
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.





do you know the program Women to Women program– which is about saving our bones….it offers a pill pack plus other products and advice on making our bones stronger….
Thanks, Vivian, for the timely posting. I am seeing my doctor for the first time since he gave me the diagnosis of osteoporosis and a prescription for Actonel (which I have NOT used). You’ve given me the courage to face him tomorrow with confidence.
Thanks for the encouraging remarks it’s always nice to know your not alone. Arlene
the book is v helpful ..mainly have it to help my mother of 100 and a friend who aches here and there..SierraSil helped him immensely..swelling and pain gone and amazing mobility now and guidance on alkaline foods from your book..and having a lemon drink probably changes the enviroment in the stomach after an acidifying meal..
i got a shock when i read all about fosamax i broke a bone in my leg sept09 .when i read vivians report early this year i never took fosamax since i feel ok without drugs i get a little stiff but i push my self to get up and go i do now take pro-argi good for for circulation any comments on this product? liz
encouraging – I have found the majority of doctors have complete faith in drugs for everything and wont consider anything else. In fact, they are downright beligerant toward the patient who thinks otherwise. However, we all know that if they dont come up to scratch and be educated in “new natural alternatives, their patients, as you said, will dwindle considerably.
Glad to hear thereseems to be a shift by some doctors towards open mindedness for other possibilities , i think it means it will catch on in uk, in time to come then.
Colleges are not advocating cam because it does not financially benefit them. Big pharma supports the curriculum and also purchases the profs. with endowed chairs, so cam is left by the wayside. Of course this is not common knowledge, but $$ always talks in the $$ hungry Universities.
Hi Vivian, Can you make a list available of the right foods to be eating starting with Banana’s, pink grapefruit, onions etc? It would be very helpful. I would love to hang it on my refrigerator. Thank you
I have stopped taking osteoporosis medication and informed my Doctor who was very helpful. I have changed my diet in favour of foods helpfull to my bones and do take a lot from your websight. I will be purchasing your book.
That’s great, Doreen! I look forward to hearing about your progress.
Thank you Vivian for your encouragement. I really needed it. After finding your program and purchasing it this past summer I discontinued taking Boniva. I did not suffer from any side effects that I am aware of but after reading your articles I was horrified at what these drugs were doing to my bones. I am doing my best to follow the diet and exercise program. I am also taking a soy protein supplement called Reliv which is supposed to improve bone health. I have heard reports of people completly reversing their osteoporsis after using this natural product. I’ll let you know how everything turns out next summer when I have my next bone scan. I am hoping and praying for a real turn around.
It is encouraging to read your letters and comments about Osteoporosis. I am being forced to use Forteo at this point in my life and have refused. I am actually afraid to use those drugs now because I realize they make a persons bones “brittle” and easier to break. I have also been talking to my doctor about seeing a osteopath. What is your view on Osteopaths Vivian? Thanks for your comments.
Vivian,Thank you, for all the e-mails.I do appreciate the comments and your advice. It is all,very helpful.Just can’t afford your book, as much as I would like it.All of the info.,we do get, is very helpful.I am greatfull to you.
Catherine
only 40 & have osteoprosis but do not like the rx or inj meds on the market. I am broke so money is an issue but need to stop bone loss & build them again, at 40 I need a miracle.
Hi, I should like to know how to follow the comments when I return to the site. The comments seem to disappear and I can only find the topic of the day.
Dear Beverley,
I read your article with interest because I have been in great dillema whether to take the strontium ranelate that my endocrinologist prescribed or not. She informed me that it may have side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Strontium ranelate is the synthetic form which Vivian mentions in her book and does not condone.
Can you please tell me which form you took and found beneficial. Did you take natural strontium from the health shop or did you take strontium ranelate called Protos (drug).
I would so appreciate your reply as I am so torn which way to go.
Thank you
Do not give up!! My GP has started to send me the laters medical journal articles regarding natural bone health after I told her about the Save Our Bones community – and we are going to discuss the natural diet and exercise options at our next appointment – an open minded GP who listens and treats me as an intelligent person who is able to assess information in order to make a decision – what a relief!! So keep on track everyone – we are ‘not of the flock’ as Richard Bach would say. No to dangerous drugs!Don’t be frightened, be empowered! I am begining to sound like a suffragette! Thanks Vivian x
Mary u are so lucky to find a dr who will listen to you and be cocerned about you.Please let me know what is said because I am in the same situtation, but my dr doesn’t believe in anything natural.
Thanks so much…..
hi vivan, every information is useful to me so I thank you for that. for your information Dr. Nahin Richard is my Doctor and I ALWAYS compare his advice to saveourbones program and the idea is the same. bye and have fun.
Nura
Hi I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis a couple of years ago but have got steadily worse my hands are terribly painful especially my right one and now my neck is bad the doctor said I have degenerate discs I am in pain all day from the minute I wake up even when I go loo in the night I would just like some pain releif for while. I take alendronic acid once a wk 2 pregabalin tablets once a day and co-dydromal I am finding it harder to do household jobs I am 67yrs wish someone could help me. thanks pat
I have osteoporosis and arthritis. Turmeric supplements work very well for me to eliminate pain.
Does the program include anything besides the right nutrition and exercise? If so, I’m interested. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis several years ago and am constantly badgered to take those drugs you talk about. Please let me know if there is something I am missing in my pursuit to improve my bone density. Thanks
Hi Vivian
Another great article. I do not have the problem of thinking I face this alone. Unfortunately many people have this problem. My problem is figuring out why I have it. I am a Heavy equipment mechanic and breaking a bone due to Osteoporosis can destroy my career. I work hard and have had the diet you describe for decades. I have taken suppliments for years but I am afraid because of the lack of nutrients in our food I have not been taking enough suppliments. I am changing that as we speak but I do not think the daily recommended dose is enough but I also do not know how much is too much!!! Alternative medicine has been around for centuries in certain cultures but most of us are too full of our selves to reconize something that has been staring us in the face since the begining of time. Nature has provided us with everything we need to cure everything we could possably have. We are just too stupid to figure it out. With people like you we might just have a chance. Keep up the fight.
William
Hi! Vivian
Your Talks Always Seem To Make Me Feel Much Better About What Life Has Delt Me. So I Thank You Very Much For Lifting My Spirits.
LOVE, MS. L.
Vivian:
Thank you for your dedication to help women with osteoporosis. I would appreciate very much if you can send information to share with Hispanic community. I am working also to help them, but I need information in Spanish.
Thank you and God bless you.
nora
I would like to know how long does it take to increase my bone density. I have been vegeterian for almost 40 years but I have a sedentary life, nevertheless I teach other people about diet and life style, especially now that i have osteoporosis in my back.I wAS not taking calcium and vitamins suplements. I notice that my nails are still very weak. Also two years ago I realized that I have deficiency in vitamin D.But I have not drank coffee, sodas, not lot of sugar , no meats, plenty fruits, vegetables, no alcohol, I have lived a healthy life, I don´t understand why I have osteoporosis, maybe lack of exercise. I have a sister, she has drunk , no exercise, no vegeterian and no osteoporosis….Why? I really would like an answer. it is also truth that due to diets,maybe I did not eat enough calcium but I ate lot of brocoli ….well I do not understand.
I got your book and thank you for all your valuable research that you share with individuals that have osteoporosis. I declined all the drugs that the doctor prescribed to me.I am inclined of doing the alternative way to avoid all the side effects of these dangerous drugs.I am trying my best to eat alkaline foods to improve my ph balance. Thank you for continuing to send those e-mails to me. Cres
What are your thoughts on bio-identical hormone therapy?
I have been told I lose too much calcium through my urine. I have been prescribed hydrochlorothiazide because one of the side effects is calcium retention. There seems to be a lot of side effects, so what is your take on this. Is there something I can do to stop the calcium loss?
Please comment on Fosteum (prescription). If you have already please send me the link
Hi Audrey,
I don’t recommend Fosteum, due to the fact that one of its main ingredients is soy-derived genistein, which is a phytoestrogen.
Vivan,
Thanks for all your emails. Since i can’t afford your book, I try to read all the emails to gather information I don’t know and practice. Ive been an exerciser with and without weights for about 30 years. Your emails and those on this comment page have given me information I am trying to use. I took Actenol weekly for about 5 years. Dr took me off because it didn’t improve my bone density, it only slowly decreased. I still have osteopenia. I found your web site when I was looking for the side affects of Reclast, which i was thinking about taking. I didn’t click on the Reclast info. I noticed your site. Increase Your Bone dedsity without drugs.
Thank you for all the information you give out on these emails.
Will have my next bone density test next spring, 2011. Hope it shows a positive results
Thanks you
Janet J.
Vivian, thanks for your book and emails. I was diagnosed with osteopenia 15 years ago and have been on Fosamax for that length of time. In Feb ’10 I stopped. My dr. now is recommending a Reclast infusion once a year. I have had one fall and broken wrist 3 yrs. ago. My bone scan T score in 3/10 was -1.9 in spine and -2.2 in hip. I take calcium, Vit D and do weight-bearing exercise. Do you think I should consider the Reclast? Mary
any infor/comments on OSTIVONE
capsules would it be any help
for my chonic osteoporosis
Thank you for all the good information. I have
read your book and am working out recipes to follow. My exercise program has been hampered
due to a problem with my foot. I had been walking a mile a day and hope to get back to the exercise program and using weights.
Madelyn Guthrie
I enjoy to read your E-mail. I am starting the program now, but I find it difficult to do as the meals. Breakfast is O.k. lunch and dinner I hardly to arrange it, what food can replace the rice?
I have recently switched from rice to quinoa, which is alkalizing. My family now prefers it to rice. Give it a try!
It is even better with lemon or lime juice and some olive oil and a little salt. Delicious warm or as a cold salad.
That sounds absolutely yummy, Sandy!
Hi and thank you for all of your research. I hope my question is pertinent to all and worth answering because I would love to know if we can fool an acidic meal by having a glass of lemon water (how much lemon juice?) or by taking a certain amount of vinegar in water. I find it difficult to always meet the proper ratio three times a day and would love to know if we can get around that on occasion.
Thank you, Kathy
Try Gin instead- it probably works just as well
i am taking the program now
It does feel comforting to know that so many women like myself are involved in alternative therapy for osteoporosis. Any longitudinal studies done on effectiveness of people following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program?.
Thanks Vivian for the e-mail I know I am probably alot better off than most. I don`t have a regular DR. But I am doing fine without one.I have your Book + follow that as well as I can. All the best to you …… Sincerely Marg Wilkins
Hi Julie, Thank you very much for this information, as it is exactly what you said; knowledge! THe more information I have, the more I find myself using diet and specific exercises to help myself! I do value you information because all of the above must be treated together. I ate a banana for part of my breakfast this morning for example. Thanks again for helping me to learn! Sincerely, Denise Sanders
Dear Vivian,
Thank you for all the knowledges you have been sharing me. I’ve always had some
doubts with mainstream medicine after learning
about short and long term side effects of drugs
when I was in nursing school. Now I’m totally
for natural alternative medicine [as long as it works]especially after reading Kevin Trudeau’s
book NATURAL CURES and the scam between the FDA,
FTC, food and pharmaceutical companies. Why is
it that just about everyone has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer,
osteoporoses, etc., this can’t be all genes.
By the way, my daughter is going to school for
naturopathic medicine at National University
of Naturopathic medicine in Lombard Illinois.
THANK YOU, Delia
Hi Vivian,
I haven’t commented much since I got your book, but I am very interested in the info in your book. I have been told by Dr’s to “watch my diet”. but none of them ever mentioned the 3 “baddies”,Caffeine, Sugar, & Sodium, in fact, they never told me anything about my diet. I am still doing the Boniva every 3 months, and gave my Doctor until December to see if there is any change in my T scores. Then I will tell him I am quitting the drugs. My family has asked me to try it, so am trying to appease them at the moment. Meanwhile, I will try to continue watching my diet, because it can’t do anything but help me
Want to write this for Beverley Nelson (posted November 2009 mentioning Strontium). If you take strontium the bone density reading will be a false high – as strontium shows up as denser than calcium on a scan. Beverley needs to get an expert to unravel her scores and take the extra density of the strontium into account, before she can say definitively exactly how much her density reading has improved.
Looking for all the information I can that connects osteoprosis with jawbone loss, dental failures. I was on prednisone for 15 months as treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and prior to the treatment with the drug I had full dentals xrays taken and 2 times durring the 15 months of treatment and now again 12 months after the suspension of the prednisone. I had 3 crushed vertebrate that were treated before the GP acknowledged that maybe I should have been put on supplimental calcium and vitamin D. I was taking Iron tablets for the low hemoglobyn……..sure wish he and GI would have considered the calcium loss from prednisone, I would be two inches taller now and maybe would not have lost 5 crowns on my teeth. Please respond with solid medical data on osteoporosis/dental research.
Thanks!
GREAT !!! I am trying to follow the program.
Do you have an exercise progam I can follow? If so, please send me a copy.
Thanks
luella Robinson
What supplements should I be taking for osteoporosis? I have big
knots on my finger joints where they are fused together. They really
hurt when the barometric pressure changes before a coming rain.
Joetta
Would also like to know what exercises are good for our bones. Thank you so very much for all your good tips.
I am 76 years old-my doctor put me on Fosomax because my T scores were a little low-the Fosomax caused bad heartburn and I found out that I have a hiatal hernia-possibly caused by the Fosomax so I am now on Prilosec which weakens the bones-what a ridiculous viscous cycle-would have been better to do nothing.
Great!!!!!! Vivian. what did youdo to get your bone density to increase 20%? I am trying very hard to improve mine. But, I don’t fully understand your program.
I was on actonel, fosamax and boniva. They all made mre sick and boniva gave me heartburn and jaw problems, I now take only calciu8m supplement an d fosteum/ What should I do?
I also would like to know how long did it take to increase the bone density in 20%? I would like to receive the exercise program, I am doing diet, and suplements but my fault is no exercise…..
Nora.
With our politicians thinking this medical reform will help everyone benefit but unfortunately this will never happen until ALL medical practices include natural instead of toxic pharmaceuticals.
We need to pressure them into including natural healing and treatment to be taught and utilized to help people and to control the spending. The public body can lobby for reform just like the pharmaceuticals who only profit from it not like the population will benefit is achieving the best health care for all.
Thanks Vivian
best idea yet. I am with you on that one. jm
I agree 100%
Wish this could be accessed on Facebook.
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I exercise and practise yoga twice a week, in fact yoga for 30 years. I have tried all the meds given and fortunately, have had allergic reactions. My M.D. suggested I take strontium citrate 227 mg 2 day in a.m. 1/2 hr. before breakfast. I hasten to add that I am 78, 5 ft.6, weight 135…and active. I do ache all the time.Take multi vit. Vit. C, D, calcium, magnesiun, selenium, fish oil and B12.Your comments, PLEASE. Thank you Bubbi in Connecticut.
What is osteopenia?
I am presently taking Alendronate sodium 70mg. weekly. The first 24 hrs after taking it – I feel like some one is shooting darts at me, from my calves to my jaws, and my feet and hands get puffy. by the 6th day I feel ok and it is time to take another pill. How is this helping me????
Alendronates will not help you. I was on Actonel,Fosamax and Boniva which are all the same. They made mw very sick and had to stop taking them.
I’m much better now
I am legal guardian for my Down Syndrome cousin who has osteoporosis. I opted not to give her Reclast after reading about The recently aired ABC (US) News discussion of the fractures associated with Fosamax and biosphosphonates. She can’t exercise (walk) and lives in a group home. The RN is concerned as well as the primary care doctor but I feel that the chemical in Reclast is so bad that I am going to try to do as many of the natural things as I can for her.I am opened to ideas. I am so glad I found your site, Vivian.
I ENJOY ALL YOUR E-MAILS. I HAVE NOT ORDERED
YOUR BOOKS YET AS I DO NOT HAVE A PRINTER. I
WILL BE GOING BACK TO CANADA SOON SO WILL ORDER
THEM THEN.
THANKS AGAIN
I am taking Cal Mag Bone Health (New Chapter Organics). I have stopped taking Actonel, which I have been on for 3 to 3 years. Is this a good supplement?
Can anyone help, or heard of this? idiopathic hypercalciuria… I spill calcium in my urine which depletes my bone stores. I am 47 with a t score of -2.6 in my back. The treatment is thiazide but my blood pressure is too low/normal for this. What to do??
I eat a very good diet with low sodium and animal protein, lots of fresh fruits & veges.
Andrea