve stopped exercising for a while because I don’t want to irritate my back. Do you think I have done some vertebrae or lumbar spine damage? Andie

  12. Judy

    I’ve been using your Save Our Bones program for over two years now and received a bone scan report that my back has improved, my hip has not changed but my upper femor is worse. How can this be? Why would some bones get better and others worse. My main exercising is walking and some weights. I’ve read that some times if you do not have enough sodium in your diet, your body will take it from your bones. Is this true? I have cut out a lot of processed foods to eliminate salt and I use sea salt only in my cooking. I am confused about salt now. I just added celery to my diet to help give me more sodium. Besides celery and rhubard, what other foods have salt in them?

    • ESTELLE

      RHUBARB HAS HIGH OXALIC ACID, WHICH INTERFERES WITH CALCIUM AND OTHER MINERAL ABSORPTION. AND IF YOU EAT TOO MUCH IT CAN BE VERY TOXIC…AND BAD FOR BONES. SAME WITH COOKED SPINACH AND OXALIC ACID CONTAINING GREENS….BEET AND MUSTARD GREENS AND OTHERS. I READ THIS BY THE LATE DR NORMAN W. WALKER, WHO WROTE “FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICES. WHAT’S MISSING IN YOUR BODY?” ABOUT HEALING WITH FRESH JUICES. GREAT BOOK.

  13. Sharon

    At my last doctor’s visit, I had actually gained 1/4 inch in height. When I commented on this, the nurse suggested that maybe I was standing taller that day. I’ll be interested to see what happens at my next appointment, coming up in a couple of weeks. If I have kept that quarter inch, I will have to attribute it to Pilates! (Incidentally, I am 71).

  14. Judy D.

    I have trigger finger in the middle finger of my left hand and the ring finger of my left hand. Also, I am unable to bend either thumb. Every now and then while doing everyday things like washing my hair or getting dressed, one of my thumbs will get bent, then I have to manually straighten it (hurts like a son of a gun until I do). Has anyone heard of this? I am on my fourth doctor. Help!

    • Chellow

      My trigger finger has been Cured, thank be to God. I was three weeks from my scheduled operation when I started a routine of hanging from a monkey bars, if I recall right I instantly had a result the first day. One week in the routine I cancelled the operation and two months later more or less I’m cured.

      This is what the therapy that I recommend:

      Hang from a monkey bar or any alternative structure that you can roll your finger around a bar that lifts you from the floor. Hang from the bar for 10 seconds and release repeat this 10 times, do this exercise daily.

    • Sharon

      Have you seen a chiropractor? I have one thumb that periodically gets out of whack, which my chiropractor attributes to tendinitis. Following his counsel, I now search for a trigger point just above my wrist when it goes out; I’ll hear a “pop” and everything goes back in place. In addition, my personal trainer suggested taking Specially-Coated Bromelain every AM, and it has helped tremendously! You can find it at a health food store or at http://www.lifeextension.com.

  15. Nu Ly

    In the question No. 1, I have much experiences for the back pain, when it
    was pain, my high bood presure raised 180. I knew my muscles imbances,one
    side was thick and the other was thin. I had ” The 7 day back pain cure”
    book, it can help the patient not seriously pain, like me, can do nothing,
    I took the herbal and chiropretor both, now, all is over. No side effect.

    Now, I am going to learn “Qi gong” to lower my high blood presure first,
    because the pill so many sde effect, dizzyness, toilet offen, leg cramp. etc… then, I might consider to use the herbal for my osteroperosis.
    Thank you.

  16. Alice Lawson

    A clerk at a local health food store advised me to take silica and MSM as calcium was not being absorbed by my body. I don’t drink milk and have been taking silica and MSM as suggested. As I do have osteoporosis, I have dexa scans every two years. My first scan after taking the above showed improvement in my bone density but the doctor didn’t give me any numbers. Can you give me an idea of what size dosages to use and if I should also supplement with calcium pills?

  17. bea

    hi vivian i am having an awful time i have been eating i eat 8 fruits in the morning and 8 veg.in the afternoon i am putting on so much weight am i doing this wrong i have started weight watchers i am watching and and trying to eat my fruits and veg. but i am so full i just cant do it right am i eating to much fruit at once. please help me bea

    • Jennie

      I am not on the save our bones program yet, but I think it sounds like you are not following the directions. It is strange to eat that much fruit every morning and would probably upset your stomach and cause your weight gain by upsetting your blood sugar. Any plan would encourage eating veggies all day.

  18. Carol

    I am taking 3 tablets a day of Ultimate Bone Gro Formula (True Health…Dr. Cutler’s)this is only 500 mg of calcium and I am wondering if this is enough to help grow bone where I have the slight hip bone loss. I know this is only half of the recommended amount but do not want calcium that is not being absorbed. Any ideas?

    • joan

      Very interested Question I too must not be absoring Calcium and was always wondering should i be taking so much if it is not going into my bones would like an answer also

      • ESTELLE

        NEVER TAKE CALCIUM ALONE. YOU NEED CERTAIN OTHER NUTRIENTS TO GO WITH IT SO THAT IT GOES TO THE BONES AND NOT INTO THE ARTERIES AND SOFT TISSUE, LIKE THE HEART AND CREATE KIDNEY STONES ETC. YOU ALSO NEED MAGNESIUM-GLYCINATE, -MALATE, -ASPARTATE OR ANOTHER MAG CHELATE (CONNECTED TO AN AMINO ACID OR 2)…HALF AS MUCH AS CALCIUM OR A BIT LESS. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS AND GRADUALLY INCREASE EVERY FEW DAYS..TO PREVENT DIARRHEA. CUT BACK TEMPORARILY IF YOU GET DIARRHEA, FOR A FEW DAYS, TIL YOUR BODY ADJUSTS. AND YOU NEED VIT K1 + K2.(UNLESS YOU TAKE BLOOD THINNER MEDS OR HAVE A KIDNEY PROBLEM. “SUPER K” FROM LIFE EXTENSION.COM IS A GOOD ONE, AND A GOOD CALCIUM FORMULA AND ZINC…AND AT LEAST 1,000 IU VIT D3 OR MORE, SILICA, BORON VIT C. SEE MY OTHER NOTES ABOVE. READ “THE MAGNESIUM MIRACLE” FROM AMAZON.COM OR OTHER BOOK STORES. MOST DOCTORS TELL YOU TO TAKE JUST CALCIUM. DONT TRUST THIS ADVICE. TAKE CARE.

  19. Jonel Evans

    Very helpful and interesting “answering questions article”. Thanks

    Jonel

  20. Nancy

    Dear Vivian,
    Thanks for all your efforts to help others. I am wondering if the Glaceau Vitamin Water zero calorie drinks are acidic or alkaline. Thank you in advance for your help.

  21. Regina

    Regarding the book. FREE is not FREE. It’s $5.95 for shipping and should be noted on your site.

    • joan

      Regina if you go back you will find that Vivian did mention a small fee for shipping

  22. minnie

    Am quite satisfied w/ what i learned from their experiences & the suggestions of Vivian, but i have different

  23. Philip C Palamattam

    About 35 years ago I had posted a large sign [24feetx 4feet] in my Health-food store saying,”Ïf you prefer to have Osteoporosis sooner drink pasteurized milk” inside my health clinic and distributed small brochure to general public. Some one from the Milk Board in Alberta came to my healthclinic and tried to threaten me to remove that big sign and if not they willtake me to court for such scandal. I had challenged them to do it and refused to remove the sign. The threats continued for some more time by phone and personal visit by some other personanel from the milk board, and I refused again. I had also distributed brochures that shows the side effect of pasteurized for growing children, and its dangers.

    At last I am glad that you are sending out warnings so that we can save our lives from industrial giants. Keep it up
    Dr Philip C Palamattam [Ayurvedic Medicine]

  24. Leslie (Ms. L.)

    Hi! Vivian,
    I Can’t Remember If You Had Anything About Almond Milk! Is Almond Milk Good For You? I’ve Been Drinking “Blue Diamond” Almond Breeze. I’ve Tried Three Flavors- Vanilla, Chocolate, And Coconut! I Really Like Almond Milk, So I Hope It IS GOOD For You!
    Thank You, As Always, For All You Do!

    LOVE, MS. L. (LESLIE)

    • Micky Winchester

      Hi Leslie, I also use almond milk instead of cows milk. Like you I wonder if its good for you. Maybe Vivian will let us know. I find all her information very interesting and some an eye opener.

      Best wishes
      Micky (female)

  25. Marjean

    Do you think coconut milk is good for our bones?

    • ESTELLE

      I DRINK ALMOND BREEZE ALSO, AS THE BASE FOR A SMOOTHY WITH WHEY POWDER OR OTHER PROTEIN POWDERS, AND FRUIT, NUTRITIONAL YEAST, CREATINE FOR MY MUSCLES, AND D-RIBOSE (ADDED RECENTLY) I NOTE THAT ALMOND BREEZE HAS CALCIM AND VIT D, BUT NO MAGNESIUM. SO I TAKE ABOUT 100MG MAGNESIUM AND “SUPER K” ( VIT K1+K2)WITH IT. IN “THE MAGNESIUM MIRACLE” THE DOCTOR WRITES ITS IMPORTANT TO HAVE ENOUGH MAGNESIUM WITH CALCIUM. LATER IN THE DAY I TAKE TRUEOSTEO, WITH MORE ADDED MAGNESIUM AND ADDITIONAL D3 & ZINC….IN ADDITION TO MANY OTHER SUPPLEMENTS INCLUDING TOCOTRIENOLS…GOOD FOR BONES AND MANY OTHER BENEFITS.
      I RECENTLY FOUND SOME COCONUT WATERS WITHOUT PRESERVATIVES. SPROUTS BRAND AND OTHERS. I LIKE THEM ALONE. I READ THEY ARE HEALTHY AND ALKALINE. SINCE ALMONDS ARE GOOD FOR BONES, I GUESS ALMOND MILK ALSO IS…BUT IT DOESNT HAVE ENOUGH CALCIUM AND CO-NUTRIENTS ADDED. WHAT KIND OF CALCIUM DOES IT HAVE? I HOPE NOT -CARBONATE. ITS PROBABLY INORGANIC CALCIUM. JUST TAKE ADDITIONAL CALCIUM OF THE RIGHT KIN WITH CO-NUTRIENTS LATER IN THE DAY…2-3X PER DAY.PLUS GREENS ETC. THERES ONLY A LITTLE CALCIUM IN THE FEW ALMONDS IN ALMOND BREEZE…IS MY GUESS. BUT IT DOES TASTE GREAT, DOESNT IT?!

    • Nancy Perna

      I wish I knew the answer to this question!

      • Frank

        Just look out for the book of dr.bruce fife,about the coconut miracle! I think this will answer all your questions about coconut milk and also coconut oil! An eye-opener!

        • ESTELLE

          HAVE YOU TRIED COCONUT WATER? DIFFERENT FROM COCONUT MILK. THE KINDS WITHOUT METASULPHATE PRESERVATIVES. SPROUTS BRAND IS GREAT, AND ALKALINE. IT MAKES A GOOD ELECTROLYTE REPLACEMENT DRINK AFTER EXCERCISE, SWEATING OR AFTER DIARRHEA, TO REPLACE WATER, SODIUM AND POTASSIUM. VERY REFRESHING.DELICIOUS. NO FAT.NOT TOO SWEET. JUST RIGHT. ITS PROBABLY GOOD FOR BONES BECAUSE ITS ALKALINE AT LEAST.I DONT KNOW ABOUT THE CALCIUM CONTENT. ANYONE KNOW?

  26. Shula

    Thanks, Shula

  27. Tawny

    I have had osteoporosis or osteopoenia since 1999. It keeps going back & forth, right now it’s osteopoenia. The bone loss is worse in my hip. I have had a lot of left hip pain starting about 2002. I am wondering if the bone loss is what is causing the pain.

  28. Leo McNAMARA

    Is it worth the time and effort to get a Bone density scan test?

    • ESTELLE

      I WONDER IF THERE ARE WAYS TO TEST FOR BONE DENSITY WITHOUT RADIATION. ANYONE KNOW?

    • marianne

      Nevre again will I have a bne density test. I am not going to take the meds they prescribe so why make myself depressed and scared to go to the dogpark!

  29. Robert Mohon

    I still haven’t heard how to keep my calcium intake (pills) going into my bones & NOT into my blood. Do the pills HAVE to go into both?

    • ESTELLE

      ITS GOOD TO KNOW YOUR BONE STRENGTH NUMBERS, SO YOU CAN KNOW TO FOCUS MORE ON NATURAL WAYS TO BUILD BONE. YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE THE TOXIC DRUGS THEY PRESCRIBE. OR TO KNOW IF YOU ARE ABSORBING YOUR CALCIUM ETC PROPERLY, AND WORK ON DIGESTION PROBLEMS IF YOU ARE NOT. EG TAKE BETAINE HCL AND ENZYMES. YOU CAN DO THESE ANYWAY. MOST PEOPLE HAVE LOW STOMACH ACID AND ENZYMES PAST ABOUT AGE 40. BUT TESTING STOMACH ACID FIRST IS IMPORTANT. YIU DONT NEED EXTRA IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH. IT COULD BE HARMFUL. ENZYMES SEEM TO BE SAFE AND ADVISABLE.

    • Annie

      Robert,
      If you take a liquid k2 MK4 it will take the calcium to your bones and not your Arteries.
      K2 MK4 has a short shelve life in the body, so you should take it about 2 maybe 3 times a day, about 5 hours apart with meals, and some healthy fat.

      Don’t know why vivian does not answer these question here!!! grrrr

      • ESTELLE

        MAYBE SHE’LL ANSWER THEM LATER. I HOPE SO.

  30. Cindy

    so glad to read question #3 from Janice I. and your comment re bone density test getting worse after going off Actinol (for me it was fosamax). My doctor wants me to go back on it, but I do not want to. I am working with a Nutritionist and taking great supplements plus Bio Gest to produce more acid. I am very active (age 68)….take aerobics, weights, yoga, golf, tennis, and although my bone density test is close to the Osteoporosis limit, I feel great. I sure hope I am doing the right thing. Cindy

    • ESTELLE

      THANKS FOR SHARING.

  31. miriam

    During this wonderful garden-harvest time I’ve been told by health food persons that neither carrots nor tomatoes should be eaten in the raw state. Do you have anything to prove or disprove this?

    • Marty

      I am not sure about carrots, but I have read many times that the benefits from tomatoes are greater if they are cooked. Your body can absorb the nutrients better than from rax.

      • ESTELLE

        SEEMS OK TO EAT BOTH TOMATOES AND CARROTS RAW OR COOKED. I’VE NEVER HEARD THAT THEY SHOULD BE EATEN COOKED ONLY. HOW ABOUT THEIR RAW JUICES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HEALTHY!!!

  32. leeinam

    Hello everyone, I am new to this discussion forum and think it will be very helpful. What are your thoughts on vibration machines for osteoporosis? Has anyone used them and increased their bone density? I have heard good things and bad things and do not know what to think now. I have -45 of the spine and am desperate for any new ways to improve my bones. I am taking all the supplements and have a good diet and am exercising. Not enough exercise but I am trying to get into a routine.

    • Jane

      I bought a very expensive ‘vibration’ machine specifically designed to increase bone density. I stood on it every day for 2 years, but my bone density got worse (though it might have anyway – but it certainly didn’t improve). I’ve stopped using it.

      • ESTELLE

        MAYBE SELL IT TO THE WOMAN WHO ASKED ABOUT VIBRATION MACHINES AND SEE IF IT HELPS HER.HUH?

    • Marlene Austen

      Has anyone heard of the new program B.Strong4Bones which includes vibration?

  33. Diane Fortin

    I bought your book awhile ago try to follow it, anyway all of a sudden I’m getting food that is coming back up like acid reflux .I never got diagnosed. Why now that I’m 56 that this happens.And I feel nauseas after I eat.I eat vegtables and fish and chicken fruit. I just can’t figure it out. When I eat saniches I don’t get that. But I noticed I get yeast infection eating whole grain bread got about 4 since 2 months so I stopped eating the bread… crazy I know…help I value your opinion. and I have to tell you that my gyn Dr is pushing me to be on the drug for ostopenia.I read all the side affects and I don’t want to. I keep on telling him no. I want to give him you litature.. Thanks Diane

    • ESTELLE

      DONT TAKE OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS. STAND YOUR GROUND. SEE MY 2 OTHER MESSAGES ABOVE ABOUT GERD. SEEK OUT THE MANY BOOKS ABOUT HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO TOXIC DRUGS. GOOGLE BOOKS ON NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO DRUGS.TRY TEMP HELP OF GINGER TEA OR CAPSULES OR CANDIED GINGER FOR NAUSEA. FIND OUT WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR PROBLEMS AND HEAL THE CAUSE, NOT JUST THE SYMPTOMS. IF YOU ADDRESS THE CAUSE THE SYMPTOMS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES. MAYBE YOU ARE HAVING A REACTION TO SOME DRUG??? READ “DRUG MUGGERS” BY SUZY COHEN TO SEE WHAT DRUGS CAUSE WHAT PROBLEMS AND HOW TO REPLENISH VITAL NUTRIENTS THAT DRUGS DEPLETE. ALSO, GET TESTED WITH UPPER ENDOSCOPY AT A GASTRO-ENTEROLOGIST, BUT DONT TAKE THEIR ACID REDUCING DRUGS. THAT WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE…JUST GET A DIAGNOSIS AND READ DR WRIGHT’S BOOK “WHY STOMACH ACID IS GOOD FOR YOU” YOU NEED ENOUGH…NOT TOO LITTLE STOMACH ACID…& NOT TOO MUCH. ONLY ENOUGH. OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS CAUSE DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS (OR WORSEN THEM,) AND THE DRUGS THEY GIVE FOR DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS CAUSE OSTEOPOROSIS.!!! HOW ABOUT THAT??? ITS UNBELIEVABLE WHAT CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE IS DOING.!! DONT TAKE ANY OF THEM. SEEK OUT NATURAL HEALING. LOTS OF BOOKS AND NEWSLETTERS AND YOUTUBE VIDEOS BY NATUROPATHIC AND COMPLEMENTARY DOCTORS AND NUTRITIONISTS, OR CONSULT WITH SOME. THERE’S NO LAW THAT SAYS YOU HAVE TO GO TO CONVENTIONAL DOCTORS OR TAKE THEIR TOXIC DRUGS. SEEK AND THOU SHALT FIND.

  34. Diane Matyskiewicz

    I recently had to have a large hard stone removed from my kidney. First with shock wave therapy and because it did not get rid of the stone, by laser. I have osteoporosis and have been taking BoneUp. I stopped taking it because wondering if it contained too much calcium. No one gave me an answer. I read that too much green tea, of which I drank a lot, could have caused it but again no answer. So I would like to hear your comment on this. I know I have to exercise because I am high risk for fractures but was unable to because of a stent that had to be put in.
    I would very much appreciate your input. Much appreciated.

  35. Roxanne Varnau

    Vivian, I had a Bone Density Test that was rather low and was requested to repeat and was going to be asked by my FP to be put on Medication if no improvement. I started using Strontium, taking two capsules at night along with my daily supplement of calcium and drinking Almond Soy Milk. When I repeated the BDT it was higher in the spine area, but maintained the same in the hip area. What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance, Roxanne

  36. Ruth

    vivian, these questions are great ones and also the answers thanks. my husband also hs shrunk quite a bit. he is 81yrs old he has always been a carpenter all or most of his life since we have been together he exercises but does have that dowagers hump and is so upset with it will your exercises help him i wil tell him about the exercise you said about standing against the wall .can you give me some other things he can do please he is an active man for his age. thanks vivian i really listen to all that you tell me. Ruth

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Ruth, I strongly recommend this DVD by Dr. Natalie Cordova:

      https://www.saveourbones.com/stopthedowagerhump/

      It’s a series of great workout DVDs which are specifically designed to reverse and prevent the dowager’s hump by aligning posture in only 10 to 15 minutes a day.

  37. Helen Pages

    Dear Vivian,
    I know I’ve asked this question before, but I’ve never had an answer.What can I do to reduce calcium loss in the urine? The Doctor says diuretics-I’ve
    thrown all into the bin. I found on internet that Potassium Bicarbonate
    was good for this problem. Do you agree? I desperately need to know as no one
    here has any kind of solution (except the diuretic).
    I apologize for taking up your time and being such a pest with my problem.
    However, any help would be gratefully appreciated.
    Best wishes and thank you for all your e-mails.
    Helen.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Helen, your best bet is to see a Naturopathic practitioner because high calcium levels can be caused by multiple reasons.

    • Diane Martinson

      Helen, I also was told I had too much calcium in my urine, even though the numbers were in the normal range the doctor said because i was such a small person they were too high for me and wanted me to take diuretic. I have not agreed to take it but don’t know what else to do about it either.

      Diane

  38. Erika Chemnitz

    Dear Vivian,
    I have been taking HCL with Pspsin for over a year now and was wondering whether I should stop for a while or continue taking it.
    In Australia, doctors (gastroeneterologists) do not measure stomach acid and give antacids instead (!!!!)
    I feel no heartburn or indigestion whether I am taking HCL tablets or not.
    Therefore, it is very difficult for me to know what to do.
    Thank you. Erika

  39. Shirl Robb

    I have been avidly reading your articles on bone care Vivian, as my husband has been diagnosed as having an incurable bone disorder called ‘Pagets’disease. From what I understand of this disease is that bone calcium travels in the blood stream and deposits on to any other part of the body that has bone. My husband relies on codein to help mask the pain & to help him get to sleep at night. I am wondering if you can throw any light on this Vivian,as it would be so wonderful if it could be cured. A Specialist did prescribe 3 months of ‘Fosomax’ tablets but did warn that possible side effects from this could be that he may get stomach ulcers. I believe that the Fosomax did contain it for a short period, but of course, it did not cure. Fortunately, he did not get any side effects.

  40. Ed Murfin

    Interesting comments about osteo and height loss. In five years or so I’ve had half a dozen wedge compression vertebra fractures, and my height has reduced from 5 7 to a centimetre or so above 5 ft. I don’t mind really being even shorter than I was – am 75 and have more important things to do than get in a tizz about it, but one unpleasant result has been the proximity of lower ribs to upper prominences of my hip. If I bend too far or too quickly- or even cough too vigorously, I actually crack a rib. Last November, I cracked two ribs – one each side – simply by bending to read the label on a box with a flatscreen television – my daughter who was with me was amazed – and I was kicking myself (well, mentally) for forgetting my usual caution. In hope of improving the situation, I’ve invested in an inversion table. Early experience is promising. Even when only partially invertwd, the gap between ribs and hip expands to nearly four inches. It returns to normal, ie, almost touching when I climb off but my hope is that, over time, cartilage – and maybe even bone – will be helped to regenerate by improved blood supply. Too early yet to be certain as not long after starting to use the table, I had yet another cracked rib incident – this time from kicking over my motorcycle which kicked back. The kickback was so severe I expect even healthy bones would have been damaged, as kickback with bikes is always a danger, often breaking ankles and legs. Nevertheless, I will be taking greater care to aviod another now. I estimate it’ll be a year at least before I can, possibly, report any height increase – and, more importantly, increase in the almost non-existent gap between ribs and hip, which is becoming a very real problem in daily life. I’m optimistic, try hard to follow Vivian’s sensible notions and take no drugs whatsoever, although the pain of multiple coincident cracked ribs can be very severe so analgaesics are vital. If anyonen has a similar rib and hip proximity difficulty and has found a way of dealing with it and even improving the situation, I’d be grateful to receive a mail about it at edmurfin@aol.com. Best wishes, and good luck to all you osteo sufferers out there!

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