gettimg enough calcium in diet

[tex]

Hi Linda,

I assume you've research it and you're aware of all the caveats (don't use it if you have low blood levels of calcium, kidney disease, weak immune system, hypoparathyroidism, nutrient absorption issues, etc.)

Prolia is a RANKL inhibitor. RANKL inhibitors are used to treat osteoporosis, breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. They work by preventing bone fractures and by destroying cancer cells, and it's usually prescribed to people who are at a high risk of bone fractures. I have a hunch that the reason you have osteoporosis is because of your severe malabsorption problem for years. My concerns are focused on whether or not that's now resolved (since it's a caveat), or if you still might have absorption issues. Are you able to gain weight easily if you eat more calories than you need?

Also, I wonder if your bone loss level is really that severe (that you're at a high risk of bone fractures), or whether your doctor is just trying to find a solution that doesn't require the use of any bisphosphonates (I don't like the bisphosphonates, either).

Has your doctor checked your calcium blood level and your PTH level using the same blood sample, in order to get an accurate assessment of your parathyroid function, to rule out parthyroid issues?

I know very little about Prolia. I'm sure your doctor knows a lot more about it, including it's track record. It may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but cancer treatments are powerful drugs (usually with powerful side effects), and powerful drugs grab my attention.

Tex

[ldubois7]

Morning!

I just started researching as I found out yesterday, and was shocked.

I know my malabsorption issues are to blame. I retested with Enterolab in February of this year, and after a drop two years prior, it was up again! I’m taking enzymes, but not as many as Dr. Fine had suggested because they are costly.

I am waiting for my doc to call me back to explain the results because they don’t make sense to me. I will ask for the bloodwork.
I want to avoid drugs at all costs as I’m on such a limited diet and still have some bloating at night.

If I reduce fats in my diet, will that help with the malabsorption issues, too?

I’ve been at this a long time, but still struggle to feel good.

[tex]

Hi Linda,

Well, not knowing your usual calcium blood level makes that a tough question, but I would try adding a little calcium and a little more magnesium to see if that would help (something like Caltrate 600+D3 Plus Minerals Minis). That's not exactly natural, but it's a lot better than powerful drugs. This version of Caltrate includes not only more vitamin D, but a little magnesium (in case you're not getting quite enough), and a little zinc, copper, and manganese, in case they might be short. You can read the label at the linked site.

If that doesn't help, Brandy had some luck with strontium, but that requires a prescription.

Tex

[ldubois7]

Thanks, Tex!

I’ll look into your suggestions and discuss, with my doc, my options.

Have a great day!

[tex]

Linda,

I forgot to address your question about eating less fat. Doing that will almost surely lower your test score on the fat malabsorption test. But it shouldn't have any effect on your actual ability to absorb nutrients. IOW, tricking the test might appear to lessen the problem, but it shoudn't have any effect on your actual nutrient malabsorption problem. And reducing fat intake would lower your calorie intake also, which I'm sure you don't need to do.

Tex

[ldubois7]

Tex,

I didn’t know that! I thought that reducing fat in my diet might help with absorption....I’ll increase my enzymes, and get Dr Fines take on what I might try before I test again.

I’ll try the Citrate supplement, too.

Your knowledge is priceless! I didn’t want to simply get injections as my doc suggested. BTW...she hasn’t call me back in 2 days to discuss my options!

Linda

[tex]

I'm not absolutely positive about the fat malabsorption issue, because if it's bad enough to increase diarrhea, that might affect other nutrients, too (because of the faster transport). You might ask Dr Fine if you're going to talk with him anyway, to see how he feels about that.

Tex

[ldubois7]

Morning!

I talked to dr Fine yesterday before I saw your reply to ask him about nutrient absorption and a low fat diet, but I’ll send an email.

Basically he told me that he’s seeking a lot more “hyperactive“ immune response in more and more people then ever, especially in our younger population.

For me, he suggested a more alkaline diet, more enzymes (after a month, test for fat malabsorption to see if a higher dosage of the enzymes is more effective), and he has a product that contains calcium/magnesium to try to hopefully help with the osteoporosis.

I’ve used his blueberry fiber in the past, and didn’t realize that he changed the name, it’s still available. So, I’ll try that again for a better flora in my gut.

Will let you know how it all goes!

Linda

[ldubois7]

Tex,

I spoke with Dr. Fine and you are correct about the fact that eating a low fat diet when you have malabsorption issues will not help with the absorption of nutrients.

[tex]

Linda,

Thanks, I appreciate your sharing that information.

Tex