Expert: Dorene Petersen - 7/10/2011

Question
Dorene, I am a 54 yr old male and have osteopenia/osteoporosis most of my life. A few years ago, while on Boniva, I had a spontaneous femur fracture when stepping off a curb. I now have a rod and pins in my femur. Boniva, obviously didn't help. I've been on Actonel for a couple yrs now. My bone density seems okay. I recently tore a rotator cuff muscle (pretty much spontaneous) that will need surgery because tendon also pulled off bone. Additionally, for at least 1 1/2 yrs, my muscles, especially in my arms, seem to constantly hurt. I've heard of so many side effects from these meds that I'm afraid to continue taking Actonel, but I'm afraid not to. I've yet to find a doctor who will admit any problems with the meds. This is my health and life. I need an unbiased opinion. What are your thoughts. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Ed,

Thank you for submitting your question. I am sorry to hear about your health challenges, but it sounds like you are asking the right questions to determine the best solution for you.

As you know, osteoporosis is decreased mineralization of the bone: the cortical bone diminishes but the spongy bone remains. It is usually due to inadequate calcium and vitamin D over a long period.

I would suggest discussing supplementation with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor. A typical wellness protocol for osteoporosis might include therapeutic doses of vitamins C, D, A (as beta-carotene), and E, calcium, magnesium, lecithin, kelp, essential fatty acids, brewer’s yeast, and organic flaxseed. I like to grind it fresh every few days from whole seeds and store it in the fridge.

It also is important to ensure you are getting adequate exercise, as our bones constantly remodel throughout life. Exercise, specifically weight-bearing exercise, helps stimulate the production of new bone and strengthens the muscles that support the joints. Just 10 minutes a day lifting weights will achieve results. Start light, even 3-5 lbs, and build up. If you don’t have weights and can’t make it to a gym, try using cans of food or any heavy object that is easy to grasp. Even push-ups against a wall using your own body weight can help.

In addition, there are some herbs that may support relief from osteoporosis, including evening primrose oil, horsetail, and red clover. Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, and vitamin E, which have anti-inflammatory effects. The herb horsetail (Equisetum arvense) contains silicon, which supports bone strengthening. Red clover (Trifolium pratense), like soy, contains phytoestrogens, or plant-based chemicals, and it may support healthy bone density. Red clover can be prepared as a decoction. Take a tablespoon of flowers and simmer gently in a stainless saucepan in 1½ pts of water for about 15-25 minutes. Strain it off through a coffee filter and drink this throughout the day. You can add it to a fresh fruit juice or drink on ice with a dash of lemon. You can store it in the fridge for up to 72 hours.

Please feel free to share this information with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor to see how integrating holistic protocols (including supplements, herbs, and weight-bearing exercise) might help improve your overall health and wellness.

Thanks for your question. I hope you find these ideas helpful. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Warm regards,
Dorene Petersen