is there really any other way to stop bone loss…I took one pill called Actenol,,(once amonth) but since read info on it and now Ill never take another..
| Bone Loss | Hot Conversation |
March 05, 2010
Posted in health & fitness.
Related posts:
add your responses
36 Responses
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Try Osteovalin. It has D, K and strontium. I have osteopenia, and have been on both Actonel and Fosamax, but stopped after having jaw pain. I’ve taken Osteovalin for over a year, and I havent yet had another bone scan, but I expect to see improvement. (And of course, I am doing what the Tamara recommends – taking calcium, D and doing weight-bearing exercise.) http://osteovalin.com/
Hi Weslemkoon. In case you haven’t seen it, other members have shared their recommendations in this earlier conversation:
Osteoporosis: What helps the most?
Mydoctor wants me to consider Reclast. It’s a once a year iv infusion. It takes about 15 minutes to administer, then you’re done for a year. I’m a little leary of this. Would love to hear from anyone else who’s had this treatment.
I had my first Reclast infusion (and it takes longer than 15 minutes–closer to an hour) last October. So far I haven’t had any side effects. I had taken Boniva for 4 -5 years, but the heartburn became unbearable. From the bone-density tests, I know Boniva was reversing my bone loss; haven’t used Reclast long enough to check the progress. One noticeable difference; my fingernails were beautiful when I took Boniva. Now they are back to being brittle, which makes me curious about my bones.
you need to have it infused at the hospital on the chemo unit.
I have had allergies all of my life, but they are NOW the best they have ever been. As a baby I drank goats milk, because I was allergic to cows milk. Although I can now tolerate any milk, I have never been a milk drinker. About 15 yrs. ago I started taking calcium at my Doctor’s suggestion; and gave myself a large kidney stone that I could not pass. I did not take vitamin D, I didn’t know about it until much later. I cannot tell you how sick I was for over a year trying to pass that stone. After 4 hospitalizations and no longer having health insurance the Emergency Room student intern finally found the problem –the kidney stone; and $12,000.00 later I was restored to health. I will never take calcium again, but I watch my diet and do eat dairy and drink some milk(especially soy and goat). Dancing and babysitting are my favorite exercises and I take the liquid Vemma vitamins. I take no prescriptions.
I have heard that taking calcium can cause kidney stones also..boy oh boy it sucks getting old!!
I have had similar problems but recently discovered parathyroid can be the bad guy. After having one removed all levels became normal right away creating a less likely situation for kidney stones and/or bone loss. Worth a test next time you are at the Docs. Good luck.
One of the most important parts of caring for bones is your diet. The typical American diet is highly acidic–a condition which causes bone loss vs an alkaline diet which helps preserves bone. Animal protein, dairy, sugar, alcohol, inflammatory foods all take a toll on bones over time. Not to say you can’t eat those things, just that you must take care to include plenty of fresh veggies, legumes, and some fruit. These are alkaline foods and will help maintain the right balance.
One of my favorite bone health experts is Vivian Goldschmidt, MA. She literally reversed her diagnosis of osteoporosis at an early age to one of healthy, flexible bones now at midlife–with no drugs. Her website is http://saveourbones.com“>http://saveourbones.com. That’s not an affiliate link btw. She goes through diet, the danger of the drugs being handed out like candy to people with a made up disease called “osteopenia”. Did you know that the standard of bone health all women regardless of age are measured against is a 30 year? Of course things are going to change over time from our 30′s, but it doesn’t mean we have a disease. Anyway take a look at Vivian’e site if you want more info.
And eat your veggies!
Thanj you everyone for this vital conversation and especially MsCoach for the url!!
Hi, Kare! Nice to see you here. I agree that MsCoach provides an incredible website reference. I too am diagnosed “osteopenia”. Have been on Vitamin D supplement but am dissppointed that my doctor isn’t guiding me thorugh a more holistic approach as it discussed on the save the bones website. I do believe it is diet at the root and exercising. I am good on the exercising, but awful on eating in general (I just don’t eat much)! Someone just told me that the best advise is to eat “colorfully” – lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Sounds like a plan!
Thank you, MsCoach
– Dolly
Thank you so much for stating this information for all to see. This is the type of thing I put out to my massage clients who have concerns regarding bone strength. I definitely appreciate the site link as well for further information.
One of my favorite products is by Herbalist & Alchemist called Osteo-Herb. It has a Proprietary Blend of herbs which can be more easily absorbed than many other ingredients. Other brands which I think are excellant: Rainbow Light, Country Life, & New Chapter
I also would refer people to Vivian Goldschimidt. I even bought some ph strips and I have found out that I am acidic most of the time. I am trying to eat more veggies and rarely eat sugar or drink alcohol. Diet is really the key here. I also found out a few months ago that I had Vit D deficiency. My gyn Dr. ordered the blood test. I threw away the 50,000 IU prescription because it was for Vit D2 and not D3. D3 is better for you and more easily absorbed I think. I bought 5000 IUs and took that for 3 mos. After a 2nd blood test, my level is up and normal. I would also suggest the latest edition of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Patricia Balch. This is my bible. I have used supplements for years now for various issues (non life- threatening) and now take many supplements for prevention. I have osteopenia and do Tai Chi, acupuncture, walk every day, and weights. I think we have to take care of ourselves – No one know our bodies like we do! Doctors just want to give you a prescription for your bones. Most know nothing about nutrition. Drugs give you side effects and supplements give you side benefits!
Just a fyi Vitamin D3 is not available in the elevated doses you willl need to get that vitamin d level up in a timely fashion. When the level is therapeutic then D2 is given in capsule form to metabolize better. Here’s to stong bones, and taking care of ourselves.
Just a fyi Vitamin D3 is not available in the elevated doses you willl need to get that vitamin d level up in a timely fashion. When the level is therapeutic then D2 is given in capsule form to metabolize better. Here’s to stong bones, and taking care of ourselves.
It just makes you angry that the medical community continues to prescribe these drugs to so many women when they are really only meant for women at high risk for developing fractures. It is an eery echo of the HRT disaster. It is just another indication of how our health care system is failing us. Health care providers should be paid to sit down and talk to women about their options and how to proceed on those options not be paid for a 5 minute visit and writing a rx.
There are many ways to improve bone strength and flexibility as the women are discussing here- the cant-do- withouts of course are good nutrition and exercise and you need much more than calcium and vitD by the way – and for some excess calcium can even be detrimental.
If I wasn’t a health care provider myself I think I would be overwhelmed with all the conflicting information out there about diets and which supplements to take etc. My advice to you is find a practitioner that you trust that respects your values about your health and together find a solution that works best for you. It takes a commitment from both you and your practitioner to attain optimum health- it is not nearly as easy as swallowing a pill but the rewards are much greater.
It was my Doctor who told me diet and exercise wont work,,take the Actenol..I found a supplement Im going to try..hopefully it works,,
I was prescribed Actenol also. I had constant stomach aches and felt fluish all the time. My doc said it was not the Actenol. I had numerous tests for gall bladder, heart, ultraounds etc. As soon as I quit the Actonel, I felt great. Now I just take calcium and a multi vitamin, exercise and watch what I eat.
mscoach is right on, thanks for your sound advice! A body becomes overly acidic from poor diet, not enough plant based foods, stress, sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, etc. In order to balance acidity the body leeches calcium from the bones, magnesium from the nerves, potassium from the muscles and sodium from the digestive system. The result? A body that is deplete of minerals, overly acidic, highly prone to osteoporosis, and this perfect terrain for disease to develop.
You can easily check you acidity levels, feel free to contact me for more info http://www.health-and-natural-healing.com
Most calcium supplements use calcium carbonate, this is a chalk like substance that the body can not absorb or assimilate, so it turns into calcium deposits on the bones, kidney and gall bladder stones. If you are taking calcium supplements ensure that they are of highest quality, preferably plant based. Makes sure you also have enough minerals to absorb the calcium. Good sources are calcium citrate, chelated calcium, calcium diphosphate, calcium triphosphate.
Thank you, Sue-Anne, for the link to this website. Lots of great advice!
<edited by moderator> – advertising
Here’s something else that’s important but hasn’t been mentioned: avoid all sodas and carbonated beverages, they leach calcium from the bones.
And here are some excellent food sources of calcium that you may not be thinking about: seaweeds, sesame seeds, and small-boned whole fish like sardines.
thank you Susan. I dont drink sodas,,so that was easy..Not sure about the seaweeds ,,and I detest sardines..Im trying a new supplement called bone Mate,,Im really at a loss on what to do,,
Lots of good information here, and open communication. My question is, what “weight-bearing exercise” are you doing?
As a fitness professional and expert of 28 years, I have found with myself and my female clients, that the best exercise is total body strength training. One thing that is great about strength training, is that it actually strengthens all the bones in your body and improves posture (when done correctly!)
Also, when you incorporate a total body strength training routine as a part of your regular exercise program, you are reaping SO many more benefits, preventative and corrective, that supplements, medicine, even nutrition alone cannot address.
It’s like weight loss….sure you might want easy, effortless, no work, no sweat, no time, no thought, do-it-in-your-sleep treatments, plans or programs, BUT, the overall health benefits of good clean nutrition AND total-body strength training absoloutely cannot be beat.
Think “total health” and “wholistic health” and “wellness” when you consider bone health. Where can you get the best bang from your buck and time?
Total body strength training, combats some of the things that we are told are “normal” with aging:
Just kidding. But when you begin a total body strength training program (and I always include special types of exercises that are non-traditional in nature to challenge in so many ways for best results), you will see positive results in all of those listed and so many more.
I’ve even had clients that have been told it’s “normal” for them because of family history, show great improvements in bone density. AND the fear of falling is decreased greatly because they are more “sure-footed” and balanced when they are walking. They are stronger and more aware of what their body is doing.
(Can you tell I’m passionate about the many benefits of great exercise?)
So, even if you choose to take supplements, medicine or change your eating habits…..add total body strength training. It seals the deal! And above all……HAVE FUN doing it!
I am 61 and i have been strength training with very heavy weights for over 10 years,,i can leg press 300 lbs,,since my Doctor announced my bone loss of 6% I have gone down to 200lbs,,it scares me a bit..we do 10 different macines,,upper body one week lower the next..we have increased our weights over the years so we can burn more calories…I weigh 139 lbs since we started at the gym,we love it and I horseback ride when I can,,I garden my brains out spring and summer..I walk 20-30minutes a day. I do my Wii super fit twice a week,,take supplements and thought I was doing all the right thinks,,but my last physical my LDL was 6.6 and my Doctor wanted to put me on Crestor,,no,,way,,not..Ive reevaluated my eating and exercise and taking a new supplement Biolife c and Bone mate..in 3 months,,Ill have my blood done again and a new bone scan,,it really sucks getting old!!
thanks for your wonderful information…
kathy
What a woman, Kathy! I can see why you’re discouraged and frustrated. When I have clients (even myself) that have “life” happen for them, I encourage them to imagine what their life and body would be like if they had NOT done all those things. What would your LDL be, your bone density, your overall health and wellness?
I encourage you, my friend to look at your situation from a “Glass Half-Full Perspective.” Once you can make a “GHFP” statement about your situation, then begin to think about what you can fill you glass with everyday.
Getting old doesn’t have to be “suckie!” It can be a cup overflowing!
I’m here to stand with you through this. Let me know if I can help. Be encouraged.
Blessings!
Deni
Ahh thank you so much for such a wonderful note…its true,,I might be in a wheel chair,,,I dont mean to sound discouraged,,cause I really am happy with my life overall,,I have many great blessings.
Hello ladies,
Personally, I believe that the following products are what you require when attempting to build bone.
Ionic magnesium, Pristine Sea Salt, Minerals, High end probiotics, Enzymes and amino acids and good fats.
I hope that helps.
Love and light,
Arlene Rannelli, http://www.sourceenergyconsulting.ca
Hi Arlene,
Curious how you take the suggested. Mixed into diet, pill form etc. Thanks,
Rain
Are you taking vitamin D? Your daily calcium pills? Doing your weight bearing exercises??
Yes ,,thats why Im so shocked at why the bone loss
I do know that if you had chemo, and radiation treatments, that bone loss shows up later. but you should do weight bearing exercises, walking, Vit. D. and calcium pills. I heard recently that drugs like fosamax and actinel should only be taken for a few years, and not stay on this med. , otherwise it leads to bigger bone loss. The benefits show up after a short time usage.
The full report is found on the internet. It was on one of the national news channels.
I have had brachy therapy for uterine cancer,,never thought of that for my bone loss..mm..very interesting..Thank you
I use Osteomatrix from Shaklee Corporation, is a matrix of bone-building nutrients in a proprietary formula with calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, boron and more. At 63 my doctor can’t believe the density and quaility of my bones. All he says is keep doing what you are doing. If you want to check it out go to http://www.Live25extra.com
I am trying a product called BoneMate from BioLife,,Im hoping it will help..if not I will try Osteomatrix..no more Actenol forme…
[Edited by Moderator]
[See Community Guidelines.]