Moderate-HighGBS: 83 (High Risk)nutrition

Osteoporosis Reversal Protocol

Developer: Susan Brown, Keith McCormick, bone health specialists

1-2 years to see DEXA improvement (bone remodeling is slow), ongoing for maintenance

Protocol Overview

Evidence-based natural protocol to increase bone density through nutrition, exercise, and targeted supplementation. Addresses root causes beyond calcium supplementation.

Conditions Treated

Osteoporosis

osteopenia

bone loss

Protocol Steps

Testing: DEXA scan (baseline and annual), bone turnover markers (CTX for resorption, P1NP for formation), rule out secondary causes (celiac, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's, multiple myeloma), vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, thyroid, sex hormones, 24-hour urine calcium

Vitamin D: Optimize 40-60 ng/ml (minimum for bone health - many bone specialists target 60-80 ng/ml) - 4000-5000 IU daily

Vitamin K2: MK-7 form 180-360 mcg daily (directs calcium to bones, out of arteries - critical partner to D)

Calcium from food: 1000-1200mg daily from food (not supplements unless inadequate intake) - dairy, sardines/salmon with bones, dark leafy greens, sesame seeds. Calcium supplements controversial for CV risk

Magnesium: 400-800mg daily (50%+ of bone mineral, needed for vitamin D activation, most people deficient)

Boron: 3-6mg daily (reduces calcium excretion, increases estrogen/testosterone)

Vitamin C: 1000mg daily (collagen synthesis for bone matrix)

Silica: 5-20mg daily (bone mineralization - from horsetail herb or BioSil)

Strontium: Controversial - strontium citrate or ranelate 680mg daily (increases bone density on DEXA but some is artifactual due to atomic weight, also stimulates osteoblasts) - do not take with calcium (competes for absorption)

Collagen: 10-20g daily (Type I collagen peptides - bone is 90% collagen) - Fortibone brand specifically studied for bone density

Vitamin B12, folate, B6: Methylated forms (lower homocysteine - high homocysteine linked to fractures)

Omega-3: 2-3g EPA/DHA (anti-inflammatory, supports bone)

Vitamin A: Moderate amounts 3000-5000 IU (NOT high-dose >10,000 IU - high vitamin A linked to fractures)

Zinc: 15-30mg + copper 1-2mg (bone formation)

Resistance training: Critical - weight-bearing exercise signals bone to strengthen. 3-4x/week progressive resistance, focus on hip/spine loading (deadlifts, squats, overhead press), heavy weights (not light weights/high reps)

Impact exercise: Jumping, hopping (if safe) - high-impact osteogenic (OsteoStrong devices commercially available)

Balance training: Prevent falls (tai chi, yoga, single-leg stands)

Avoid: Smoking (huge bone loss), excessive alcohol (>2 drinks/day), soda (phosphoric acid), excess caffeine (>3 cups/day), very low-calorie diets, excess animal protein (acid load)

Optimize hormones: Estrogen critical for women (bone loss accelerates at menopause) - consider bioidentical HRT if appropriate. Testosterone for men and women (builds bone). Thyroid: Hyperthyroid or over-replacement causes bone loss - optimize dose

Reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory diet (chronic inflammation increases bone resorption)

Medications: If T-score <-2.5 or fracture history, may need bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva, Reclast) or other Rx (Prolia, Forteo, Tymlos) - discuss with provider, natural approach may not be sufficient alone for severe osteoporosis

Drug holidays: If on bisphosphonates >5 years, discuss drug holiday (accumulate in bone, long-term safety concerns - atypical fractures, jaw necrosis rare but real)

Key Resources

The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis by Keith McCormick, "Better Bones, Better Body" by Susan Brown, bone health research

Contraindications & Risks

Strontium interferes with DEXA accuracy, high vitamin A increases fracture risk, calcium supplements may increase CV risk

Important Notes

Osteoporosis: Low bone density (T-score <-2.5 on DEXA), fragility fractures. Affects 10 million Americans, 44 million have osteopenia (T-score -1.0 to -2.5). Postmenopausal women especially vulnerable (estrogen loss). Conventional approach: Calcium supplements + bisphosphonates. Problems: Calcium supplements don't reduce fractures and may increase cardiovascular events. Bisphosphonates reduce fractures but have side effects (atypical fractures, jaw necrosis) with long-term use. Natural approach addresses root causes: Vitamin D deficiency near-universal in osteoporosis - need 40-60+ ng/ml. Vitamin K2 (MK-7): Activates osteocalcin (pulls calcium into bone) and matrix GLA protein (keeps calcium out of arteries). D+K2 synergy crucial. Magnesium: 50%+ of bone is magnesium, most Americans deficient. Calcium from food preferable to supplements. Bones are living tissue, not just calcium - need collagen, trace minerals, vitamins. Collagen peptides: Fortibone brand has RCT showing increased bone density. Bone is 90% collagen matrix (mineralized with calcium/phosphate). Resistance training: #1 lifestyle factor - bone responds to mechanical stress by strengthening (Wolff's Law). Heavy weights (80%+ 1RM) most osteogenic. Light weights insufficient stimulus. Impact exercise (jumping) also osteogenic but risky if already osteoporotic. Balance training prevents falls (fractures kill - 20% of hip fracture patients die within 1 year). Hormones: Estrogen essential for bone (bone loss accelerates at menopause). Bioidentical HRT preserves bone if started at menopause. Testosterone builds bone in men and women. Thyroid: Hyperthyroid or excessive thyroid hormone replacement increases bone resorption. Strontium: Increases bone density on DEXA but controversial (some is artifact because strontium is heavier than calcium, plus genuine osteoblast stimulation). Ranelic acid form (Protelos) pulled from market in EU for CV concerns, strontium citrate available as supplement. Natural approach can increase DEXA T-scores by 0.1-0.5 over 1-2 years (slow but real). Severe osteoporosis may need medications - fracture risk is real.

Also Effective For

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Supplements

Copper Boron Silica

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 83 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate-High

GBS Score83 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperSusan Brown, Keith McCormick, bone health specialists

Duration1-2 years to see DEXA improvement (bone remodeling is slow), ongoing for maintenance

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.