Please Advice

[Toyette]

Because of spine injury that occurred 35 years ago, my Dexa Scan indicates that (the spine) L2 is 3.2, L3 is 3.1, L4 is 3.6. My Endocrinologist has prescribed Prolia and am reminded to take this drug each time I visit him. I have hesitated taking this for many years and recently started an exercise regime 3 times week. I take the following vitamins daily: Whole Earth and Sea Women's 50+ Vitamins and Minerals, Coenzyme B-Complex, Garden of Life Raw Calcium, Fish Oil, Coenzyme Q10, Liposomal Vitamin C, Probiotic and Collagen Powder with Oat Milk. For mental stimulation, I work as a School Crossing Guard. My question is this: How serious are my Dexa Scan results? Is there a way to bring down these numbers and am I taking the correct combination of vitamins? Also, what more can I do to improve my bone density and strength? Thank You!

[Mark_ABH]

Hi Toyette, I assume those scores are minus-3.2 etc. I'm not sure how an old spine injury would affect your bone density. Bone density has to do hormones and bone metabolism.

Regular weight-bearing exercise is great for maintaining bone density and increasing muscle strength and balance so you can avoid falls.

As far as nutrition, you should focus on getting the nutrients you need from a balanced, diverse diet, as opposed to supplements. (One exception: A vitamin D supplement is recommended for most people.) Here is more information about nutrients and bone health: americanbonehealth.org/nutr...

Diet and exercise typically won't increase your bone density. You should learn your risk factors for fractures, which is what we are trying to avoid (bone density is only one aspect of fracture risk). I suggest using the American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator™ to assess your risk factors: americanbonehealth.org/calc...

I understand a lot of people have concerns about osteoporosis medicines. If you can avoid breaking a bone, you can get by without one. But your risk of fracture increases with age, and once you break one bone, you are at much higher risk of having additional fractures. The approved osteoporosis medicines can substantially reduce your risk, particularly if you are at higher risk as measured by your bone density and your risk factors.

Good luck!

[Toyette in reply to Mark_ABH]

Thank you so much for your reply. I might have to succumb to taking osteoporosis medicines, but...not until I have explored all my options. I wish a better drug with less horrible side effects is produced. Many of us are "old" productive citizens and because we actively live longer, our bones need attention. After all, the skeleton is what holds us together! Thanks again.

[HeronNS in reply to Toyette]

You could hve a look at my story for some ideas about - yes - nutrition including supplements and exercise which have helped me. Even if you take a medication (please read up on Prolia so you understand fully the very serious problems associated with this medication and its newer sister called Evenity) you will get no bad side effects from following the so-called natural protocol as well, except improved overall health.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Toyette in reply to HeronNS]

I can't thank you enough for your input and suggestions. Your journey to better bone health has inspired me to not give up. I look forward to reading and learning more about your approach and applying it to my daily life. Prayers and Blessings to better health!

[Toyette in reply to HeronNS]

I failed to ask you how long have you been on this regiment? Thanks

[HeronNS in reply to Toyette]

I started in late 2015. I continue to do nearly everything, but last spring, at the beginning of first covid lockdown I had a knee injury, and shortly after hurt the other knee in a differnt way, so I haave really ony been able to walk properly again for a few months, and still not really as well as i was. I am starting to carry weight and use walking poles again, so hope not too much deterioration hass occurred! This didn't effect my nutrition and supplements, I still take Vitamin K2! It was a good sign that when I fell on one knee as hard as I could (on my floor, when I had a stupid tripping accident) I didn't break anything.