Re: Bone Pain

 I didn't think anyone would respond... you guys are awesome!

I've been so worried I'm going to end up curled up in a wheelchair with all my bones fractured. I was diagnosed last fall by DEXA scan as having osteoporosis in the lower back and thigh bones and osteoponiea in the wrists. I'm 34, so it's a little early for this to be happening.

Yes, it is young but not as uncommon as you think.  Especially these days when people are loading up on sodas, dairy, red meats, etc., that all deteriorate bone.  And there are other sources of bone loss people often overlook such as lack of silica and vitamin D, the use of medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids like Prednisone, caffeine, nicotine and even stress.

I do take 1,000 mg of calcium a day, (100% rda).

First of all not all calciums are good.  The majority of calcium on the market is calcium carbonate, which is the cheapest crap they can use. But it is poorly absorbed and interferes with the absorption of the other nutrients needed for bone strength.  Calcium carbonate can be listed as calcium carboante, coral, oyster shell or dolomite.  Look for an acidified form such as calcium citrate, which is better absorbed and does not interfere with nutrient absorption.

Secondly taking that much calcium without magnesium is dangerous.  Calcium is a muscle contractor while magnesium is the balance relaxing the muscles.  Elevated serum calcium with a lack of magnesium therefore can cause muscle spasms, high blood pressure, constipation, increased risk of asthma and migraines, etc.  To make matters worse if you have hyperparathyroidism the extra calcium can lead to even higher serum calcium levels causing other symptoms such as mental fogginess and fatigue.  Magnesium should be taken in an equal proportion to calcium, and like calcium should be acidified.  I prefer magnesium malate followed by magnesium citrate.  Avoid magnesium oxide completely, which is caustic burning the tissues and again interfering with nutrient absorption.

Another important point is that you mentioned being diagnosed with osteoporosis as well.  Osteoporosis is not a loss of calcium, it is a loss of collagen matrix.  The collagen matrix is what gives the bones the majority of their strength and is what the minerals deposit in to.  As you lose the matrix your bones weaken and there is not "scaffolding" for the minerals to deposit in to so the overall structure weakens leading to microfractures and deterioration.  The primary cause of osteoporosis is a lack of silica and/or vitamin C.  Osteoporosis DOES NOT result from a lack of calcium.

Another fact that will surprise most people is that calcium is not the most important bone nutrient.  Actually silica is.  Next on the list would be vitamin C, traces of copper and zinc and the amino acids proline, lysine and glycine.  Next wold come the other bone nutrients that include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, sulfur, strontium, natural fluoride, boron, vitamins A, D, E, and K and essential fatty acids.  Just taking calcium will not build bone, but can cause a number of side effects if not balanced.

Great sources for these nutrients include seaweeds, nettle leaf, alfalfa and gelatin.