digram of bone loss
Though doctors and patients have been led to believe that these medications strengthen your bones, this recent study from Columbia University shows that in fact they create more problems. The study confirmed the long-term dangers of bisphosphonate use. The most common ones are Boniva , Fosamax, and Reclast. Researchers found these drugs do improve the integrity of bones – but only in the short term. They found that the longer you take these drugs, the more brittle your bones.
A second study compared the bones of women who took bisphosphonates with women who didn’t take these drugs. Both groups had bones that appeared to have the same structure. But the bones of women on bisphosphonates weren’t as strong as those who didn’t take them. While bisphosphonates will increase bone density and make bones look strong, researchers in both of these studies believe that bisphosphonates interfere with the body’s natural process of building healthy bone. So instead of curing your osteoporosis, they make it worse.
So what are we supposed to do? I was diagnosed with osteopenia a few years ago. I knew I had to change some things in my diet so that I would not only ingest more calcium rich foods, but absorb the calcium in them.
I started taking 4000 to 8000 IU’s of liquid Vitamin D daily. I also upped my intake of calcium rich foods such as cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens. Contrary to old belief, milk is not a good source of absorb-able calcium. Yogurt, such as greek yogurt and kefir (without the sugar), are better sources because they are full of probiotics.
If you are not a vegetarian then I suggest cooking whole organic chickens and using the broth for other dishes. It is rich in calcium. If you enjoy fish, take a walk on the wild side and try sardines or anchovies! The bones are a great source of bone strengthening goodies.
In addition to greens, vegetarians can enjoy calcium rich food such as okra, almonds and tahini (sesame seed butter).
These days I have no osteopenia. I do not, nor have I ever taken calcium supplements, and my levels are in the very healthy range.
Oh, and by the way, black coffee leaches calcium from your bones. So if you drink coffee put a little something in it to cut the acidity. Better yet…drink green or tulsi tea.
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