If you feel alienated and ‘on your own’ because you are considering or are already following an alternative treatment for osteoporosis or osteopenia, I have great news for you: you are definitely not alone.
You see, I know firsthand that it’s not easy to turn away from your doctor’s mainstream treatment recommendations. And sometimes, it can feel as though you are swimming upstream, against the tide… in a cold and dark ocean.
I know it because I felt the same way during my quest for the truth about osteoporosis.
But even though there were times when I thought I might drown, I never sank to the bottom. And each time I found new knowledge, I gained momentum and rose to the surface with even more energy than before.
Each piece of information I gathered, gave me the strength I needed to pursue my goal and to finish my endeavor.
I kept reminding myself that pioneers are often ridiculed and ignored… that new discoveries are usually not readily accepted by the mainstream establishment.
And after putting my research into use, I finally solved my own osteoporosis problem and my bone density results increased by a whopping 20%.
When you realize that you're part of a community that is growing by leaps and bounds, it becomes easier to decide against taking osteoporosis drugs and to follow alternative solutions.
Alternative therapies are used by a majority of adults over 50
CAM – short for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – is best described as a variety of medical and health care systems, practices, and products not considered to be part of mainstream medicine. Diet-based therapies and natural supplements are a very popular form of CAM. Of course, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program is a perfect example of a CAM therapy.
While there is little or no mention of CAM in the media or at your doctor’s office, it is rapidly gaining ground in the US. “Millions of Americans every year are turning to Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” says Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D.
Dr. Nahin was involved in a survey that shows startling results: 38 percent of American adults use CAM in one form or another (Barnes, PM; Bloom, B; Nahin, R. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12. CAM Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007. December 2008).
Surprisingly, those aged 50 to 59 are the most prevalent medical “adventurers” in the US. In fact, almost two-thirds of adults 50 and older use some form of CAM. (Barnes P, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin R., CDC Advance Data Report #343. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults: United States, May 2004).
So if until now you thought that you are part of a minority group, you can rest assured that that's not the case.
Alternative Medicine now taught at Medical Schools
A well-known market principle is that demand for a certain product will sooner or later bring about a supply of that product. Fortunately, this also applies to CAM, and it is quite possibly the reason why a variety of alternative medicine courses are popping up in medical colleges throughout the United States.
Further supporting this important development, the curriculum director of the University of Minnesota’s alternative medicine department, Mary Jo Kreitzer, comments that “Consumers are demanding it (alternative therapies)… You could say that in that respect, we are advocates.”
And when several students attending Medical School at the University of Minnesota were interviewed by an Associated Press writer in 2007, they expressed their delight at having the opportunity to learn about alternative medicine and said they would be more willing to recommend a variety of CAM therapies.
This is a welcome change in the natural therapy arena, especially since researchers document that when patients tell doctors about their CAM use, most of the time physicians brush off the topic (Corbin Winslow L., Shapiro H., “Physicians want education about complementary and alternative medicine to enhance communication with their patients.” Archives of Internal Medicine, 2002 May 27).
This might be explained by a survey of doctors that confirms they feel unqualified to discuss CAM, mainly due to a lack of training in that area of treatment (Milden S.P., Stokols D. “Physicians’ attitudes and practices regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” Behavioral Medicine, Summer 2004).
As the CAM trend continues to expand in the future, doctors will have to keep up with the latest alternative methods or be ready see their patient base shrink.
Small steps in the right direction
Even though many medical schools have elective classes on CAM therapies, students are not openly encouraged to enroll in those courses. For example, a spokeswoman for Harvard University said that Harvard does not advocate alternative medicine. This statement gives us a clear indication that the medical establishment, while recognizing that there is a growing need for doctors to learn about alternative therapies, is still unconvinced of its benefits.
The Save Our Bones community
And now, you and I are really part of something special. I’m talking about this natural osteoporosis community that we’re a part of. Did you know that an average of 16,100 osteoporosis ‘truth-seekers’ just like you are joining us every week?
It’s true. An average of 2,300 fellow ‘osteoporosis conquerors’ just like you and me are joining us EVERY day!
And at the time I’m writing this, tens of thousands of you have used the Osteoporosis Reversal Program to naturally conquer osteoporosis and osteopenia and increase your bone density naturally.
So when you wish to tackle osteoporosis without taking the commonly prescribed drugs, your knowledge-based convictions play a crucial role. Like millions of others, you can establish an open dialogue with your doctor, discuss what he or she recommends with the understanding that there are natural alternatives to the mainstream treatment.
And remember this: you are not alone.
Vivia n,
I stopped taking Fosamax about 4 or 5 years ago. I told my doctor about a year later that I had stopped it and she said my bones would disintegrate and I would end of a crippled old lady. I have Graves disease and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I finally had another bone density test done this month and thanks to following your protocol my levels are now in the osteopenia range. What a relief. Thank you so much. I am 68 years old.
Dear Vivian, have you heard of a herbal product from Indonisia SEHAT BADAN? We had been sharing this product to our close friends and relatives here in Iligan City, Province of Lanao del Norte in Mindanao, Philippines suffering from osteoporosis, gout, and Arthritis problem for quit sometime now. I found it very effective and has quick response in one to two days even on severe cases of arthritic condition. I found this product truly have amazing results as a herbal supplement. The main ingredients are two variety of japanese black pepper, curcuma longa and ginger & other undeclared herbal material. I suspect that the producer of this product perhaps found a very quick and effective combination of herbs that resulted to a quick response to the users. I had been a networker of forever Living products and others health networking company in the past but I had never seen a product as effective as this one. I am only sharing this knowledge to you of what I had encountered recently because I think it is somewhat related to the issue of Ostheoporosis we had been discussing here. I leave this for your comment. Sincerely Yours, Walter O. Lituan, Philippines
Vivian,
I thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
Every day I learn more about CAM. I honestly believe
getting back to nature will make us healthier.
Thank for keeping encouraging us, Vivian. I find you site because I knew that there is a natural remedy, but just did not know exacly where and what to do. I knew the drags are poisons for more than 30years ago.I read a book ritten more than 150years ago called The Ministery of Healling, by EG whitte, that set my mind on the right path. Wonderful book sill very relevant today. So I never took a tablet in my life for hadakes or anything. I always treat myself naturally, but now turning 51, the doctors told me that I have no choice exept to take the prescription they gave me. Smilling I left the room and went home to find for myself. That is how I find you. I find out the mistakes I did and I am trying to corect them, and I know that by God’s grace I will be OK. thanks a lot Vivian for your reaserch and care. Worm Regard, Cecilia
Cecilia, you are most welcome. Your positive attitude is wonderful. Keep it up and please keep contributing!
I have used natural and CAM and was the primary reason to sign on for this newsletter. Vivian, another reason doctors are hesitant to provide CAM information is that U.S. drug companies are powerful and will prevent this information from reaching the medical profession and medical students. These companies don’t want to lose business. If more people seek natural therapy in the future, pharmaceutical companies will have to acknowledge that.
A good point, Ivy – very insightful!
Hi Vivian
Thank you for all your emails. I am 87years old and fortunately do not
suffer from osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. However I do look forward
to your articles in case I should need your help one of these fine days.
Brian
Hi vivian I have been taking caltrate with d3 and i wanted to know if
this is a good calcium supplemt, i wanted to know if there is a better
supplememt i should take for my bones.
My doctor recommended I take Citracal D3 (calcium citrate) because it is more absorbable and you can take with or without food. My doctor also recommended an additional 2000 mg of Vit D3 supplements. Actually, I take 4000 mg of Vit D3 supplements because I do have osteoporosis. The key intaking all supplements is to spread them out during the day. For instance, I take one Citracal D3 plus one 1000 mg of Vit D at breakfast; again at lunch, another at dinner and another at bedtime.
Healthy bones are not much use without healthy cartilage at their ends. I read a recent claim that strontium can help to preserve the cartilage too. It claimed that this was the first medication to help the cartilage – this I do not believe, for surely glucosamine came first. They do not explain why strontium might help, but I wonder if strengthening the bone also helps to support the cartilage in some way.
Alistair.
I have bought the book. I am looking for a pill or two which contains all the foundation foods you have mentioned= thanks you Anberiya
I prefer the term ‘alternative healthcare’ to ‘alternative medicine’ because medicine is so often problematic. I suppose many actually use ‘medicine’in this connection in the sense of ‘healthcare’ anyway.
Hola, definitivamente la oirsopotoses ya es una enfermedad curable, avances cientedficos dentro del plano de la biotecnologeda lo demuestran. Existe un Calcio capaz de revertir este mal en tan sf3lo seis meses de tratamiento, con gusto les dos informacif3n a las personas interesadas y que padezcan de este mal. (ti***********@*****il.com)
If we ignore our doctor’s recommendations and go down the alternative route, will it negate our travel insurance?
After 28 years of no diagnosis (all in my head) & mis diagnosis of fibromyalgia,I Have been Diagnosed with Scoliosis.Its in the Moderate to severe range now.Can This Bone Rebuilding Program do any thing on reversal on this or only to slow it down?Also When I try to do some mild stretching or light exercise like walking its uncomfortable & it rebounds on me.Any Help Or Suggestions would be appreciated.I’m desperate.At Present I’m not Taking arthritis or osteoporosis medications.i’m trying to add foods & Tips from your Emails.I Know I need to Purchase your program,but I cant afford it,but then again I cant afford not to.Hopefuuly soon I can.please reply.T
hank you Kim
How enjoyable is a pill? Wouldn’t you rather eat some chicken, sweet potato, a good salad with fresh tomatoes and crunchy cucumber? Eat the food you enjoy, Take the vitamins (pills you enjoy) Good health to you.
Have you downloaded the free Bone Building Handbook? That’s a good start while you save up for the book
I, too have a severe case of scoliosis. I had it since I was young, but didn’t know about it until I was rear-ended in 1990,(about 48 yrs. old). Went to a Chiropractor and was doing O.K. Insurance ran out and can’t afford to go any more especially since I am retired. I was told that an acupuncturist might help, but then again, very expensive. My insurance doesn’t cover it. I’m in a lot of discomfort at times. Any suggestions?
Thank you.
I am not suffering with osteoporosis, so I do not require any treatment. I am interested to know the way to ward of it.
I have prostate cancer that has migrated to some of my bones. Recently I began using several drops of food grade h202 in water 3 times daily. Within 2 or 3 weeks, I took off my catheter, and all seems normal in that area, except for form occasional pain. However, it seems to cause a little pain in my bones as it kills cancer cells. Along with that, my doctor gave me a prescription of doxycycline (a form of tetracycline) which has an affinity for attaching calcium to bone. I bee that soon, with this treatment, and diets, I will soon be well of bone cancer. I have your book. Thanks for all your help.
Hi Vivian, Thank you for all your informative information as well as the Restore Video. I am curious to know what is your current bone density?
Hi Vivian,
I have been reading the information on your website and mostly recently the restore video. I understand how you feel on the drugs that doctors prescribe for osteoporosis, however, I’d like to understand your thoughts on homeopathic medicine and herbals supplements.
I’ve been reading about a dietary supplement called Drs Best Strontium Bone Maker (to build bone density) taken with Silica Complex (for bone flexibility), and OSS Regen drops (Homeopathic – to build bone density).
I would appreciate if you could let me know your thoughts on the above supplements, and how it differs from your bone program.
Marianne
vivian Ever hear of once a year prolia? your thoughts please. thanks. bert
Here’s my review of Prolia, Bert: https://saveourbones.com/prolia-denosumab-review/
I have been on your email for severeal months and look forward to and read
them all. You confirm what I was already on to and graciously share information that ecouraged my decision to not take doctors advice. Thank you for your unselfish research and caring for the health of others.
Just broke a crown off below gum line it has to be cut out thanks to Fosomax, Atonel, and Boniva (started taking in 2006) will have to wait until December 1 2011 to have it removed due the healing of the jaw. I quit taking Boniva, September 2011 do not plan to take any more of this type of medications. I am also telling any and everyone to stop taking this poison. It is killing us women and making the drug company richer at our expense. The worse thing is most of the doctors think we are crazy even to question their decision on any of the drugs they try to force on us as if we are a puppets that are required to adhere to their knowledge.
I stopped taking biphosphonates early this year and have to be very careful with my teeth! One at the bottom has moved! I’m having a daily yogart, Calin as it has all the vitamin D you need! I don’t normally have milk only soya, so I hope this is OK! I also stopped all my prescribed medication, like prednisalone in March, but by now don’t feel any worse for it! I’m gradually getting better!
Janet
This is a question: I am 64 years old. I bought your book and agree with it when the patient is healthy. For years I have been living with a condition called Sheehan Syndrone. As substitutes, I need Hydrocortisone and thyroid medicine. For a number of years I have taken Evista for my bones.I have osteoporosis. My health depends on medicine, so is it wise for me to discontinue Evista? A specialist even recommended Fosamax which I refused to take. Please advise!
I’m sure this is a good product, but due to the
med’s that I’m on, I’m not allowed to take any
thing with herbs in it, so if that’s included in
this product, then I can’t even try this…
Betty, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program consists of a printed manual and several related reports and checklists. We don’t currently sell any supplements or herbal products, and you wouldn’t have to take any herbs in order to follow the program. You can get more info about the program and what’s included here: https://saveourbones.com/program/
Just left doctor’s office & everything was great.Lower cholestrol, lower blood pressure,goodreport on tryglirates. I mentioned that I have been eating bananas regularly and disclaimed it as a benefit . Said it did not improve anything, just had potassium. We argued and I gave up.Have given up 99% of meat,cheese,cookies added fruits and veggies, thanks to you.This April I will be 83 years and have broken my back 2x in one year. Still painful on and off. Sometimes I can walk just fine…Many thanks Maxine
Yo quiero comprar el libro de bolsillo
me gustaria saber cuanto vale en pesos chilenos
y como lo puedo pagar ya que yo uso solamente dinero no tengo otro medio para pagar
esperando respuesta lo mas pronto posible gracias
Carmen
ME GUSTARIA TENER EL LIBRO DE BOLSILLO
TAMBIEN QUIERO SABER EL VALOR EN PESOS CHILENOS
Y COMO PUEDO PAGARLO YA QUE DISPONGO DE DINERO SOLAMENTE NO TENGO OTRO MEDIO DE PAGO
Carmen
I have recently started receiving some new emails about caring for your back. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE MY EMAIL WITH ANYONE. Thank you, Joyce Maxwell
I am following your diet and supplement program but my doctor wants me to take evista for at least one year. What do you think. I am so confused. I have already broken a rib and have no idea how. Need some feedback. Thanks and may God, love , peace and harmony be with you always, Linda
Linda, I talked about Evista in Question #3 in this blog post: https://saveourbones.com/vivian-answers-day-5/
I am 62 years old and 6 years ago was diagnosed with Osteopenia. I did take fosamax for 2 years and Boneva for 4 years. Last July I stopped taking Boneva even though my Doctor said I should stay on it. He recommended I take Evista if I did not want to take Boneva any longer and I told him I did not want to take anything other than Vitamins.
I was having issues with digestion and constipation and decided it was time to stop this medication. I only wish I would have never taken this medicine. As you know when you go to the doctor they say if you don”t take this you could break a hip some day. Since My mom and her mom both broke their hips they told me I was at high risk.
I had a bone density test last week and was given the T-scores the Report read patient has a longer than normal hip axis length which increases risk of hip fracture. Patient is considered to have low bone density with high risk of fractures.
I was taking two calcium Citrate and a One a Day Multi Vitamin and the person who did my bone density said to take only one Calcium Citrate along with my multi vitamin and to have a yogart at lunch time and that would be enough calcium. She said recent studies show that woman should stay under 2,000 for calcium intake. Is this good advice? Would appreciate your input.
I do have your book and do eat alot of fruit, veg. and fish and do combine the foods I eat following Sherry Burrisca’s
cookbook which is alot like your food combinations.
Thanks
Mary Lou
Dear Vivian,
I am so happy to hear that alternative medicine is being taught ar Medical Schools, it’s about time. I’m a firm believer that God put all the different plants on this earth for a reason. I think we should all have a choice between natural
remedies or the meds the doctors try to force on us. I have been trying real hard to follow your plan, eating lots of fruit and vegetables. My husband was craving steak the other night, I took one bite and didn’t want anymore and realized I haven’t missed it.
I also enjoyed your article on natural pain killers etc. I will definitely look into that. Thank you Vivian for all your e-mails. Valerie
I wonder what our ancestors (women) ate to keep their bones strong. Of course I’m sure that they drank milk which is a no no now but it probably wasn’t full of hormones as milk today is. And I think that pioneeer women did a lot of heavy lifting chores on a daily basis thus making their bones stronger.
My physsicianbless him is only doing what he’s been taught but every week there is sone other drug becoming a law suit deal, some of which I have had to take, ugh! will the circle ever be unbroken? 🙂
Hi Vivan
Very informative article, I have already on alternative natural remedies for my back injury., I know only to well the drawbacks if taking prescription drugs. I was on naproxen for 4 months early on this year, nearly killed me , never again will allow myself to be given them again
Summer Greetings, I appreciate and enjoy reading your articles. I have celiac disease, which was undiagnosed for over 30 years and that -i.e malabsorption, is the cause of the osteoporosis I have. I have not been able to take any of the prescribed medications, except for one IV a couple of years ago which seems to have helped.
So my challenge is to heal my gut so that I will absorb nutrients. I teach yoga and do get exercise; am very careful about my diet, regarding not eating gluten, minimal dairy, minimal fresh fruits and vegetables.
Nonetheless, I am grateful for your information for all of us. Thanks, kashala
Can one increase bone density if taking the anticoagulant Warfarin?
Thank you for the encouraging article. I have stopped telling my friends I chose not to take meds and they think I’m crazy. I am looking forward to buying the program next month. Thanks again!
My doctor constantly remines me to take calcium. In the past year I decided to make a sincere effort to take the 1200 MGs of calcium daily. I had heart palpitations and skipped-beats after I adhered to daily calcium. So much so that my Dr refered me to a cariologist for stress test and 24-hour heart monitor. But, I stopped taking calcium carbonate & citrate a month before the tests. No more evidence of the heart problems. Now I take a good quality multi vitamin & organic calcium derived from plant material. In my case the heart problems stopped when I stopped the carbonate/citrate calcium.
what kind & name of calcium are you taking ?
Would love to know the name of your wonderful find. Organic plant based calcium is certainly exciting to hear about and would be wonderful to try. Thanks, Lynn
I’m trying hard to keep to the save my bones diet. Is there some kind of instrument that I can buy to measure my PH value?
all the best
Vivin, thank you for your E-M. Info is very interesting. Happy Easter
HI there Vivian
It’s great to read about your research and results.
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis for 15 years now.
Was taking herbal supplements/ phyto oestrogenic chinese herbs with some success but now ,becoming menopausal , they don’t seem to be working anymore. My last bone density reading was -2.7 and -2.6. My doctor wants me to wear a patch of Estalis Sequi- is it composed of biphosphonates? I can’t find that in the list of ingredients. I am 46.
thanks so much
Kate
Hi Kate,
Estalis Sequi is a hormone replacement (HRT) patch. It’s not a bisphosphonate. The active ingredients are oestradiol (an estrogen replacement) and NETA (a progesterone). Your doctor or pharmacist should have this information – it’s important to get the details from your health practitioner before taking any medication.
You’ll find my thoughts on hormone replacement therapy in this blog post: Osteopenia and Hormone Replacement Therapy
can you please tell me is Calcichew-D3 Forte a good thing to take. or should i take Cal Apatite Forte? thanks Androulla.
Hi Vivian I read somewhere that the calcium you take is called
LifeStream Natural Calcium Where can I purchase it.
Thanks Kathy D.