In this article A Midwestern Doctor writes about osteoporosis and Big Pharma’s grasp on consumers and unnecessary tests and of course expensive drugs with lengthy side effect lists. There are many things one can do to avoid osteoporosis with natural medicine and supplements.
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Article: The Great Osteoporosis Scam
Aging leads to weakened bones, resulting in physical limitations and fractures. While efforts to prevent bone loss focus on routine density scans, this approach is flawed, as scans often misrepresent true bone strength and can lead to brittle bones from certain drugs that carry significant risks. The medical industry, driven by profit—especially in the osteoporosis market affecting 20% of women over 50—overlooks alternative, non-profitable treatments and lacks understanding of osteoporosis’s true causes. The article critiques this profit-driven mindset and examines how economic principles shape medical ethics, illustrating the sales funnel model where broad prescriptions lead to expensive treatments for complications.
One of aging’s most profound consequences is the gradual weakening of bones, which
can lead to life-altering physical limitations and fractures. Currently, we wisely aim to
prevent bone loss early on but unwisely rely on routine bone density scans, often leading
to the indiscriminate sale of “bone-strengthening” drugs to a large patient base.
This approach is deeply flawed. Scan data frequently fails to reflect true bone strength,
while increasing density often results in brittle bones prone to fracture. Moreover, the
commonly prescribed bone density drugs carry significant risks.
In the face of a lucrative drug market (such as osteoporosis affecting 20% of women over
50), the medical industry dismisses alternative approaches that do not generate
substantial profits. This profit-driven mindset leaves us with little understanding of osteoporosis’s true
causes or the most effective treatments. This article will delve into the forgotten
knowledge of bone health.
The years I have spent studying the medical industry have made me appreciate how
often economic principles can allow one to understand its complex and contradictory
behavior.
For example, I believe many of the inconsistencies in medical ethics (e.g., “mothers
have an absolute right to abort their children” and “mothers cannot refuse to vaccinate
their children because it endangers their child’s life”) can be explained by simply
acknowledging that whatever makes money is deemed “ethical.”
Sales Funnels
The sales funnel concept is crucial to understanding the modern medical industry. This
method involves initially targeting a broad audience and then gradually narrowing down
to more expensive products or services for the captured customers. There are typically
two overlapping sales funnels in medicine:
The first funnel involves prescribing innocuous drugs to many people and then selling
increasingly expensive pharmaceuticals to treat complications. For example, this often
occurs with medications given to girls, leading to harmful consequences.
Note: Sources for the above graph can be found in this article about the dangers of SSRI
antidepressants.
The second funnel involves framing preventative medicine as screening individuals for
potential health risks and then using these results to justify selling medical services like
drug prescriptions. As these screenings become normalized, the industry expands the
range of services offered, often leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. For
instance, guidelines for “safe” blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been
continuously lowered, hence putting more people on medications.
2 Note: The folly of this approach is highlighted by a trial that found removing on average
2.8 non-essential drugs from the elderly at one facility caused their 1-year death rate to go
from 45% to 21%.
3 DEXA Scams
One common way mass screenings are conducted is by giving many patients X-rays and
then funneling those with abnormal imaging into being treated. For example, women
over 50 get mammograms every two years to detect breast cancer early. However,
studies show these screenings often lack overall benefit because fast-growing cancers
are usually not caught early, while false positives are common and frequently lead to
harmful treatments.
Note: Many medical specialists depend upon repeatedly performing the same billable
service (e.g., vaccinating a child, performing a female pelvic exam, or reading a
mammogram).
Another common universal screening practice for women is dual-energy X-ray
absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, which measure bone density as an indicator of bone
strength. The results are compared to the average bone density of a 30-year-old,
producing a T-score. Medical students learn that a T-score of 0 to -1 is normal, -1 to -2.5
indicates osteopenia, and -2.5 or worse signifies osteoporosis, prompting urgent
treatment.
However, considering natural age-related bone density loss, most individuals will have
lower bone density than a 30-year-old. Thus, the current approach to managing
osteoporosis acknowledges inevitable bone loss with age and focuses on prevention, as
regaining bone density later in life is challenging.
How reliable are DEXA scans? Results vary significantly based on machine, operator, and
measured bones, with studies showing a 5% – 6% difference in bone density. This
variation can alter T-scores by 0.2 – 0.4, leading to misdiagnoses of osteoporosis.
4 5 Is repeated scanning necessary? A study of 4124 older women found no additional
useful information gained from repeating DEXA scans over 8 years. Yet, guidelines
recommend scans every 1-2 years, with Medicare covering one every 2 years, despite
costs ranging from $150 to $300 per scan.
6 Do DEXA scans accurately predict fracture risk? While generally predictive, studies show
discrepancies between scan results and observed bone strength under a microscope.
Additionally, scans often underestimate strength loss in deliberately weakened bones.
7 Note: I recently learned from Dr. Mercola that a faster and more accurate method of
diagnosing bone strength (which does not expose patients to ionizing radiation) is
beginning to be used in Europe. REMS technology works by sending ultrasound waves
into the bone and then analyzing the spectrum created to assess the health of the bones.
8 As this presentation shows, it accurately predicts bone density, and additionally, predicts
bone strength. In short, this may be a dramatically superior approach to Dexa scans, but
it faces stiff resistance in the United States because of how heavily invested many
already are in performing Dexa scans. For those interested, more information can be
found at EchoLight’s website.
9 Note: This comment was a rmed in an NPR article.
10 Bisphosphonates
Once osteoporosis is diagnosed, the initial treatment often involves starting a
bisphosphonate, which may continue for 3-5 years depending on the administration
method. A variety of factors influence the development of bone.
Two of the most important ones are the cells that build bone up (osteoblasts) and the
cells that break bone down (osteoclasts). Bisphosphonates, (e.g., Fosamax or Actonel),
concentrate in bones and inhibit osteoclasts, leading to increased bone density by
shifting the balance towards bone building. However, this approach faces two major
issues:
11 13 12 • Bisphosphonates are associated with numerous side effects, such as stomach
irritation, severe muscle and bone pain, flu-like symptoms, osteonecrosis of the
jaw, unusual hip fractures, atrial fibrillation, hypocalcemia, fatigue, and kidney
problems. Remarkably, the American Dental Association even cautioned its
members to avoid working on patients who are taking bisphosphonates.
14 • Bisphosphonates disrupt the body’s natural bone-building process, resulting in the
preservation of “old bone” rather than promoting healthy bone formation.
Note: In addition to the bisphosphonates, there are other problematic osteoporosis
drugs which also target the osteoclasts.
Bone Remodeling
One of the key adaptive processes in the body is its response to stresses and loads
placed upon it. An often-overlooked marvel of the body is its continual reshaping of
bones to bear loads optimally. While we seldom think about this process, its significance
becomes apparent in certain scenarios. Consider space travel: astronauts, deprived of
gravity’s weight signals, experience rapid bone loss, posing serious fracture risks upon
returning to Earth.
15 In this bone-building ballet, osteoclasts play a crucial yet underappreciated role. They
sculpt bones to withstand gravity’s demands, but when blocked by drugs like
bisphosphonates, bones become denser yet more brittle and less flexible.
This underscores a common issue in medicine: focusing on treating numbers (e.g.,
lowering cholesterol) assuming it equates to health improvement. Studies often assess
benefits through value changes (e.g., vaccine-induced antibodies), overlooking actual
patient outcomes (e.g., in Pfizer’s COVID vaccine studies, antibody production didn’t
correlate with decreased deaths).
16 In short, I would posit that while bisphosphonates may be effective at improving a DEXA
score, they aren’t necessarily good at improving bone health.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Bone metabolism is intricately linked to various key body processes, making it
challenging to pinpoint the primary determinants of bone health. However, several
factors stand out:
Mobility — Sedentary lifestyles contribute to osteoporosis, highlighting the
importance of weight-bearing activities in bone health. Walking is particularly
beneficial and if done regularly throughout life dramatically improves bone health.
17 Hormones — In a previous article, I discussed the severe dangers of drugs like Lupron
which work by disabling the body’s production of sex hormones. One of the most
common side effects observed from them is a significant weakening of the bones. In
turn, hormonal loss accompanying aging also weakens the bones.
Inflammation — Chronic inflammatory conditions increase the risk of osteoporosis by
activating bone-dismantling processes.
18 Amino acids — Since one of the most essential components of bone health is the
elasticity collagen imparts to them (as this allows bone to bend and yield to outside
forces rather than shattering) collagen health is critically important for bone health.
19 In modern society, we are often deficient in those amino acids because of widespread
stomach acid deficiency (which impairs our ability to metabolize protein into amino
acids) and us predominantly consuming softer cuts of meat which lack the collagen
building amino acids found in tougher parts of meat (e.g., gristle).
Note: Colleagues such as Dr. Mercola have found consuming 30g – 40g of collagen
each day sourced from beef knee joints is an optimal amino acid repletion protocol and
in a short period of time signi cantly improves bone health (along with often improving
a variety of related factors such as one’s height and one’s metabolic health).
20 21 Minerals — Dietary intake of minerals such as boron and manganese is crucial for
bone strength, and deficiencies can impair bone health. Factors like stomach acid
deficiency and soil depletion contribute to mineral deficiencies.
Note: The widespread de ciency of manganese in the population is in part due to it
being chelated from the soil by glyphosate (Roundup).
22 23 Manganese serves an essential role in building collagen, so when it is de cient, it
frequently creates systemic ligamentous laxity, and in turn hypermobile patients such
as those with EDS (who tend to be highly sensitive and susceptible to pharmaceutical
injuries) notice a signi cant improvement in their ligamentous strength after a few
months of appropriately dose manganese.
24 25 Water fluoridation — While fluoride increases bone density, it may compromise bone
health and function. Some studies link fluoride to osteomalacia and increased
fracture risk.
26 Pharmaceutical drugs — Medications like glucocorticoid steroids (e.g., prednisone)
and opioids can weaken bones and increase fracture risk.
27 Note: Glucocorticoid induced bone loss is so severe it’s actually one of the few
approved indications for bisphosphonate treatment.
28 Environmental toxins — Exposure to toxins like organophosphates, bisphenol A,
nicotine, and heavy metals inhibits bone formation and contributes to osteoporosis.
29 Parathyroid adenomas — These tumors cause excessive secretion of parathyroid
hormone, leading to calcium depletion from bones, bone loss, and a range of
symptoms. Surprisingly, despite being a well-known condition, parathyroid adenomas
are frequently missed. Identifying persistently elevated blood calcium levels can
serve as a key indicator, prompting further investigation into a parathyroid adenomas.
Note: Chinese Medicine has connected the age-related loss of the kidney’s vitality to bone
loss for thousands of years. Many attribute this to the kidneys crucial role in regulating
vitamin D and the blood levels of the minerals bone is composed of (e.g., calcium).
30
I suspect their regulation of the physiologic zeta potential (the decline of which is a key
cause of aging) is also key. That is because zeta potential governs the tendency for
blood to ow freely or clump together, and the hard exterior bone blood vessels must pass
through makes them more susceptible to their blood supply becoming interrupted (e.g.,
from the bone moving out of place).
Conclusion
It’s fascinating to realize that bone is far more than just a structural component; it’s a
living tissue with its own dynamic behavior. When I’ve had the opportunity to handle
bone directly, such as during orthopedic surgeries, it’s evident how different it is from
the lifeless bones we typically encounter. Unfortunately, this experience is rare, leading
many to see bone as inert and unchanging.
The points I’ve discussed in this article are founded on the importance of recognizing
bone’s vitality and understanding how our interactions with it shape our health and
longevity. Ancient medical traditions, like Chinese medicine, appreciated this aspect of
bone health. They saw it as integral to overall well-being, acknowledging its
interconnectedness with the body’s systems.
By embracing this perspective, we can gain new insights into bone health and its
significance for holistic healthcare. It’s my hope that this article sheds light on the
dynamic nature of bones and encourages a deeper understanding of their role in our
health journey.
Author’s note: This is an abridged version of a longer article on the subject which
discusses the above points in more detail and many others such as our other preferred
approaches for improving bone health. That article and its additional references can be
read here.
A Note From Dr. Mercola About the Author
A Midwestern Doctor (AMD) is a board-certified physician in the Midwest and a longtime
reader of Mercola.com. I appreciate his exceptional insight on a wide range of topics
and I’m grateful to share them. I also respect his desire to remain anonymous as he is
still on the front lines treating patients. To find more of AMD’s work, be sure to check out
The Forgotten Side of Medicine on Substack.
Sources and References
1 Why Are Antidepressants So Harmful? November 27, 2023
2 What Can Statins Teach Us About The COVID-19 Vaccines? May 4, 2023
3 Israel Medical Association Journal 2007 June; 9(6):430-4
4 Medpage Today November 3, 2014
5 JAMA January 22, 2007
6 Indian Journal of Orthopedics Jan-Mar 2010; 44(1): 73–78
7, 9 ECHOLIGHT Medical, Accessed April 2024
8 Diagnostics (Basel). May 2023; 13(10): 1666
10 NPR, December 21, 2009
11 Mayo Clin Proc. September 2008; 83(9): 1032–1045
12 BMJ January 2008 19; 336(7636): 117
13 BMJ August 8, 2009
14 American Dental Association Accessed February 2008 (Archived)
15 International Journal of Molecular Sciences May 2021; 22(9): 4585
16 New England Journal of Medicine 2021;385:1761-73
17 Gynecological Endocrinology September 2009;25(9):616-20
18 Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions 2020; 20(3): 372–381
19, 21 Stomach Acid Is Good For You, September 16, 2023
20, 23, 24 The Hidden Link Between Hypermobility and Vaccine Injury, January 14, 2024
22 Surgical Neurology International. 2015; 6: 45
25 Fluoride Action Network April 2012
26 RMD Open. 2015; 1(1): e000014
27 Addiction, July 2019
28 FDA, 2012
29 OuluREPO, 2016
30 What Makes All Vaccines So Dangerous? March 31, 2024
Original Article Courtesy of https://www.mercola.com/
Analysis by A Midwestern Doctor May 03, 2024
