Bisphosphonates, the active ingedients in Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast, are widely represented as reducing age related bone loss and fractures. That's an expectation that has turned out to be grossly, almost criminally, optimistic
BISPHOSPHONATES -- HOW THEY WORK
Since the introduction of the bisphosphonate line of osteoporosis drugs (Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Reclast), the incidence of osteoporotic fractures has seen a dramatic increase. Why is that? Aren't these drugs supposed to prevent this? Absolutely not! Setting aside all the scientific jargon and facing the realities, this is how these highly promoted drugs work: Bisphosphonates kill the blood vessels to the bones. This prevents bone loss by limiting the circulation of the blood. Over time, the bones nearly die and crystalize. They are now in the proper mode to shatter like glass.
STRESS FRACTURES ON THE RISE
This explains very clearly the growing incidence of simple stress fractures reported by people taking these drugs. Since 1994, the incidence of stress fractures has doubled, although everyone seems to be frantically avoiding placing blame on the steadily increasing use of bisphosphonate drugs. As a matter of fact, "scientific" studies abound citing the positive results obtained from taking these drugs. Incidentally no one has ever come forward on any of these studies to identify those paying for them.
Lawyers are finding a nice source of income though, by tapping into Merck's 84 million dollar legal defense fund. Merck is the manufacturer of Fosamax and fully expects to encounter multiple lawsuits from patients being adveresly affected, and even harmed by the use of this drug. So much for their being unaware of the dangers of their product.
AN "UNSCIENTIFIC" STUDY
The LeQuadrillage research staff conducted its own very unscientific study. It didn't take a lot of complex analytics. They simply talked with 429 people who had been taking the bisphosphonate drugs for more than a year. 310 of them were women, 119 of them were men. Of the men, 22 reported absolutely no adverse side effects. Of the women, 28 reported no adverse side effects. Well, we could round that out to 10% of those taking these drugs having suffered no ill effects.
PAIN, BLEEDING, AND BROKEN BONES
The others recited heart breaking accounts of pain in the long bones and spine, cramps in feet and hands, many after taking only one tablet. Bleeding, gastric distress, severe leg and hip pain, dizzy spells, muscle pain, loss of vision, constipation; the list of complications continued ever onward.
HEART ARYTHMIA
This should all add up to the need for building a big brick wall between ourselves and the bisphosphonate drugs. For those who still aren't convinced, how about this? These dangerous drugs also target your heart. Researchers have discovered that bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonol, and Reclast increase the odds that you will develop atrial fibrillation, an erratic heart rythm that can result in blood clots, and in extreme cases, death. A year ago, the FDA announced it was looking at the risk of atrial fibrillation from those taking bisphosphonates and began gathering complaints from patients and doctors. But typically, the FDA did not have the will to go up against Big Pharma and advise doctors to stop prescribing these very dangerous, and largely useless drugs. These are not the "bone building" drugs they are represented to be. They are much better described as "bone rotting" drugs.
STRONTIUM -- THE SAFE, EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE
Osteoporosis can be delayed, prevented, and reversed. Any you don't need to poison your body to do it. There is a better way. One answer here is Strontium!. Many of us, when we hear the word "Strontium" conjure up visions of people ravaged by nuclear fallout. That's Strontium 90, the radioactive isotope. What we're discussing here is stable strontium.which has been used medicinally for more than 100 years. It is the most abundant element in seawater; there is more strontium in the earth's crust than carbon, and the human body contains about 350 mg of strontium normally. Strontium tends to accumulate in bone, especially where active remodelling is taking place. As far back as 1959, the Mayo Clinic investigated the effects of strontium on bone health and bone remodeling. The study lasted three years and during this time, no significant side effects were observed. The bone health of the individuals in the study improved and the bone mass was seen to increase. Since there was no patentability to strontium, interest in the substance quickly faded.
Now alternative and naturopathic physicians are rapidly adopting it for their own treatment protocols and it would be advisable for anyone with osteoporosis or osteopenia to consult an alternative or naturopathic physician. While strontium is a mineral available without prescription, it is always wise to be followed by a knowledgeable doctor if you have acute osteoporosis. For prevention or mild osteopenia, you can avail yourself of some very good supplements, if you know where to look. This is an area where a great many poor and worthless products are promoted and it is important to select your supplement vendor with great care. It is very wise to be careful here, to avoid wasting money, and time, on ineffective, misrepresented product.
ANOTHER PREVENTIVE/THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENT
There is an excellent preventive, as well as therapeutice supplement on the market called Bone-Protec. Our feeling is that everyone over 40 should be taking it. This product has been so carefully formulated; so much thought has been devoted to its design, that in our view, Bone-Protec stands head and shoulders over any product of its kind.
The low key New Zealand company that formulates and manufactures this supplement has a number of other equally effective and very high quality supplements meant to address other, specific ailments. Their product line is necessarily limited because their unbending philosophy is to either make a product that is superior to any other, or not make it at all.
WOMEN PARTICULARLY SHOULD TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT BONE-PROTEC
Any woman approaching forty and beyond needs Bone-Protec! As menopause approaches it is important to gear up the body's defenses against the attack on bone health that will ensue. If you are already in menopause, it is vital that you receive this support, hopefully well before you feel the need for it. Bone-Protec will help you no matter what stage you're in, but the sooner you begin taking it, the better you will be feeling later on. Bone-Protec is a completely natural nutritional supplement that, along with your regular supplement regimen can ensure your vigorous health and well being during this difficult time. A direct link to the manufacturer of this wonderful product is provided for you here.
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