How are Your Bones?

Recently, Forest and I did our DEXA scans. We each have an area to work on. Forest had high visceral fat; mine was perfect. Forest had perfect bone density; my density requires some work. I immediately researched from all my favorite resources on what I can do to see change come June when we do another DEXA Scan.

I highly recommend a DEXA scan to know your starting place for visceral fat (the most unhealthy fat – the fat around your organs), body fat, muscle mass, and bone density. We went to the LiveLeanRX facility in Colorado Springs. The cost was $75 each and did not require any script from a doctor. We were very impressed with their approach. You can do a google search for DEXA Scans near you – cost is typically $100-150 and you can get it done without a prescription.

About 44 million people in the US have low bone density.

What Causes Bone Density Issues?

Estrogen deficiency after menopause
History of bone fractures
Small, thin frame and/or low body weight
Excess weight/obesity
Intake of soda
Excess alcohol
Smoking
Steroids
PPIs for heartburn/GERD
Long-term use of Synthroid

Ineffective supplementation, diet, and lifestyle choices

Low Vitamin D and K
Malabsorption, especially of minerals and Vitamins D and K
Inadequate protein in your diet
Gut issues
Lack of strength-building exercise – resistance training

Genetic Issues

VDR (Vitamin D receptors)
MTHFR (Gluten and Sugar FREE diet)
Poor collagen production

Diagnostic Testing

A pre-osteoporosis condition called osteopenia is diagnosed if the T-score bone density has a deviation of negative 1.0 to 2.4 points (standard deviations) below the norm.
The diagnosis is confirmed as osteoporosis if it falls below negative 2.5 standard deviations.

What are Your Options? You might be using one that is creating more problems than it is solving!

** If you have bone density issues, please consult your medical doctor – this article is not intended as medial advice.

Drug Options – Bisphosphonates

Fosamax
Actonel
Boniva

Bisphosphonates attach themselves to the bone matrix, altering its normal function by affecting the regular replacement of old bone with new bone.

Indeed, bone loss will be drastically reduced, but at what price? It is a very high price because what the makers of these prescription drugs don’t mention is that inhibiting bone loss also inhibits new bone formation. Bones remain thick, but old bone is more prone to fractures than less dense yet more flexible newer bone.

Not surprisingly, researchers have found that these medicines can make the bones more brittle, increasing the risk of fractures: “Many people believe that these drugs are ‘bone builders,’ but the evidence shows they are bone hardeners” wrote Dr. Susan M. Ott in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2004, pointing out that they depress “the bone resorption rate, as well as the bone formation rate” and “bones could become brittle with long-term accumulation.”

Side Effects of the Drugs

The most common complaints users have are gastrointestinal abnormalities, which can include:

Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Obstipation (severe constipation)
Inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus
Chest pain, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing

These side effects are not surprising if you realize that you are unknowingly attempting to digest a chemical that is also found in laundry detergents, and cleaning liquids for toilet bowls and floors.

Other general side effects can result from the use of bisphosphonate drugs:

Skin rashes
Eye problems, vision loss, blurred vision
Generalized pain of the muscles, joints, and/or bones
Decreased mobility of the joints
Blood clotting disorders
Anemia
Dental problems
Numbness, tight muscles in the face as well as seizures
Irritability and unusual thoughts or behaviors
Altered taste
Risk of developing atrial fibrillation (rapid and irregular heartbeat)

Alternative Natural Options:

Vitamin DK (double dose on the label) – What we take: LONGEVI-D K2 or DAK1K2
- You want your D scores to be 80-100 ng/mL (not under 80) – this is an easy and affordable solution that offers many other benefits
- These 2 vitamin D supplements are so important that I’ve included them in my Foundations Four recommendation! (Longevi-D K2 does not have K1 or Vitamin A)
- Avoid Lanoline in Vitamin D Supplements (lanolin is the primary source of Vitamin D in the majority of supplements on the market – it’s made from sheep’s wool)
Easily Absorbed Minerals – (my all-purpose choice is: CT Minerals)
Collagen
Support strong muscles – I use: Perfect Aminos
Improve you Gut health – Full Moon Parasite Cleanse (taught in our EASY program), L. Reuteri Yogurt (click here to learn how to make it – not available commercially)
Weight-bearing Exercise (3x/week minimum): Clubs, kettlebells, weights, bands
Farmer’s Carry (weight bearing exercise) and Rebounding
Eliminate inflammatory foods (avoid nuts, nut flours, nut milk, peppers, black pepper, seed oils, sugar, packaged foods and many spices)
Carnivore/Keto Diet – strong bone and muscle growth requires adequate protein intake – most people are deficient in protein
Probiotics CT Biotics or / L.Reuteri Yogurt
Balance estrogen and testosterone – S-TRO (to remove dirty estrogen and balance estrogen and Testosterone)
Following God’s wisdom and monitoring your words
- “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24 NIV
Education is KING – do your own research and don’t just rely on standard medical/drug advice.

Above all, remember that your bone and muscle health reflects the lifestyle choices we’ve made over a lifetime. Improving those choices can add many healthier and happier years to your life! Where to start? Join us on our free weekly Q&A calls every Wednesday and join our weekly coaching program, The EASY Approach!

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