Q: What is the best medication to stop bone loss in people with osteoporosis?
— Ellen B., Hemet, Calif.
A: The main cause of osteoporosis is an insufficient amount of vitamin D3. Most people need at least 5,000 IU a day, and many need amounts as high as 10,000 IU, especially those who avoid the sun. Get tested for vitamin D3, and if the level is below 70, a supplement is needed.
Adding a moderate amount of calcium, (around 500 to 600 mg of calcium citrate) a day improves bone mineralization. A number of other nutrients also improve bone mineralization, including vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, green tea, and curcumin.
Exercise plays a major role as well, especially resistance exercises. It is critical to avoid high protein diets, since proteins increase acid levels in the body, and this demineralizes the bones (causing osteoporosis).
Exercise drives calcium into the bone. If all these things are used in combination, bones will be strong and resist osteoporosis.
Q: What are some of the causes of double vision?
— Elizabeth H., La Canada, Canada
A: Double vision has a number of causes. In most cases, the problem is neurological, and involves the cranial nerves controlling eye movement — the III, IV, and VI cranial nerves. Your ophthalmologist can determine which nerve is involved.
Some of the causes include pressure on one of the cranial nerves, such as aneurysms or tumors (especially pituitary tumors).
One of the most common causes for intermittent double vision is impending multiple sclerosis. A neurologist or neurosurgeon can make the diagnosis.
Q: Does hydrogen peroxide offer health benefits?
— Linda K., Norman, Okla.
A: Hydrogen peroxide has been promoted to treat a number of chronic infections, as well as cancer. Under carefully controlled conditions by those expert in using it, hydrogen peroxide is generally safe.
Long-term use is to be discouraged. In the body, hydrogen peroxide is broken down into powerful free radicals, which is how it cures infections and kills cancer cells. However, long-term use can actually induce cancer and damage a number of organs, including the brain.
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