‘Vivian Answers Day’ #5

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Inspiration

Evidence-Based
10 min Read
vivian answers day

Question & Answer #1

My back feels as though I have muscle strain upper, middle and lower. Is this typical of osteoporosis or is it possible I am over working my back muscles with exercise, painting rooms in the house, lifting grand children, etc?

-Suzanne K.

Dear Suzanne,

I hope your back has improved. It is not typical of osteoporosis to have back muscles strained and/or hurting. However most osteoporosis drugs can cause muscle and joint aches, but you did not specify in your question whether you are currently taking any osteoporosis drugs.

You might want to check with a physical therapist or chiropractor to insure that it is not a postural issue that could get worse. Also, keep in mind that the abdominal muscles support the back, so it is important to keep them strong.

Here's to your pain-free future,

vivian sig

Question & Answer #2

How often can we eat and is chocolate allowed?

-Joyce S.

Dear Joyce,

Delicious, decadent chocolate is chock-full of bone-healthy polyphenols. Unfortunately, it has an acid pH, so while you can most certainly eat it (try to get the dark chocolate), you should maintain the proper balance with other alkalizing treats such as dried fruits, almonds, yogurt, and many more that are listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

By the way, the same applies to all acid forming foods, and that's the beauty of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Unlike many “diets”, no foods or drinks are “banned”, so you don't have to give up your favorite snacks and/or foods.

Enjoy!

vivian sig

Question & Answer #3

Dear Vivian,

What is your opinion of taking Evista, or another type of estrogen if one has had a hysterectomy? I love your newsletter! thank you.

-Anne Kerr

Dear Anne,

I don't recommend any kind of hormone supplementation or taking Evista to reverse osteoporosis. Also known by its generic name, raloxifene hydrochloride is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). As such, it is supposed to have the selective ability to act like estrogen in some tissues but not in others.

While Evista is reportedly easier on patients' digestive systems than bisphosphonates, this drug has its own list of adverse side-effects. It can cause an increased risk of both venous thromboembolism (VTE; deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal vein thrombosis) commonly known as blood clots, and stroke, especially in women at high risk of having a heart attack. Besides the very serious combo of side-effects, hot flashes are commonly reported by women taking Evista.

Always seek natural health solutions,

vivian sig

Question & Answer #4

Hello Vivan – Thank you for the information you give. I have read lately – some articles about Vitmain K2 and how important it is in helping the body absorb calcium and getting it to the right places ( I think that is what they said ). Could you comment on Vitamin K2 and how important you may think it is regarding bone health and what the natural food sources are for it? Also – is there a test to measure Vit. K2 in your body like the Vit. D test ? Thank you and have a blessed day !

-Evans

Dear Evans,

You might have missed my blog post titled “Vitamin K: Your Osteoporosis Knight in Shining Armor”. In it I answer all your questions. Check it out.

Keep learning!

vivian sig

Question & Answer #5

Hi Vivian!

I bought some of your materials and was wondering if you have a weekly menu in your new book? There are some recipes in the materials that I purchase from you.

I was diagnosed with celiac disease which presented as osteoporosis about a year and a half ago. My bones are about 10 – 15 yrs older than they should be. I am 55 yrs. old.

I have been exercising and eating differently.

-Connie M.

Dear Connie,

The Osteoporosis Reversal Program manual (formerly The Bone Health Revolution) has some recipes and menu ideas, but not a set up fixed weekly menu. Here is my advice that will help you choose wisely and keep your bones in great shape. Try to eat a good variety of foods throughout the week. This will insure that you get a variety of bone-healthy nutrients from the Foundation Foods.

To your health!

vivian sig

Question & Answer #6

What are the simplest and easiest exercises to do daily that will save the bones of 60 plus folks?

-Sam O.

Dear Sam,

When it comes to bone health exercises, I recommend you focus on these three important types: weight-bearing, resistance, and postural. In other words, you should practice exercise techniques that help build bone strength and density, and some that enhance flexibility and good posture.

Another very important aspect of bone health is preventing falls, so it is a great idea to do exercises that increase your balance. If you haven't yet, check out my blog post titled “Prevent Fractures with Simple Balance Exercises”. I think you'll love the easy exercises to improve your balance and prevent dangerous falls that could lead to fractures.

Namaste,

vivian sig

Question & Answer #7

I have not heard your comments on the prune study done by a doctor in Florida. It seems that eating 10-12 prunes a day will increase bone mass. There is some speculation that the same thing in prunes that promotes bone growth may encourage the growth of some cancers. I would like to know your thoughts on this.

-Tracy D.

Dear Tracy,

The studies found that prunes decreased the amount of bone loss in laboratory animals with artificially induced osteoporosis, and increased biomarkers related to bone formation in postmenopausal women.

The beneficial effects of prunes (which are dried plums) on bone formation is linked to prunes' high concentration of polyphenols that act as antioxidants to reduce bone loss. They contain large amounts of phenolic compounds and are also an good source of boron, and copper. Both trace minerals are listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program as Foundation Supplements, plus I devote an entire chapter in the manual to discuss bone-healthy antioxidants.

While the presence of antioxidants in prunes help reduce oxidation damage to cells, and thus the formation of harmful free-radicals, a surprising study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute associates prunes with an elevated risk of colon cancer. More research needs to be conducted to elucidate this intriguing link.

Besides the possible (but doubtful, I should add) cancer link to prunes, there are two reasons to have them only occasionally, if at all. First and foremost, prunes are one of the few fruits (along with plums, cranberries, and blueberries) that have an acid ash residue. Secondly, they contain oxalates that could interfere with calcium absorption. So if you wish to eat prunes, I recommend you balance them with other alkalizing foods and chew them well, to diminish the effect of the oxalates. Also, avoid getting prunes treated with preservatives, such as sulfur dioxide.

Stay happy and alkaline,

vivian sig

Question & Answer #8

Dear Vivian, I have a sister who is in her eighty’s, was on Fosamax and lost 5 kg. with lots of esophagus problems. She stopped taking the medicine and gained 2 kg. The doctor told her she had to have medication because the osteoporosis was so bad and has given her intravenous treatment. One years supply. She has your book Save Our Bones but the doctor really frightened her. Would like to see more truth about these drugs in the media. Thank you,

-Margaret

Dear Margaret,

I hope your sister and you are well, and that your sister did not get attacked by the osteoporosis IV side-effects. Of course we would all like to see more truth about drugs in the mainstream media! But should we blame them for parroting the views of the medical establishment?

And so long as doctors continue to use scare tactics on their patients, only those who – like members of the Save Our Bones community – continue to educate themselves about natural solutions to get rid of osteoporosis, will be immune to these tactics.

Your sister, unfortunately, who as you write does have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, has fallen prey to her doctor's (most likely well-intentioned) tactics.

I can't stress enough the importance of creating our own “bone health philosophy”. Once we analyze our options and understand that drugs can do more harm than good, the rest is as easy as sticking to the science-based knowledge and common sense natural solutions as portrayed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

To our natural bone health philosophy and good health!

vivian sig

Question & Answer #9

I have decided to stop Fosamax after 3 and 1/2 months due to eye problems and palpitations. Will I suffer added bone loss due to the drug’s effect on the remodeling process, how long will this last, how long will the drug remain in the body -and what’s the best way of countering any ill effects?

-GR (didn't give name)

Dear GR,

I hope your palpitations and eye problems are gone or at least got better.

Great questions! In fact, your questions are critical. That's why I have addressed them in great detail in a blog post titled “Stop Taking Osteoporosis Drugs? It's Never too Late”. I strongly recommend you read it.

Be inquisitive, and always demand the truth,

vivian sig

Question & Answer #10

I have recently embarked on your program. I have had an underactive thyroid for 25 years and take synthroid every day. How does this affect bone density and is there anything special I need to do in addition to your program. I have osteoporosis according to my doctor and he gave me word for word the same speech you specified in your book!!! Surprise, surprise!!!! I am NOT taking the medication. Many thanks.

-Sue G.

Dear Sue,

Well done, and thanks for joining the thousands that are following the program!

What hurts bones is an overactive thyroid; you have the exact opposite, and what I recommend you do (in addition to following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program) is to make sure that you check your blood T4 and TSH often enough. By keeping close tab on these thyroid activity blood values, your doctor will be able to make sure that you are not taking too much Synthroid, which could lead to an overactive thyroid.

By the way, hypothyroidism has reached epidemic proportions, and could – at least in part – be attributed to municipal water fluoridation.

As I write in the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, which is part of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, fluoride has deleterious bone health effects because it accumulates in the body. Relating to thyroid problems, fluoride was used in the 1950's as a drug to slow down overactive thyroid conditions. It had to be phased out due to terrible side-effects. This is not surprising, because to this day, fluoride is a widely used active ingredient in rodent and insect pest control. Yet it is added to most municipal waters with the questionable benefit of tooth decay prevention.

So to stay on top of your bone health and your general health, follow as many of the recommendations in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, including the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, as strictly as possible.

Stay bone-smart and healthy,

sig black