Forums: September 2010 Kickstart Forum Archive: Healthy Bones?
Created on: 09/08/10 05:10 PM Views: 2870 Replies: 12
Garbanzo Joined: 09/08/10 Location: SunCityShadowHills,CA Posts: 13	Healthy Bones? Posted Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 5:10 PM How will the Vegan way of eating with no dairy products affect those of us who have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis? I would really like to stay on this diet, I've seen so many delicious recipes and can't wait to try them all. I just tried quinoa for the first time-why haven't I noticed this delicious grain before?
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
Susan Levin Joined: 12/26/09 Posts: 1191	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 5:12 PM This may have some good information for you: http://www.pcrm.org/health/prevmed/strong_bones.html. But what I really recommend interested people read is Building Bone Vitality by Amy Lanou, PhD. It has everything you could ever need to know about bone health. Susan Levin, MS, RD PCRM Director of Nutrition Education
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
MommaLuna Joined: 08/31/10 Posts: 35	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 7:45 PM Garbanzo Of course I can only speak for myself but I was a big dairy product user all my life. Then 7 years ago I was diagnosed at 56 with osteoporosis. I couldn't believe it. So I did everything my doctor said, strength training, calcium pills, Actonel. For four years my bone density tests showed they were worse. So two years of nightly shots of Forteo. I have to admit that did change my bone density results greatly--for the good, but when my doctor said I needed to go back on Actonel I was dismayed to say the least. For four years it hadn't helped why should it help now. So I researched for myself and learned about too much protein causing an acid balance problem with the blood which actually leaches calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid in the blood. From my research I deduced the best diet for osteoporosis is plant based. And of course I learned about all the side effects of the drugs I was taking. I thought I'd have a big fight with my doctor over this so we had a pact. I'd do what I wanted for three months then get an urine test which would show whether I'm leaching calcium in my urine. Well, three months came and I was doing fine, then three more months and still holding my own. He stretched the test out for 6 months. I can't wait to actually talk to him about the results but that won't be until January. So I'm sticking to plant based even if I loose my doc in January. I want to read the book that Susan referenced. It's on my list for my next Barnes and Noble trip.
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
TexGal Joined: 02/25/10 Location: Texas Posts: 111	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 9:48 PM Like MommaLuna I had always loved milk, cheese, yogurt, etc, and ate them a lot because I believed all the propaganda that said they were healthy for me! Then when I had my first bone density test a couple of years ago I was found to have osteopenia. Since my mother suffered from osteoporosis this concerned me. I have been eating vegan since February and am trusting and believing that when I get tested again next week I will have positive results!
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
Garbanzo Joined: 09/08/10 Location: SunCityShadowHills,CA Posts: 13	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 10:59 AM Susan-Thanks for the link, and I, like MommaLuna, will be looking for the book "Building Bone Vitality". MammaLuna- Thank you for sharing your story. I too was shocked to hear my osteooporosis diagnosis 7 years ago at age 55 during a routine physical. My physician didn't discuss any nutrition changes other than increase my calcium intake either through food or supplements. I was also put on Fosomax which was later changed to Fortical nasal spray after side affects. I appreciate your info about eating too much protein which can leach calcium from bones. Keep me posted on your test results. TexGal- You and MammaLuna have motivated me to give up dairy products! I also hope your test results will be positive next week. Keep us posted.
	Edited 09/09/10 11:02 AM Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
Susan Levin Joined: 12/26/09 Posts: 1191	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 11:04 AM I see it on Amazon ranging from $10-$12. Can't beat that! http://www.amazon.com/Building-Bone-Vitality-Revolutionary-Osteoporosis-Without/dp/0071600191/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284044578&sr=8-1-spell Susan Levin, MS, RD PCRM Director of Nutrition Education
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
MommaLuna Joined: 08/31/10 Posts: 35	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 7:07 PM Please let us know results of your tests. I bet they show improvement or at least holding your own which I didn't have on diary/meds. The doctor I had at the time of diagnosis didn't talk about diet either--just add calcium pills and drink my milk. Now I've had two other doctors since and same recommendations. And as far as giving up dairy, my bone results aren't the only benefits. Allergies, chronic post-nasal drip. all gone now that I've been off dairy since the January Kickstart. Thank you PCRM!
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
Rita Joined: 09/06/10 Posts: 8	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 11:14 PM Like all of you, I was diagnosed with mild thinning in my hips, osteopenia. I also broke a toe that stubbornly did not want to heal. I did take, I think fosomax to get it to heal, but told my doctor I did not want to continue on the drug once I was all better. I'm glad I passed it up and am even happier hearing that going vegan is actually good for your bones. So, I will be curious the next time I am up for a scan, in about a year. I really think that the osteopenia diagnosis is a way of scaring women and selling drugs that are not really necessary at that time. Good sound nutrition is however. Rita The road to enlightenment is paved with good food & silky clothes. My mother told me so. - G. Roth
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
MommaLuna Joined: 08/31/10 Posts: 35	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 12:56 PM Susan, Thanks for the tip on the book, Building Bone Vitality by Amy Lanou, PhD.. I decided, why wait for my next Barnes and Noble trip when I can get it coming right now. So I got it ordered and it should be here this week sometime. I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks so much for all your help and monitoring on these boards. Linda
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
Susan Levin Joined: 12/26/09 Posts: 1191	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 7:23 PM Of course! Please post a review when you get a chance. Thanks! Susan Levin, MS, RD PCRM Director of Nutrition Education
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
MommaLuna Joined: 08/31/10 Posts: 35	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 9:41 PM I hope there are still a few people checking the boards. I know posting really falls off after the 21 days is over. But I hope you are all still eating the Kickstart way. Susan had recommended a book titled Building Bone Vitality by Amy Joy Lanou, Ph. D and Michael Castleman. I have it but am not finished yet. I still wanted to give it a thumbs up so if there is anyone out there that can benefit from this book on osteoporosis they will get it. Last December and January I did a lot of research on osteoporosis and only wish I had this book then. Lanou and Castleman have looked at studies for the last 30-40 years and capsulized them into topics that make sense to the uneducated (osteoporosis-wise). While not restricting any foods, the book certainly shows how animal products are detrimental to bones. The majority of studies seem to promote a low-acid way of eating. You've got it--lots of fruits and vegetables!! I'm just into the exercise section of the book so I can't tell you what the studies show there--but chapter topics seem to favor walking and generally being active. More when I finish that section. If you have osteoporosis, or are concerned about it, this is the book for you. It really backs up the research I did--that took lots and lots of time. I got mine through Amazon. Linda
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
Susan Levin Joined: 12/26/09 Posts: 1191	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 6:05 AM Thanks for letting us know. I'm glad it is resonating with you. I'll be sure to recommend it more often. Susan Levin, MS, RD PCRM Director of Nutrition Education
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom
soon2BVeg Joined: 08/24/10 Posts: 225	RE: Healthy Bones? Posted Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 9:30 AM OK, I am definitely going to look for this book! I had my first bone density scan a year ago at age 54 and was fine, but I remember my grandmother had a terrible dowager hump and it was shocking to say the least. I do take calcium and D-3 every day - I am a redhead and can't spend much time in the sun, so I have to get most of my vitamin D from sources other than sunlight. Don't make a New Year's Resolution...make a Decision!
	Quote | Send PM | Link | Top | Bottom

New Topic Reply Subscription Options

Page: 1

There are 115 active user sessions right now.
Registered Users Online: anita