CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta will likely be our new Surgeon General.  While he is an intelligent man with an engaging personality, I am not comforted by the facts that Merck Pharmaceuticals was the primary sponsor of his show “Accent Health” and that he is a strong proponent of many of the drugs which I consider to be the most potentially harmful to your health. 
      The drugs prescribed for osteoporosis, biphosphonates, for example, really scare me. Osteoporosis is a serious issue, and one of the leading causes of nursing home admissions, but it is possible for the vast majority of individuals of any age to build and maintain stronger bones using natural alternatives instead of these drugs.  
       According to the FDA, the biphosphonate osteoporosis drugs Boniva®, Aredia®, Fosamax®, Actonel ®, Didronel ®, and others, may cause “severe  and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain in patients…”  FDA warnings have been issued and several class action lawsuits have now been filed against Merck Pharmaceuticals. 
       The Journal of the American Dental Association just published a warning regarding the increases in tooth loss and degradation in dental health in those taking these drugs. Study researcher Parish Sedghizadeh, DDS, is concerned, saying, "Here at the USC School of Dentistry, we're getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw -- and I know we're not the only ones seeing it."  Osteonecrosis, or bone death, occurs primarily when jaw bone tissue fails to heal following a trauma such as dental work or injury. The results can be devastating, and the problem is likely to increase as more people take the drugs for longer periods of time.
       The long term effectiveness of the newer bone building drugs remains to be seen.  But one of these, Forteo ® (teriparatide), already carries an FDA required Black Box Warning because it causes bone cancer in lab animals.  I wonder how many women will provide future statistics for this drug. 
       There are other serious side effects to biphosphonates such as: kidney failure, atrial fibrillation, and esophageal inflammation. Remember this the next time you see Sally Fields smile as she tells you to “protect” yourself by taking Boniva.  I believe most, if not all, of these drugs will eventually be pulled off the market; too late for some.
      Let’s start with a simplified lesson on bone building: Osteoclast cells dissolve bone tissue to be resorbed into the bone matrix, or framework. This activates bone builders in the matrix called osteoblasts, which replace the lost old bone cells with strong new ones —with the help of many nutrients and hormones.
      Biphosphonate drugs work by destroying osteoclasts. Old bone tissue is not dissolved, but osteoblasts are not stimulated to make new strong bone, either. The result? Stable bone mass at first, but weak, brittle bones later. Researchers are finding that these drugs can disrupt bone building for years after they are discontinued.  
       Hormones like calcitonin, natural vitamin D (a true hormone) and estrogen also directly affect bone building.  Cholesterol lowering drugs have been found to negatively impact bone health, by interfering with hormone production.
       Excessive intake of phosphorus from soft drinks and processed foods causes calcium to be pulled out of bone. Meats are naturally high in phosphorus, which may be one reason why people who eat less meat have stronger bones.
       Maintaining a slightly alkaline pH balance close to 7.4, is essential for life and bone health. An explanation of pH balance in the body is beyond the scope of this article, but balance is vital.  Many of the foods we eat too much of (sugar, meat, milk) are acidic in nature. One way our bodies neutralize excess acid is by breaking down bone for its alkaline calcium.
       Weight or load bearing is vital to bone health, because bone is living tissue.  Bones become denser and stronger when they are stimulated by activities that demand strength.  Walking, jogging, or weightlifting, are all important ways of promoting strong bones.
        Nutrientsnecessary for bone building include calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin K, Omega 3 and quality Omega 6 fatty acids, other trace minerals, and more. Most Americans are deficient in several, if not all, of these nutrients. Know that many of the vitamins & minerals added to processed foods are poorly absorbed. Calcium from food sources appears more effective at preventing bone loss than calcium from supplements or dairy products (calcium in homemade yogurt is best absorbed). The bottom line concerning bone nutrition is that supplements alone will not do the job.  A good diet is essential.

Don’t let osteoporosis put a damper on your future independence. Please check out my website for more tips on how to build stronger bones, or contact me for personalized support.

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