My life has changed dramatically over the past years since I began my education about vitamins, minerals and other various nutrients, and I wish to acknowledge the value her presence on various forums has been.

At the age of 60, I had my first bone scan and what he found alarmed him considerably. He prescribed a weekly generic Fosamax which I took faithfully. Because of my emotional difficulties in getting up and out of my apartment, I scarcely got even a fraction of the exercise I needed....

BUT ....

I immediately cut out caffeine, indulging only occasionally on INSTANT coffee (Taster's Choice - pricey, but the only instant that smells and tastes like fresh brewed coffee), and dropped sodas made with Phosphoric Acid (colas and Dr. Pepper - the dark drinks). Diet root beer, Fresca and gingr ale became my drinks of choice. Still indulge in a fountain diet coke occasionally, but since phosphoric acid leaches calcium and magnesium right out of you, I credit that as a strong start...

Then I researched online, added calcium Citrate (double dose on days with little or no milk and cheese), Vitamin D and finally, after more study, Magnesium. I kept my doctor (gynecologist) in the loop (he tested my Vitamin D level to make sure it was safely within limits)....

Finally, after almost 18 months, a repeat bone scan showed an almost 8% improvement in my spine and almost 14% improvement in my hips (which had been bad). He beamed as he told me, "Two more years and you will have the hips and spine of a 35 year old"....

I should add that while he decreased my estrogen of many years to .9 mg (he believes in post-menopausal estrogen), he didn't want it any lower while we battled the bone porosity.

I was the highest scoring (by far) of my nursing school class when we took a nutritional knowledge screening test years ago - back in the days when medical students were TAUGHT (yes, by doctors) that Americans are wasting money when they purchase vitamins BECAUSE "Americans eat a good diet" -- tho what that really means is that those with access to full grocery markets AND who have adequate income are EXPOSED to foods offering a full complement of needed nutrients.

Unfortunately, the lure of highly advertised empty calories and the reduced activity that causes weight gain to be epidemic, less and less of us consume adequate amounts - ESPECIALLY when you are looking for optimal nutrition or seeking to correct conditions remedied by higher than normal consumption.

Time spent on this forum is an education that can change your life - and extend it.

OMT