Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Pharmacist, radio host and author, Dr. Ross Pelton will tell us how to avoid the discomforts of travel. (No, he can’t do anything about ticket prices.) I invited health coach, author and beauty expert, Kat James to let us in on some secrets from her health transformation retreats…like how she helps participants calm food sensitivities in a matter of days. Call show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide.
 
SOLID BONE DOES NOT = HEALTHY BONE
If we are to believe TV commercials (please don’t), then all it takes to build strong bones is dairy products and osteoporosis drugs like Fosamax or Boniva. Last week I talked about the calcium and dairy controversy (LINK). Celebrities with milk mustaches are cute but not necessarily a great source of health information. Likewise, I love Sally Fields as an actress, but I hope she isn’t taking the drugs she promotes.

Bone Drugs. Bone is not as rigid as you might think. The calcium and other minerals are plugged into a framework that is somewhat flexible due in part to its collagen content. Healthy bone is a living tissue that is constantly remodeling. That is, cells are broken down and replaced with better ones. Some of the osteo drugs stop the first part of that remodeling. So, the bones become dense but brittle. The side effects seen over the relatively short time the osteoporosis drugs were being tested for FDA approval were mild. Long term use is showing a different picture. We are now warned of unexpected thigh bone fractures (LINK), jaw bone (LINK) deterioration and even cancer (LINK). When the mainstream medical journals (supported almost entirely by drug advertising) start issuing warnings about extended use of a drug, you know the situation is scary. LINK.

Drugs for Heartburn and Acid Reflux. Stomach acid is required for proper absorption of minerals, so it is no surprise that long term use of these short term remedies increases the risk of hip fracture. (There are lots of references in my book. See book link below.)

Smoking. Just as vegetables seem to make every health issue better, smoking seems to make them worse. It is no surprise that the habit is associated with hip fracture. LINK

                                           NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
 
We are supposed to have strong bones. Like most health problems, if we don’t, we are probably not giving the body everything it needs and/or we are overdoing something that interferes with normal function. All the factors would fill a book that I don’t have time to write, but here is some food for thought:

Vitamin D. As you know, it is called the “sunshine vitamin” because we produce it when exposed to the sun. We’ve known since the early 1900’s that vitamin D was important for bone. Most of the calcium studies that showed benefit were ones that included vitamin D. I think the studies would have shown the benefit without the calcium. I wonder why the government didn’t think of that when they told us to stay out of the sun. Here is info on D. LINK.

Magnesium. I mentioned its importance for bone last week. If you aren’t already a big fan of magnesium, read this: LINK.

Hormones. Low levels of estrogen and testosterone increase the risk of osteoporosis. Of course, there are concerns about supplementing these sex hormones directly. I think it makes more sense to supplement DHEA, a natural hormone that is higher in the chain. Your body can use it as a raw material and decide how much of which hormone it wants to make. Capsules or tablets get altered in the liver, so a more effective choice is a DHEA cream. There are many other benefits. This is the one I use. LINK.

Exercise. Surely you’ve heard that weight bearing exercise is good for everything including your bones. However, not everyone is up to doing as much as would be idea. I have a device (I bought it from my friend Carol Creel) that I think helps fill in the gaps or at the least is a good adjunct to exercise. It is a whole body vibrator. It moves the detoxifying lymph and gives our cells a little exercise. Nothing could be easier. You just stand on it. (Or even sit.) My problem is remembering to do it. Now I’ve set my outlook calendar to remind me every day at 2 PM. I’m glad it will be another way to get me away from the computer. Studies show you won’t live as long if you sit all day…even if you exercise later. My intuition was right that this device is good for bone. Check out the research on Carol’s site: LINK.

  LAST WEEK
We discussed how to avoid hazards and the many ways people creatively find to die prematurely. Michael Largo is the author of darkly comical, Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die. We also talked with Derek Mellencamp about how to assure that your drinking water is not contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.LINK.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.
My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2012 Martie Whittekin, CCN