Question: Hi. I have osteoporosis, confirmed 15 months ago. Recently I've been advised that osteoporosis is largely a result of dairy consumption. Since there have been extended periods of my life when I have consumed dairy, and periods when I haven't, I want to ask if you know how long it takes for osteoporosis to develop?

For example, I was raised on a farm, and as a child, consumed grass fed untreated milk. Later as a teenager and throughout my 20's I lived in cities and consumed regular store bought dairy, most of the time including ice cream, cheese, milk, baked goods, etc maybe excessively, I dont know.

By age 35 I had given up dairy and consumed only soy, till about age 53 when I took up milk again as well as soy. Now I am 57. I have no idea when I might have developed osteoporosis.

I had a fractured wrist around age 37, while not consuming dairy. I never had a bone density test then, it was not recommended. I had another fracture more recently, 15 months ago, which prompted a doctor to advise a bone density test. That is when osteoporosis was confirmed. I am not taking medication at this stage, I am working on improving my diet.

Now I am wondering about dairy. Should I consume it or not?

Hope you can help

Regards, XXXXXXX

OK thanks, for your advice. I note you say gentle exercise like walking and swimming. Do you suggest I don't do weight training? People have told me its good for strengthening bones, but I do worry it puts pressure on my spine.

I do yoga too. Is that good?

I note you say chicken and eggs which don't agree with me. Though I understand they are good for progesterone. Is it OK to eat fish? And what about soy?

I should mention I have low thyroid T3. I'm taking selenium, iodine, tyrosine. Is low thyroid affecting bone density?

Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Thanks, XXXXXXX

OK thanks, this leads into my next question

My TSH has been high the last 12 months and I finally had free T3 and T4 tested. T4 is normal, but T3 is low.

So what should I do to normalise it? Some would recommend thyroid medication, but i am not sure that that is the best approach

As I understand it T4 is converted to T3 largely by the Liver, and also partially in the Gut.

Now I have some indication that Liver function is suspect, with AST and LD high and Albumin low. I take milk thistle, dandelion and eat lots of green vegetables

Also I do have some digestive problems, acid reflex, bloating, constipation, infections, which suggest poor stomach health. I am taking probiotics

Can you suggest what else I can do to help my Liver and Stomach produce the T3 for my Thyroid?

Hope you can help
XXXXXXX