Here’s my 4-step plan to strengthen your bones naturally and effectively
As cold, snowy, and icy weather descends on most of North America and Europe, it’s once again “slip and fall” season. And for older people with osteoporosis, even a minor fall can result in a major fracture.
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more likely to break. Ironically, the drugs that are typically prescribed for osteoporosis can do the same thing (rather than help prevent it).
In fact, a new study found that taking bisphosphonate drugs like Risedronic acid, Alendronic acid, Ibandronic acid, or Zoledronic acid for as little as three years can substantially increase your risk of serious leg fractures. (These types of drugs include Actonel®, Fosomax®, Boniva®, or Reclast®.)
In a moment, I’ll reveal the details of this important new study—and how you can protect against osteoporosis and bone fractures naturally and effectively. But first, I’d like to explain why bisphosphonate drugs are so dangerous…and unnecessary.
How big pharma ignores the basic biology of bones
Years ago, I revealed the problems with bisphosphonate drugs. It all has to do with two types of bone cells, which are at work in our bodies at all times—osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
The bones are living tissues that rely on osteoclasts to remove old, weak bone cells. Then, osteoblasts lay down new bone cells. Both osteoclasts and osteoblasts need to be nourished and kept in balance in order to maintain strong, healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Yet somehow, big pharma got the “brilliant” and sophomoric idea to create bisphosphonate drugs that actually poison the osteoclasts. But without osteoclasts, your body is no longer able to remove the old, weak bone cells—so healthy bone cells are just laid down on top of unhealthy bone cells.
That’s like trying to build a brand new house on top of a rotten foundation. Just as you would expect that house to develop cracks over time, your bones are more prone to fractures when you take bisphosphonate drugs.
Which leads me to the new study— presented in September at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research’s annual meeting.1
A 58 percent chance of serious leg fractures
Between 2010 and 2015, researchers identified nearly 5,000 leg fractures among Danish men and women older than 50 years. Nearly 200 of those people had a serious type of bone break called an atypical femoral fracture (AFF).
The researchers found that 58 percent of AFFs occurred in people taking bisphosphonates. And the risk of AFFs increased after three to five years of taking these drugs. Not surprisingly, the risk quickly dropped after people stopped taking bisphosphonates.
The researchers also cited a prior study showing that 78 percent of AFFs occur in people who take bisphosphonates. In addition, another study found that a whopping 94 percent of AFFs were associated with bisphosphonate use. (These studies also showed that taking steroids, proton pump inhibitors, statins, and other drugs increase the risk of AFFs. Just another reason to stay away from prescription drugs whenever possible.)
But since the new study found that “only” 58 percent of AAFs were caused by bisphosphonates, the researchers concluded that people could take these terrible and useless drugs for three to five years without adverse effects.
But if older patients with osteoporosis take bisphosphonates for that many years, what’s going to make them stop? They will just be three to five years older and will still suffer from osteoporosis, since these drugs certainly don’t cure (or even help) the condition.
Bone up on bone health
Prescription-happy doctors, along with the government’s faulty dietary recommendations, are big factors in our current epidemic of osteoporosis. But you don’t have to be a victim.
Instead, follow my four-step, all-natural plan to help effectively prevent osteoporosis and fractures:
1.) Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of organic, full-fat dairy, eggs, fish, and meat. These foods are excellent sources of calcium and magnesium, which are essential for healthy bones. (As I often report, you should always get your calcium from your diet rather than supplements. That’s because it’s nearly impossible to get a meaningful dose from a supplement.)
2.) Cut out sugar and simple carbohydrates. Sugar reduces the number of osteoblasts that help rebuild your bones. Plus, it can deplete your body’s calcium and magnesium stores.
3.) Take 10,000 IU per day of vitamin D, which, along with calcium, helps build strong bones.
4.) Engage in moderate exercise totaling 140 minutes per week. Research shows this is an ideal amount for optimal bone health. You can try walking, hiking, gardening, or swimming.
And, of course, take precautions when walking on icy surfaces. Choose shoes with no-slip soles, move slowly and carefully, and consider using a walking aid like ski poles or a rubber-tipped cane.
Source:
“Bisphosphonate use and risk of atypical femoral fractures: A nationwide Danish analysis with blinded radiographic review.” ASBMR 2020; Abstract 1061.