HealthBeat News

Category: Bone and Joint Health

  • Amazing Vitamin Helps Alzheimer’s And More!

    Amazing Vitamin Helps Alzheimer’s And More!

     

    Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is Potent Natural Help for Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Anxiety and Type I Diabetes

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is one of the two forms of vitamin B3 (the other form is niacin).

    Niacin is converted to into nicotinamide in the body, but these two different forms of B3 have slightly different effects. Niacinamide does not lower cholesterol or cause the flushing that niacin does.

    Niacinamide has been used safely since the 1940’s for arthritis and memory loss and it has an excellent safety profile.

    In cases where memory loss, especially early memory loss is evident, treatment cannot be initiated too soon – and the results are dramatic. In both arthritis and memory loss, the effects of niacinamide typically take 3-4 weeks to appear and 3-4 months to reach full effect.

    Consider Niacinamide for:

    • Alzheimer’s disease – a recent study found that niacinamide completely reverses symptoms of the disease in lab animals, and human trials are now under way.

    • Memory improvement – The findings were so dramatic in the Alzheimer’s study that researchers suggest that even people with non-Alzheimer’s memory changes may benefit.

    • Diabetes Type I – niacinamide reduces glycosylated hemoglobin, retards beta cell death (beta cells produce insulin) and helps prevent cell damage by restoring NAD levels.

    • Osteoarthritis – niacinamide has been shown to improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation and allow for a decrease in arthritis medication.

    • Anxiety and Stress – niacinamide has benzodiazepine-like actions which help balance brain chemistry and relieve anxiety. Study participants also reported better sleep with niacinamide.

    To learn more about this amazing B Vitamin, visit our Niacinamide webpage at www.drmyattswellnessclub.com where you will find a fully scientifically-referenced article.

  • Healthy Bones At Any Age

    Healthy Bones At Any Age

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Bone health is a big concern for most women – and surprisingly, a growing number of men need to pay attention to their bones as well!

    According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

    “Today, 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk for this disease. Yet, despite the large number of men affected, osteoporosis in men remains underdiagnosed and underreported.”

    And they go on to say;

    “In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.”

    So, bone health is serious business! Ann, a regular reader, wrote to ask the following:

    Hi again

    I have been told to add Calcium 1200-1500mg with vitamin D/per day.  I can’t seem to find that on your site.  Do you carry that?

    Thank you
    Ann

    Well Ann, yes we do – but calcium alone does not make strong bones! There are several other minerals and a very important vitamin that need to be considered too. Though we discuss Osteoporosis and Bone health in depth on our website, here is the “short course.”

    The recommended calcium dose for post-menopausal women or for those with osteoporosis is 1,500 mg calcium with corresponding magnesium, boron and vitamin D.

    A daily dose of Maxi Multi contains high potency calcium / magnesium (1,000:500) plus other bone-building nutrients (boron, vitamin D). Pre-menopausal females and men usually get an optimal dose of bone nutrients from Maxi Multi alone.

    Cal-Mag Amino™ is a very easy to assimilate form of calcium-magnesium plus vitamin D and boron, all needed for healthy bone formation. Dr. Myatt recommends a “balanced” bone formula over a single calcium supplement for keeping bones strong.

    Each Capsule of Cal-Mag Amino™ provides:

    Calcium (amino acid chelate, carbonate) 150 mg
    Magnesium (amino acid chelate, oxide) 100 mg
    Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 25 IU
    Boron (citrate, aspartate, glycinate) 200 mcg

    Post-menopausal women taking Maxi Multi can take an additional 3 caps of Cal-Mag Amino daily.

    Vitamin D is getting plenty of press recently – I wrote about it in the HealthBeat article Vitamin D – An Old Friend Finding New Respect

    The recommended daily dose is 400 to 2000 IU – though recent research is showing that much higher amounts may be needed to replenish depleted reserves in many people. How to know? The Wellness Club offers Vitamin D testing

    Maxi Multi provides 800 IU of Vitamin D daily.

    Also, let’s not forget Strontium – a forgotten mineral that is essential to bone health. It appears that not only can strontium prevent osteoporosis, it can repair existing damage.

    Maxi Multi does not contain strontium. If you see a “bone formula” with strontium, don’t take it. Strontium should be taken away from calcium and magnesium for best absorption.

    The suggested dose of strontium is 1 capsule, 1-2 times per day with or between meals (take separately from calcium).  One capsule per day is advised for prevention, 2 caps per day for those at high risk of osteoporosis or in already-established cases of osteoporosis.

    And just in case you are thinking of taking that prescription for “Bone-building Drug” that your conventional doctor is pushing on you, please read this HealthBeat News article first: The Ugly Truth About “Bone-Building” Drugs for Osteoporosis

  • What To Do For Arthritis Symptoms?

    Katrina is a nurse, and from her letters it sounds like the job is exacting a toll in terms of wear and tear on her body. I feel her pain – I’ve worked them and I know that those 12 hour shifts can be brutal!

    Katrina has several questions – I dealt with one of her questions, about blogs and chat boards, in a recent HealthBeat News article.

    Her most recent letter reads: Thank you for writing back. I woke up this morning in pain and went straight to your email on the computer to read more info. I do take Osteobioflex right now with MSM and then Bromelain too. I thought it was really helping and then I ate several night shades. While working a 12+ shift at the hospital, I was feeling all my body parts, haha. That was the first time I had felt all the pains at one time and I was floored. Since I’m only 47 years old, this has really started to wear on my mind and self-esteem.

    It sounds like there is a lot going on here – 47 years is young, even with the stress of 12 hour Nursing shifts, and one must wonder if there is more to this than just the stress of a tough job.

    Katrina is using a few supplements, but like most folks who have taken the do-it-yourself path, there doesn’t look to be a solid plan in place.

    The first place to look when formulating a plan or strategy for dealing with arthritic or joint pain should be Dr. Myatt’s webpage on Osteoarthritis where she goes into considerable depth with detailed recommendations developed over 20 years of medical practice.

    When we look there, we can see that Osteobioflex is not listed anywhere – I looked this one up, and it is a combination product sold in a variety of “strengths” – none of which properly list their ingredients which immediately raises some red flags for me…

    Katrina, let’s get serious about your symptoms here – Dr. Myatt’s basic support recommendations are as follows:

    PRIMARY SUPPORT

    • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal doses (not minimal doses) of vitamin A, C, E, B5, B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, boron and vanadium are especially important.

    [Nurse Mark Comment: A good, Optimal Dose multiple vitamin is a cornerstone for any health improvement program – without optimal dose multiple vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals, you are just “spinning your wheels”! Use what you like, but make sure it matches the specifications for Maxi Multi.]

    • Omega 3 fatty acids:
      Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
      OR
      Flax seed capsules      : 2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
      OR
      Flax seed oil      : 1 tablespoon per day
      OR
      Max EPA       (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).

    [Nurse Mark Comment: Omega 3’s are anti-inflammatory – and vital for the amelioration of arthritic symptoms.]

    • Glucosamine Sulfate: (750mg, pharmaceutical grade): 2 caps, 2 times per day for 6 weeks, then 1 cap, 2 times per day after that. (target dose: 3,000 mg for 8 weeks [until significant improvement is noted] then 1,500 mg per day for maintenance).

    [Nurse Mark Comment: Just be darned sure that whatever Glucosamine you are using is the fully reacted molecule – a patented product called Glucosapure]

    • Grape Seed extract (PCO’s): 50-100 mg, 3 times per day. (Target dose: 150-300 mg per day).

    ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

    • MSM (fundamental sulfur): 1,000 mg, 2-3 times per day with meals.
      AND
    • Turmeric: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day between meals, OR Feverfew: 1 cap, 1-2 times per day.

    For acute symptoms (While waiting for Glucosamine Sulfate to take effect)

    • Bromelain: 2 caps, 3 times per day between meals for 4 weeks, then 1 cap, 3 times daily thereafter.

    [Nurse Mark Comment: another very useful supplement for arthritic conditions is Cox-2 Support]

    And now, here is:

    DR. MYATT’S COMMENT
    If self-help measures fail to give improvement in three months, please consult an holistic physician. This is one condition that can be greatly helped and even cured through natural medicine. I am available for telephone consultations.

    [Nurse Mark Comment: There is a risk that this last comment will offend some few readers who have taken exception to the suggestion that they might actually have to pay to consult with Dr. Myatt if their do-it-yourself self-help efforts do not provide all the results they desire – but hey, if all this free advice is not doing it for you, maybe things are complicated enough that real, experienced, professional help is needed…]

    Finally:

    Foods in the nightshade family can really be a problem for some arthritis sufferers – and here is what Dr. Myatt has to say on that subject:

    Solanine is a substance found in nightshade plants, including tomatoes, white potatoes, all peppers (except black pepper), and eggplant. In theory, if not destroyed in the intestine, solanine may be toxic. One horticulturist hypothesized that some people might not be able to destroy solanine in the gut, leading to solanine absorption and resulting in OA. This theory has not been proven. However, eliminating solanine from the diet has been reported to bring relief to some arthritis sufferers in preliminary research.2 3 In a survey of people avoiding nightshade plants, 28% claimed to have a “marked positive response” and another 44% a “positive response.” Researchers have never put this diet to a strict clinical test; however, the treatment continues to be used by some doctors with patients who have OA. As with the Warmbrand diet, proponents claim exclusion of solanine requires up to six months before potential effects may be seen. Totally eliminating tomatoes and peppers requires complex dietary changes for most people. In addition, even proponents of the diet acknowledge that many arthritis sufferers are not helped by using this approach. Therefore, long-term trial avoidance of solanine-containing foods may be appropriate only for people with OA who have not responded to other natural treatments.

    References:
    2. Childers NF. A relationship of arthritis to the solanaceae (nightshades). J Internat Acad Pre Med 1982;Nov:31–7.
    3. Childers NF, Margoles MS. An apparent relation of nightshades (Solanaceae) to arthritis. J Neurol Orthop Med Surg 1993;14:227–31.

  • Do Vitamins Really Make Any Difference?

    Lots of conventional (allopathic) docs, and certainly Big Pharma and the Mighty FDA will tell you that there is no need for what we call optimal dose multiple vitamins – indeed they’ll tell you that vitamin supplements are "useless", "dangerous", "not necessary when you can get all the vitamins you need from your diet", and "a waste of money" that will "just give you expensive urine!"

    That’s OK – we know we’ll never convince them, since their minds are made up – there is no way we’ll confuse them with mere scientific fact… But every now and again we get an unsolicited note or letter from someone who has discovered the worth of optimal dose vitamins and wants to share their happiness and success with us.

     

    We thought we would share this woman’s happiness with you too…

    Dear Dr. Myatt:

    Just two years ago, (age 57), I was running, tripped over my dog, and smashed my collar bone.  For the first three months the collar bone did nothing toward healing.  After another month, I had a surgery to immobilize the bone.  Another month, and still no real progress toward healing, and the screws and plate had worked loose. When the doctor showed me the x-rays, I suggested in exasperation that maybe twist ties would work better than plates and screws.  He said he was thinking along those same lines, and would use sutures to keep the bone in place. During this time I did research on bone health and nutrition, and ordered every vitamin and mineral suggested for bone health.  The vitamins and minerals* came in the week after my second surgery.  There were many variables here, including bone graft plugs for the old screw holes, the nutritional supplements, more effort to stay immobile for a week or two after the surgery, and the sutures holding the bone ends in place.  But within the next few weeks, we could actually see healing taking place, and in another few months, the bone was set and stable, and I was released.  In a few months, I was at the dentist, and the hygienist persuaded me to take some dental x-rays just to gauge the (natural) bone loss.  Rather than losing bone, as expected, the bone had had actually built up around my teeth from the last x-ray a year or two earlier.  Then I noticed two photographs.  The first was taken just a few weeks after my accident, and I had been dismayed that my previously pearly whites were looking almost translucent, giving a beigy-gray appearance to my teeth.  The one taken more recently showed that my teeth had returned to a whiter color.  The teeth told me that the difference was actually related to nutritional supplementation rather than to the exercise/immobility factors or the surgical repair or graft factors.

    I recently tripped over a loose rug on a stair, and fell, severely bruising my arm and skinning my knee.  It was very painful, but there was no hint of a bone fracture.

    *The vitamins and minerals were calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, strontium citrate, boron, vitamin K, zinc, copper, vitamin C, and a regular multi-vitamin. I was also eating a balanced diet and using topical natural progesterone cream.

    I was not exercising very much because of the severity of the break.

    I thought you might appreciate the anecdotal information.  While not a controlled scientific study, it could support your work on nutrition and other alternative treatments for bone loss – or gain!

    Anne M

    Yup, we here at the Wellness Club know only too well that without the basic raw materials, the body cannot repair itself. Like baking a cake, if you are short just one ingredient it won’t come out right!

    So, here is what Dr. Myatt had to say to Anne:

    Hi Anne:

    Thanks for the great report!

    Say, you might be working too hard on your bone-building protocol.

    My Maxi Multi’s have the full daily dose of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, boron, vitamin K, zinc, copper, vitamin C, and the rest of a good multiple vitamin-mineral all in one convenient formula. Check out the doses of bone-building nutrients; they are "right up there" with what you are probably taking as a bunch of separate things.

    Maxi Multi’s plus strontium makes an excellent foundation for a bone-restorative program.

    That extra progesterone is a good idea, too, especially if you have not had your hormones tested in order to make a more precise determination of natural hormone needs.

    Here’s the link to Maxi Multis: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/maximulti.htm

    Again, congrats on your health success and thanks for the testimonial for natural remedies!

    In Health,
    Dr. Myatt

  • The Ugly Truth About "Bone-Building" Drugs for Osteoporosis

    The Ugly Truth About "Bone-Building" Drugs for Osteoporosis

    (And The Safe, Natural, Effective Alternative)

    By Dr. Dana Myatt

    Osteoporosis means "porous bone," a bone-thinning disease that affects some 25 million American women. It is called a "silent" disease because it comes on with few or no symptoms. Often, a fall resulting in a fracture is the first evidence of weakened bones. Other symptoms and signs of osteoporosis include a decrease in height, spontaneous hip or vertebrae fractures, and back pain. (Note: most back pain is NOT caused by osteoporosis, so don’t get hypochodriacal on me!)

    In elderly women, death resulting from complications of hip fracture is far more common than death from breast cancer, yet few people realize the potential seriousness of this condition. Although osteoporosis is more common in post-menopausal women, it also occurs in younger women, in men, and in all age groups. Caucasian and Asian women are at greatest risk because their bones tend to be less dense to begin with.

    OK, you get the picture. Osteoporosis is clearly a real health problem for many Americans. So it seems reasonable to take a medication that can make bones thicker if you’ve been told that you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, right? Please don’t go there until you consider these facts.

    The Drug Is A Success – The Bone Died. ("To Save The Village We Had To Burn It Down")

    The popular drugs prescribed for osteoporosis — alendronate (Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel, Actonel W/Calcium), tiludronate (Skelid), and zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) — are all in a class of drugs called "bisphosphinates." (Abbreviated as "BP’s"). Although they are marketed as "bone-building" drugs, the real truth is quite a bit more ominous. These drugs work by killing a type of bone cell called osteoclasts. You read that right — the drug works by killing normal bone cells.

    But Wait! There’s More! ("Other Than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was The Play?")

    In addition to this insane "mechanism of action" (killing normal bone cells), the potential side-effects range from a mere nuisance to deadly serious.

    Stomach upset, inflammation and erosions of the esophagus are a common side-effect of the oral forms of these drugs. But not to worry that this might be a sign that the drug isn’t healthy for your body. Your doctor will simply tell you to "remain seated upright for 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication." Wasn’t that easy? Problem solved.

    Bisphosphonates given by injection bypass the stomach troubles but have their own problems, including "flu-like symptoms after the first infusion." Manufacturers claim that this only happens the first time, but a quick search of online bulletin boards of people who have had this reaction tells a different story. Many people report severe flu-like symptoms and bone pain that was aggravated by each subsequent dose.

    One study found in increase in "serious atrial fibrillation" among zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) users, but the FDA dismissed this as "not significant." Since all these drugs are in the same class, however, the finding raises concern about this atrial fib connection and ALL bisphosphonate drugs.

    [Nurse Mark Note: Atrial Fibrillation can quickly develop into a heart attack]

    Last and not least, bispohsphonate drugs (ALL of them) are associated with a osteonecrosis of the jaw. In plain English, this means death of the jaw bone. The problem occurs more often with IV BP’s but is also seen in oral BP use. As one medical article stated, "This complication can have a significant impact on the quality of life for those patients with advanced stages of necrosis." Uh, you mean because the dead part of the jawbone will have to be removed and possibly bone-grafted? With resultant facial deformity (not to mention pain and suffering)? Yeah, that might ruin your week… or month… or life…

    Is Bone Death Better Than Osteoporosis? (Is That Really A Serious Question?)

    Obviously, I’m not a fan of bisphosphonate drugs. The class of bone cells that they destroy — the osteoclasts — help to "remodel" bone. This means that bone is supposed to be a living, growing, constantly changing tissue. Bisphosphonates change all that.

    On the other hand, a life-threatening fracture from osteoporosis is no picnic, either. So what do I recommend for osteoporosis prevention and reversal? Nature’s way, of course!

    Rebuilding Bone The Natural Way

    It has long been known that declining sex hormones are associated with decreased bone mineralization. It is also known that un-natural hormone replacement, as practiced in conventional medicine, is a cause of breast and other hormone-related cancers (and increased risk of stroke, heart disease, blood clots and dementia).
    The "middle ground" on hormone replacement therapy is to use natural (bio-identical) hormone replacement therapy as practiced by holistic medical practitioners. Following hormone testing (urine testing is better than saliva or blood tests), a custom formula using doses and forms as found in nature will be prescribed.

    Normal bone formation requires the right "mix" of nutrients. Vitamin D is necessary for proper bone mineralization, and the latest medical research shows that we are getting far less than we really need. [NOTE: Maxi Multi’s have just been re-formulated to include 800IU instead of the previous 400IU per daily dose]. Folate, vitamin B6, B12 and vitamin K should also be in your daily "mix" and are found in optimal amounts in Maxi Multi’s.

    Exercise, especially the kind that puts some stress on bones such as walking, help "tell" the bones to take up more minerals.

    And of course, the minerals that build bone must be present. This usually requires mineral supplementation with calcium, magnesium, boron, manganese, zinc, copper and the "forgotten mineral," strontium.

    Strontium, the "Secret Sauce" for Strong Bones

    Strontium, a naturally-occurring mineral in the same class as calcium and magnesium, has been shown to prevent bone loss AND increase bone density even in already-established cases of osteoporosis. This, plus strontium (NOT the radioactive kind!) has little if any negative side effects. Read more about Strontium: The Missing Mineral for Osteoporosis Prevention and Reversal in this previous edition of HealthBeat.

    The Short Course On Strong Bones And Bone Remineralization

    Osteoporosis is not caused by a bisphosphonate deficiency! Given the potentially devastating side-effects of this class of drugs, doing it "nature’s way" should be a first choice for most people with osteoporosis (or those interested in prevention).

    Exercise, sex hormone balance and obtaining all necessary bone nutrients including strontium will prevent and reverse most cases of osteoporosis without causing harm in the process.
    References:

    References:
    1.) Osteoporosis: Part I. Evaluation and Assessment. American Family Physician, March 1, 2001.
    2.) Side effects courtesy of Merk’s Fosamax website: http://www.fosamax.com/alendronate_sodium/fosamax/consumer/side_effects/index.jsp
    3.) Ale
    ndronate and atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2007 May 3;356(18):1895-6
    4.) Once-yearly zoledronic acid for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.  N Engl J Med. 2007 May 3;356(18):1809-22
    5.) Osteonecrosis and bisphosphonates in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2007 May;19(2):199-206.
    6.) Biophosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Dent Clin North Am. 2008 Jan;52(1):111-28.
    7.) Bisphosphonate Use and the Risk of Adverse Jaw Outcomes: A medical claims study of 714,217 people. J Am Dent Assoc. 2008 Jan;139(1):23-30.
    8.) Osteonecrosis of the jaws secondary to bisphosphonate therapy: a case series. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2008 Jan 1;9(1):63-9.
    9.) Bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaws; an increasing problem for the dental practitioner. Br Dent J. 2007 Dec 8;203(11):641-4.
    10.) Bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2007 Nov;19(4):487-98, v-vi.
    11.) The current state of postmenopausal hormone therapy: update for neurologists and epileptologists. Epilepsy Curr. 2007 Sep-Oct;7(5):119-22.
    12.) Strontium Ranelate Reduces the Risk of Nonvertebral Fractures in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis (TROPOS) Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 May; 90(5):2816-22. Epub 2005 Feb 22.
    13.) Picking a bone with contemporary osteoporosis management: Nutrient strategies to enhance skeletal integrity. Clinical Nutrition (Epub ahead of print, 2006 October 12).
    14.) The effects of strontium ranelate on the risk of vertebral fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.” New England Journal of Medicine 350 (2004):459 – 68.
    15.) Strontium ranelate reduces the risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis (TROPOS) study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 90 (2005):2816 – 22.
    16.) Strontium in Finnish foods. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research 52 (1982): 342 – 50.
    17.) Gaby AR. Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1994, 85–92 [review].
    18.) Strontium ranelate: a dual mode of action rebalancing bone turnover in favour of bone formation. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2006 Jun;18 Suppl 1:S11-5.