
Question & Answer #1
I take a calcified seaweed supplement. Now I am wondering – is this organic calcium or is it calcium adhering to the seaweed?
Many thanks,
-Christine C.
Dear Christine,
Calcified seaweed is plant-derived from the seaweed called Lithothamnium Calcareum, and is therefore organic. However, certain brands combine it with other forms of calcium, typically amino acid chelated calcium such as calcium citrate, malate, and gluconate. So if you only wish to take 100% organic calcium, make sure you read the labels carefully.
Keep asking good questions,
Question & Answer #2
My GP has sent me for X-rays and told me my lower back and leg pain is due to wear and tear, apart from painkillers what can I do to help this? I feel some days I am going to end up in a wheelchair. Would be grateful for any advice. Thanks.
-Janette D.
Dear Janette,
What your doctor is basically telling you is that you may have some damage in certain areas of your lower spine, thus causing the pain that irradiates down to your leg. You should request the X-ray report so you can read it and show it to a physical therapist, who can help you strengthen the muscles that support the lower back to reduce the pain. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, and pain killers simply mask the problem.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Question & Answer #3
Hi Vivian: I’ve been following the news about the latest study on linking calcium with increased risk of cardiovascular events, and have discussed it with my pharmacist. As well as reading and showing him your last article,I received some literature from him which stressed the importance of taking Vitamin D with the calcium. You have stated in your last article that calcium derived from coral or shell sources is considered inorganic, yet the pharmacy community considers them organic. I have found some organic calcium at my health food store which comes from algae and I’m going to give that a try. But I will also speak to my doctor, since I like to get information from as many sources as possible. My question is: why is there a difference of opinion about what is organic/inorganic, and what is not? Thanks!
-Carol-Lynn R.
Dear Carol-Lynn,
Excellent question, especially as it relates to coral calcium, which often causes confusion because coral is considered a living organism, and is therefore organic. However, the type of calcium found in coral is the inorganic calcium carbonate, even though it is “made” by coral. A good example is the egg shell, which is made by “organic” chickens, yet the egg shell is inorganic calcium carbonate. And the same can be said about mollusks, whose shells are made of inorganic calcium carbonate.
Remember, it's good to be curious!
Question & Answer #4
Where I live the soil is very acidic, and my tap water has a pH of 4.0. You mentioned somewhere that you recommend distilled water for drinking and cooking. I would like to understand better the effect of water and its pH on my body, as it is such a basic part of what I ingest. Thank you!
-Brenda
Dear Brenda,
As I explain in great detail in the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, which is one of the components of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, I don't recommend drinking tap water, not because of its pH but rather due to the toxic chemicals that are added by municipalities and that leach from outdated pipes. Also, many toxic chemicals both dumped by industry and environmental, find their way into the water reservoirs; even prescription drugs have been found lurking in municipal waters.
Unlike foods that have either an acid or alkaline pH or ash residue after they are digested, water doesn't go through the digestive process. Therefore, the main issue with drinking water is its purity – not its pH – as well as its ionic charge.
Distilled water, and to a slightly lesser degree water purified by reverse osmosis, is negatively charged. Remember that pure water is made of two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule, thus its formula H2O. Since opposites attract in nature, the negatively charged water drags out the positively charged toxins in the body that would acidify your pH – among other things – if they were to remain circulating in it. And adding a few drops of lemon juice to the drinking water further ionizes it.
In good health,
Question & Answer #5
I am always looking for more weight bearing exercises to do other than just walking—–I was wondering if bike riding counted as one, I have an old fashioned bike with no gears to keep it from making it easier on hills, etc. If you could send along other exercises for this I would appreciate it, as I am attempting to treat my diagnosis of osteopenia with more exercising and diet. Thanks much. I enjoy all your information.
-Judith H.
Dear Judith,
While bike riding is lots of fun and a great aerobic and leg muscle strengthening sport, it is not considered a weight bearing exercise. In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I devote a section to density exercises, which are especially designed to build bones. And you can check the blog post titled “Osteoporosis Exercises: Build Your Bones While You Sit” at this website.
Wishing you a “smooth ride”,
Question & Answer #6
A friend recommended acupuncture as a help for osteoporosis. My kidneys are excreting too much calcium. She said some of the Chinese herbs for the kidneys given in tandem with the acupuncture might help. Is this a possibility?
-Jann
Dear Jann,
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) makes the direct connection between kidney function and bone health. According to TCM, the kidneys somehow control bone marrow production. For that reason, TCM utilizes acupuncture and certain herbs to support the kidneys. However, I have not researched TCM and its effectiveness on bone health as of yet, so I can't formulate an opinion on this topic. In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program you'll find very effective and easy-to-apply nutritional ways to reduce calcium excretion to keep the calcium where most of it belongs: in your bones.
To your bone strength!
Question & Answer #7
How much calcium do you need a day and is taking Fosamax a good choice?
-Mary W.
Dear Mary,
As is the case with every mineral, quantity, quality, and balance with other minerals in the body is one of the essential components of bone health. For that reason I devote several chapters in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program to Foundation Supplements and Foundation Foods. You can read all about the recommended quantities for the bone-healthy supplements, and the explanation on how they act in our bodies and interact with each other.
So to answer your question, my calcium recommendation in supplemental form is based on the current RDA, which is from 800 to 1,200 mg per day. And remember that the maximum we can absorb at one time is 500 mg, so make sure you spread your calcium intake during meals throughout the day.
And about your question on Fosamax, it all boils down to a very simple choice: would you prefer to have strong and healthy bones naturally, or by taking a synthetic drug that has a long list of very detrimental – and sometimes life-changing – side effects? The Osteoporosis Reversal Program gives you the complete information to make this important decision.
Now more than ever, knowledge is power!
Question & Answer #8
I just recently saw my gyn and he strongly recommends 1500 mg of calcium a day, which I do take. However, your article says differently. I do exercise and eat a lot of fruit, green leafy vegetables, not much meat, take Omega 3. I also lost 1/2″ in height. I am concerned that I should be doing something else. My age is 66.
-Kathleen R.
Dear Kathleen,
You are on the right track, and I understand your concerns. Bone health is very important to your quality- and ultimately – quantity of life. When you get the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you have access to all the information you need to build your bones naturally.
I can tell by what you wrote that you are indeed trying to approach your bone health with natural solutions, which is excellent. But you can leave the guess work behind and follow the scientifically proven methods in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. It's the answer to your prayers – all the information and guidance that you need to naturally increase your bone density plus mouth-watering recipes and much more.
For my dosage recommendation on calcium, see my answer to Mary.
So don’t be concerned… be informed… and take action to “save YOUR bones”!
Wishing you great success with the Program,
Question & Answer #9
Specifically, why is strontium support II (from citrate) not good for bones? Highly regarded Dr. Jonathon Wright’s patients have had good results with this. He writes about this, periodically, in his monthly newsletter, Nutrition and Healing.
-Mary Ellen F.
Dear Mary Ellen,
There is a big difference between thick bones and strong bones. Just like dried-up thick tree branches, thick bones are more prone to fracture than healthy and renewed bones that have good levels of tensile strength. What is tensile strength? Quoting from the Osteoporosis Reversal Program:
“Tensile strength is the ability of a material or member to resist stretching and pulling, and is different from compressive strength. The latter means that a material or member has the ability to resist compression or crushing… Bone compressive strength is always much greater than tensile strength; tensile strength must therefore be of primary concern.”
Strontium in all its forms, as studies reveal, contributes to bone thickening rather than to the quality of bone mineral. In other words, the outer cortical bone becomes thicker – reducing tensile strength – and therefore, it can be logically implied that bones with a thicker outer cortex are more prone to breakage or fracture.
In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I delve into this topic in great detail, to insure that readers clearly understand the difference between thick bones and strong bones.
Stay strong!
Question & Answer #10
What type of exercises can I do with brittle bones? I have osteoporosis in my left hip and knees & osteopenia in my back?
-Peggy
Dear Peggy,
As I wrote in my answer to Judy, you can check the blog post titled “Osteoporosis Exercises: Build Your Bones While You Sit” at this website. And for a complete description of density training exercises to help you dramatically increase your bone-building capacity, please refer to the exercise section in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
In good health,
‘Question: I had a horrible allergic reaction each time I took New Chapter Bone Strength take care.’ Itchy throat, itchy inner ear canals, and watery eyes. I had to take Benadryl to alleviate the allergic reaction. Is there any information regarding allergic reactions to this red algae or is my allergic reaction to other ingredients?
I was taking Algaecal Plus for few years and still developed osteopenia in my hips and osteoporosis in spine. Also I’ve been on VitD 50,000 twice a month. My calcium level is 9.5 (high normal), vit D also within normal range. I’m trying now TrueOsteo instead, but have history of breast cancer and label on TrueOsteo is showing contains ingredient extracted from soy. Can I continue taking it? I was also diagnosed with Hoshimoto thyroiditis and take small dose of Synthroid. Please advice.
Vivian,
I am taking AlgaeCal Plus. Is this a good calcium to be taking. I understand it is organic and made from seawood. I really hope you answer this question because it is a little expensive and if it is not what I should be taking I will quit ordering it.
Vivian, I have been following your program for almost 2 years, but when I test my urine each morning, my reading is not consistently in the alkaline range, even though I am doing my very best to eat accordingly. I know I am under alot of stress at my job and I know this affects my levels. What is the best thing I can do to fight this stress? Thank you for all your help!
My oncologist insists I have Pagets Disease and what my to have IV’s of the bone medications. You tell us that those medications cause your bones to harder, more brittle and break more easily. What do you suggest for pagets disease? Thanks, Nancy
A friend of mine has been taking Fosamax for 7 years and has recently had a DEXA scan that has shown an improvement from osteoporosis 7 years ago to oesteopenia today. She read my copy of Save Our Bones 18 months ago, but chose to continue with her prescription drugs and is now cocka hoop (hope this is an American expression too)that she chose the “right path”
Maureen
what is the cost of the bookplease in english money,
Vivian, I am confused about taking organic calcium from marine algae. All of the products I have found also contain strontium and I thought you do not recommend that?
Hi Nancy,
Most of the algae-based calcium supplements do contain a small amount of strontium, but that’s OK. For example, AlgaeCal’s “recommended dose” of Strontium Boost contains 2,230 mg of strontium; compare that to the 3-5 mg contained in many organic calcium supplements. It is this type of “megadose” that I don’t recommend.
Vivian,
I try to keep up with your emails and love your “Save our Bones” book.
My diligent question is: What organic calcium do you take, and where do you get it?
I would very much like to know.
Thanks so very, very much.
Joyce Gasser
pa******@wa*****.com
Yes, Vivian, I’d also like to know what kind of calcium you take who makes it, and what kind of boxed cereals do you eat?
Thank you Vivian for all the answers; it is good to be informed and to have knowledge of different issues. They are really appreciated.
Irma
Dear Vivian,
I was on Evista and had severe joint and back disconfort..I am still concerned that I am not getting the right supplements to assist me with my osteoporosis, I take 2 caltrate pills 1 Centrum (50+).I also take 2 red rice yeast for cholesterol and 1Coq10.. I would like to know what else is there to reverse my osteoporosis. This is a component that no one is addresssing.thanks faf
Hi Faf,
There are many components to regaining your bone health, and I cover them all in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
You’ll also find a lot of good free information by searching and browsing the articles on this website.
Is palm fruit oil, an ingredient of the butter substitute Olivio, healthful?
Can you give us a hierarchy of acidifying foods, e.g. are grains or beans less acidifying than meat,fish and dairy?
Thanks. Suzy Bronstein
Thank you for your information about cucumber. I now make a smoothy of cucumber and yogurt (none fat organic) several times a week.I love it . Maybe you should repeat the information
You are wonderful and generous,
Merry Christmas
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON TAKING
EVISTA 60 MG. DAILY
Vivian,
Have you ever heard of anyone being diagnosed
with Leukemia
after taking monthly actonel?
Thank-you
love the letters and answers,could you tellme if walking helps in bone density.thank you
Hello Vivian
Why not get on with life & forget about health issues?
You have awakened us to certain drugs etc so for me it is enjoy.
Many thanks.
Dulce
I like soy milk and soy burgers and chicken patties. Now I hear that all soybeans in this country are genetically altered and therefor very bad for you. Can this be true? I would like to get your book in the future,but can not at this time. Thanks for the e-mails – they are great.
Not ALL soy is genetically modified; it’s actually about half of all soy crops, which is still a frighteningly high number. You are more like to get unaltered soy if you purchase organic. Be sure to check labels; non-GMO products are usually labeled as such. However, even if you can get non-GMO soy, I don’t recommend eating soy in large quantities due to its phytoestrogen content.
Hi vivian, I was wondering about Melalucha vitamins and complete calcium. What is your opinion about these pills? are they natural? I respect your opinion because I know you do the research for us. Thanks Betty
Hi Betty,
I’m unable to comment in detail about every supplement that’s out there. There are simply too many! 🙂 By reading the ingredient list, you should be able to determine whether the supplements are organic.
Vivian, I would love your feedback on the benefits of vitamin K2 for bone and cardiovascular health. I have read quite a bit about the fact that the K2 “shunts” calcium from your bloodstream – where it causes damage – to your bones (where it is needed). Please!
Hi Johanita,
Please see my blog post on this topic: Vitamin K: Your Osteoporosis Knight in Shining Armor
I Really Would Like To Get Your Program, But I Don’t Have The Money For It. Hopefully When My Debts Are All Paid Off I’ll Be Able To Get It Then. Until That Time, I’m Just Thankful I Get Your VERY INFORMATIVE E-MAILS!
LOVE, LES (MS. L.)
Sorry – me again!
I’m also confused about fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir. Some authors consider them alkaline forming and others acid.
Your views on these foods and fruit (previously posted) would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Ann-Maree,
Plain, unsweetened yogurt and kefir are neutral. The pre-sweetened varieties are acidifying. If you’d like to sweeten the yogurt or kefir, you can add some stevia or honey, both of which are alkalizing.
Hi Vivian
Thanks for these. I am confused about different acid/alkaline forming foods. All authors agree that sugar is acid forming, yet there is disagreement regarding high sugar-containing foods such as fruit. I understand some confusion may arise because fundamentally there are 2 ways of ascertaining whether or not a food is either acid, neutral or alkaline forming. I’m interested to know how you’ve arrived at your list and would be very grateful if you’d let me know.
Thanks again
Hi Ann-Maree,
Foods are classified as acid or alkaline based on the minerals they leave behind after digestion, NOT based on their taste or how they “seem.” The pH is determined by burning the food and checking the ashes for a pH reading. Most fruits are alkalizing, although a few, like blueberries, are acidifying. If you have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, please check your Foundation Foods list.
I also would like to ask about a calcium source called
EZ ORB which claims 92% absorption of calcium originating from plants & results with osteoporosis ,plus other ailments?
Is this a good product?
Thanks for input!
Hi vivian, I would also like to know more about Calcium and Magnesium. Is it possible to take too much of either or both and would it affect my heart? Sometimes, I feel very tired and my heart feels heavy after I consume these two C&Mag together. Do they have to be taken with food. Believe it or not, my pharmacist tells me I do not need magnesium only Vit D and Calcium. Please respond…I value your opinion. Betty
I take a Complete Calcium for women 50+ it feartures Multiple Calcium Sources, CLA, Flax & Red Clover, Green Food Concentrates, Grape Seed, Silica & D3, Apple Cider Vinegar. I also take 1000iu of D and 250mg Magnesium. I take all the above before I go to bed. The cal has 600mg (2 tab) 300mg Mag ( 2 tab) I also take Vit c, B, Coq10 Glucosamine Sulfate and Milk Thistle. Do you think I am taking too many vitamins? Its very difficult to get an answer from my GP. I have been on High Blood Pressure pills (micardis 80mg) for 6 months and I would love to come off them. I do get headaches and feel tired. I look forward to hearing from you Vivian. Thank you for all your good work.
Hi Cindy,
It’s impossible to give a blanket answer as to whether you’re taking too many supplements. Everyone’s situation is different and different supplements serve different purposes. With the number of supplements you’re taking, however, it would not be a bad idea to take an occasional “supplement vacation” for a few days every month or so to give your body a rest from the additives that are in most supplements.
Hi Betty
Yes, you can take too much of anything. 🙂
But with calcium, the type is much more important than the amount. If you’re taking highly absorbable organic, plant-derived calcium supplement, as I suggest, you don’t need as much. And remember, your body can absorb a maximum of 500 mg. of calcium at one time.
As I discuss in the Save Our Bones program, the recommended ratio for calcium and magnesium is 2:1, so you should take approximately half as much magnesium as calcium.
hi,Dr.vivian
i get white spots on my nail’s bed all the time, but some time that spots goe away by itself. someone told me its a sign that i have a deficiency of calcium. is that true?
Hi Simi,
White spots on nails can have several causes, and it would be impossible to determine the specific cause in your case without an examination. I’m not a doctor, and even if I were, it would not be possible or advisable to do remote diagnosis. Please consult your healthcare practitioner about this.
What do you think of truvia?
Truvia is a brand name for stevia, which is a healthy, alkalizing sweetener.
Regarding question 6 above, I see a TCM practioner for sinus headaches and lower back pain. I told her about my osteopenia and she recommended chinese herbs but I have been afraid to take them because I get a rash from echinacea. I’m wondering if anyone has had any experience with them? In addition to (very successfully)treating my headaches and back pain, she is working on the acupuncture points that support bone health. I am looking forward to my next DEXA scan to see if there’s been any improvement.
Hi Nancy
I am a western herbalist and I use Chinese herbs as well. If you have a reaction to one herb, you will not necessarily have a reaction to another. The only way you will know if you can tolerate the Chinese herbs is to try.
I am so happy to read you articles. I have alway i thought taken care of myself and the more i read the more i know i was right. The one thing i am learning is that the right foods and what in them and how they are prepared are the root of problems. I really believe all you have to says and i do not have a doctor who will not listen and does not push anything. Really good guy. I did finely do a colonoscopy and this was good and i did a life line screening and it was good. Bringing cholstrol down more and that is my only issue and at all the pratice i have had with chol i know what to do and what not to do but sometime time like to go bad since i know the ans i guess but some food really taste good but are bad if eat to much. love the book and seem the good food are better then the bad ant way thank for the info and the bone density and spine strenghener repeat. Needed refreshing i have not fixed the cleanse yet but like all that is in the making of it so will do shortly. have had family and friend death so it has been put to the side.
In trying to find an alternative to Fosomax, which I discontinued taking in 2007 (and my bone density scans show that my bone density has gone down 5% since then), I am talking to my doctors about alternatives. Two alternatives were recently mentioned to me: Evista and Denosumab. Do you have any experience or thoughts on these drugs as alternatives?
Hi Joyce,
Please see my blog post on Denosumab: Prolia (Denosumab): My Review. And I gave my views on Evista in ‘Vivian Answers Day’ #5 (it’s Q&A #3 in that post).
Hi Vivian. I was wondering about Glucosamine and Willow Bark. I have heard those two was good for the bones. Let me know. I love hearing from you. Thanks.
Hi Norma Jean,
These products are used for joints and cartilage. Willow bark can reduce inflammation, but I haven’t had the opportunity to research it in detail yet.
I have been trying for several years to research and find some answers for my osteoporosis. I spent several years going to an endocrinologist who determined through blood tests that I have a VERY low estrogen level (6). He maintains that no matter what I take my body cannot build bones without the estrogen. I used transdermal estrogen for several years and could not get my estrogen levels up to the 60 they “think” builds bone. My high was 38. After several years my FSH has doubled, showing my body needs estrogen. The bone breakdown numbers have increased and he dismissed me because he doesn’t know anything else to do. I’m only 60 and have a -3.4 T- score in my spine for the last 5 years. I’ve been taking calcium and Vitamin D for years. To say I am frustrated is an understatement. Anybody else out there in my situation?
What do we do?
Yes, I have the same problem. I am nearly 66 years old and have had osteoporosis (full blown) for 14 years. At first I was told to double the intake of calcium, which I did. Then I was put on Actonel, then on fosomax, which I did, then I was told that taking 2,400 mg of calcium a day did my body damage, which it did, then I was told that taking Actonel and Fosomax did my body damage, which it did. I’m here to tell you that I am so tired of the shattered bones and the lies that the health NUTS and the medical DOCS tell people is enough to make me want to sue ‘SOMEBODY’ ! I don’t even know WHO ! I have had numerous broken ribs (anywhere from 20 to 25); I’VE HAD FOUR BROKEN VERTABRAES, I’ve had a broken hip, a shattered tibia, a shattered femur, a shattered wrist, I’m 1 inch shorter than I used to be and the doctors (and the health people) look at me and say: Well, I just don’t know. I hate to think what the future will bring ! People say to me: “You’re not that old”, and I say to them: Well, I know that, but you are 85 and you don’t have thirty pins and two plates in one leg, a hip (partial) replacement, and 13 pins and two plates in your wrist. I WAS 5′ 9″ (NOW 5′ 8″) AND WEIGH ABOUT 140 LBS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN FAT, AND I’M NOT FAT NOW, SO IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SITTING AROUND AND BEING OVERWEIGHT ! I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY ACTIVE. I DO NOT SIT IN FRONT OF A TV.
The facts are: My body does not assimilate calcium, no matter what I do. MORE calcium is NOT the answer, A PERSCRIPTION drug is not the answer, and I really don’t know what the answer is: I have taken calcium with Vit. D, Vit B, Algae, Magnesium, Cod liver oil, Omega 3/6/9, Omega 3, selica, ? ? ? and 100 (OR MORE) other things……… every time I turn around there is something new (ANOTHER IDEA) that is supposed to help and I’ve been doing it for 14 years. So, when ‘somebody’ REALLY FINDS OUT WHAT TO DO, I SUPPOSE I’LL BE DOING THAT ALSO. I WAS VERY ACTIVE, PLAYED CITY LEAGUE SOFTBALL UNTIL I WAS 48 YEARS OLD, SO DON’T TELL ME THAT I DIDN’T EXERCISE. BUT, SINCE 52 I HAVE ONLY BEEN GOING DOWN HILL. I REALLY DON’T WANT TO LIVE FOREVER, BUT – – I ALSO DON’T WANT TO TRY TO LIVE WITH THESE SHATTERED BONES. AND: I DON’T CARE WHAT ANYONE MAY SAY: WHEN YOU ARE WALKING AROUND WITH THAT MUCH TITANIUM IN YOUR BODY, THE BODY DOESN’T LIKE IT ! (PAIN 24 – 7 !)
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN SOMEONE FINDS THE ‘REAL’ ANSWER !
Are you nourishing your thyroid? The thyroid produces the hormone Calcitonin, which is necessary to absorb calcium. 99% of Americans are deficient in iodine, (seaweed/kelp) is the best source. Iodized salt isn’t good for you, and it doesn’t help the thyroid like kelp does. You don’t need much, but you need some each day. In an underfunctioning thyroid, any calcium ingested, whether in pill form or food will lodge in joints for arthritis, eyes for cataracts, or arteries to harden them. Get a holistic doctor to help you with this. Medical doctors weren’t trained in this in med school where they are only taught to treat with drugs and surgery. Good luck!
Barbara,
I was impressed with your response as it hit home for me.
I have been “searching” for the reason why my poor finger joints are so painful and I have such difficulty at this point in my life to even make a fist.
My endocrinologist who is and has been treating my thyroid issue looked at my hands and said, “That must be painful.” Then, sugessted my only solution may be surgery!
I have been trying to find out if it is some form of what may be gout.
I am only 59 and have many challenges with my thyroid as well as my osteoporosis and scoliosis.
I would love to hear more about this regarding the joints if you could send me such via e-mail I would really appreciate it.
Thank you for taking the time to respond as you have given me confirmation on my concerns.
Have you tried apple cider vinegar for joints? I have had arthritis for 15 years and it was getting worse. A year ago, a friend told me about apple cider vinegar (1 Tablespoon twice a day) – I tried it and my pain/stiffness, etc. just disappeared. You can get it at grocery stores. It really helps to alkalize your system.
Have your physician test you for gluten intollerance. This is what I was fortunate to discover. When you are gluten intollerant (celiac’s disease) you can not absorb many nutrients important to maintain your bones. I am 55 with osteoporosis. 6 foot, 140 lb and very active. My PMD told me I needed to exercise and I burst out laughing as I am exercising from sun-up to sunset. I was also following my dermatologist recommendation to cover up to avoid the sun ( Vit D deficient), I now lift weights for 45 minutes in the sun every other day. I had sub-clinical celiac’s disease having no symptoms from eating wheat, barley or rye – except bone fractures. They are saying the prevalence of cleiac’s disease is as low as 1:30 people. The good news is when you stop eating wheat/barley or rye your small intestine mucosa returns toward normal and you can absorb nutrients again. Bone is dynamic and should repair itself. Good luck
Have you tried the Save Our Bones program? 🙂 Many people have had success with this natural program after trying and failing with other methods.
Vivian—wish you would put out a daily menu of some sort on what you eat —breakfast -lunch and dinner . I am at loss as what to fix —-PLEASE !!!
Thanks
Kathie
Vivian-I think this is an awesome idea also, it would be nice to look at a few options of what to cook. I generally make what is the easiest–I love new recipes, & you have good ideas of what goes together the best for our bone health. Thanks for all your help! Pegge
With Vivian’s approval, perhaps the Save Our Bones community could share their PH balanced recipes.
Bet there are great cooks with great ideas out there following the Foundation Foods list.
It would be such a pleasure to have a variety of recipes to choose from and all bone healthy.
Absolutely, Cora! One of the wonderful aspects of this community is the way you all share and support each other. Go for it! 🙂
Could a location on the Save Our Bones site be set aside for recipe postings? Listings organized by subject … breakfast, lunch,snacks,etc.
With some guidance .. this could turn out to be a big winner for all of us.
That sounds like a promising idea, Cora. I’ll discuss it with my tech team and see what we can come up with. In the meantime, feel free to share recipes here.
Hi Kathie (and the rest of you),
I’m just putting the finishing touches on my cookbook, which should give you plenty of ideas.:) Look for it early next year.
Hi Vivian,
I’m finding you web site most informative and plan on purchasing the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis – I’m 57 and would prefer not to treat it with Forteo which is what my endocronologist recommended. Right now I’m taking organic calcium, vit d and strontium, eating healthy, etc. I’m also reading a lot about vibrating machines that the astronauts use to prevent osteoporosis while in space. Have you done any research on this or if any of your readers have any experience with this equipment, I’d love to know.
Thanks you so much for all the good information and dedicating your career to this cause.
All the best,
Susan G.
I have just started using the Power Plate, a vibrating machine. I have heard from other people that they have had good results with it regarding strength and bone density. I have osteoporosis just in my hips so when I get another density test I will report the results. In the meantime I am following all of the recommendations in the Save Our Bones program. If anyone else has had a positive result from one of these machines I would like to hear from them.
I was interested in using a power plate vibration machine at our local gym. Research suggests the power plate and other know-offs could be harmful. The vibration is way too much. NASA researchers developed a vibration machine for the astronauts to maintain bone density which is 90 Hz, barely preceptable vibration, you can not see the machine move if you look at it. Google Clinton Runbin or check this article out https://www.firstscience.com/SITE/ARTICLES/vibration.asp
They are in the process of getting FDA apporval or have just gotten it.
Hi Susan,
The vibrating plates are still shrouded with controversy. For example, people with spinal injuries, such as slipped discs or pinched nerves may increase damage by using the machine. I have not researched it in great detail because there are so many other ways to increase density without the added expense of this equipment.
What do you think about getting calcium that is organically grown and they give it an electrical charge. Where do we get that kind?
Joyce Gasser
Hi Joyce,
If you are taking organic, plant-derived calcium, you don’t need to give it an electrical charge.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. While I have read your discussion regarding the use of strontium, wouldn’t it be a good idea to take the strontium in order to increase the hardness of the outside of the bone to prevent breast cancer cells entering the bone?
I have ordered and received the algae cal and I am wondering when I start these do I still take a one a day vitamin (Centrum Silver 50+) or is this too much. I also take Vit D and once a month take 50,000 IU’s. What is your suggestions. Thanks
Hi Janice,
I recommend that you stop the 50,000 IUs of D2, which is an excessive amount. AlgaeCal contains enough D3 (which has proven to be much more potent that D2), so you shouldn’t need an additional D supplement. Centrum is OK, but you might want to upgrade to organic supplements such as those from New Chapter or Vitamin Code. Most of the vitamins in Centrum are synthetic.
What is the difference between the large Osteoporosis Reversal Program and the paperback thinner version I purchased a couple of years ago?
I, like Nancy, would like to know what the difference between the large Osteoporosis Reversal Programme and the paperback thinner version is?
A friend of mine has been taking Fosamax for 7 years and has recently had a DEXA scan that has shown an improvement from osteoporosis 7 years ago to oesteopenia today. She read my copy of Save Our Bones 18 months ago, but chose to continue with her prescription drugs and is now cocka hoop (hope this is an American expression too)that she chose the “right path”
Maureen
Hi, I saw my Oncologist yesterday and she was not pleased that I have stopped taking Actenol a month ago. She said since I had breast cancer last year and am taking Femara which reduces bone density and I already have osteoporosis and osteopenia that I need to get back on Femara. She gave me a new prescription for it but I am still unsure. Can I increase bone by following your book which I have bought or will Femara just work against me. I am so confused right now. I bought some ankle weights and also wrist weights and have been walking 2 miles most every day. I am determined to exercise more per your guides in the book and I am eating very healthy calcium rich foods. At this point I feel like there is no cure but everything is a danger. Please give me your thoughts on this. Thank you. Lori
Those doctors are so insistent. I let mine write the presc and
then I don’t fill it. If you resist what they are saying, you
will have your time filled up with argument. Ask your doctor to
check your moles when they spend too much time talking about Bisphosphonates.
Hi Lori,
Femara does have a weakening effect on bones, so your doctor is rightly concerned about your possible future bone density loss. She is prescribing Actonel because doctors only know how to “cure” by prescribing drugs.
But you are the decision-maker, not your doctor. Having read the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you have all the information you need to make an educated decision.
When will there be another “Ask Vivian” opportunity? I purchased the program and am trying to follow it but have a few questions.
Hi Nancy,
I’m not sure when I’ll have the next “Ask Vivian” week. I’m still in the process of responding to several hundred questions from the last one. 🙂
Feel free to post a few questions here on the blog. I respond as I’m able, although there can be a bit of a delay when I’m backlogged.
hello
i would like to know if doing some shopping and carrrying weight around is dangerous.my nurse told me not to carry more than 1 kilo even i have not reached to osteoporosis yet, i have oestopenia.Iam a bit confused as you say weight bearing is good.i also have a pain in my right hip, is this due to osteopenia??and then i would also like to know your opinion about yoga exercises, i used to go to yoga classes but then the nurse told me to stop as it is not suitable, i would likt to know your opinion.
i have been discharged to see the consultant and have an yearly scan as i refused to take medication, now i am worried as i don’t know if my ostepenia will advanced.
thank you very much.
Hi Pili,
With osteopenia and no known spinal compression fractures (that you’ve mentioned), it’s possible that the nurse is exaggerating. Consult with the nurse and ask her what guidelines she’s using. Perhaps you have microfractures you haven’t been made aware of. So my advice is to double-check the lifting and yoga warning with the nurse to make sure you have all the facts straight.
My husband is having an acute attack of gout. We follow a vegetarian diet. Is there a natural way of reducing the pain and swelling?
I found that Montmorency Cherry Flex Softgels was the best product to stop all gout pains in my toes
within 2 days and reduce swelling and restore full mobility, when I took the maximum dose 4 times a day. I then followed up with 4 gels a day for a week, and for 3 weeks with the recommended daily dose. After some years I experienced some mild relaps, and did the same thing, and keep since then always some cherry flex at hand,just in case. By the way I tried other cherry products, but found that these softgels by http://www.fruitfast.com tel.877-591-3101 worked best for me.
Hi Janet,
I’m sorry, but I’m currently focusing all of my energies on my research into osteoporosis and bone health issues. At present, I don’t have the resources to address other health concerns.
You might want to try Paul’s suggestion, as cherries have been found to have some efficacy in treating gout.