Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry, “What do you recommend for a break on the first metatarsal of the left foot? My recent x-ray showed some new bone growth and my doctor said it is healing. I have been taking calcium and magnesium, and the special curcumin you always recommend. Is there anything else to promote bone growth in my foot?” — Fran G., Las Vegas, NM

A. Dear Fran, I am glad to hear you are well on your way to recovering. However, I do have some additional recommendations to further assist in the healing process. Keep in mind that bones are living tissue and as such are being renewed all the time, like an around-the-clock remodeling project. Normally, specialized cells called “osteoblasts” add fresh minerals (primarily calcium, but others, too) to bone and “osteoclasts” remove older bone tissue by breaking down the minerals and reabsorbing them into the bloodstream. The two processes are crucial for health and intricately interlinked. But they must be supported with the right nutrients, and this is where we usually fall short. I see that you are already taking calcium and magnesium. Supplements that contain just calcium and magnesium are lacking several very critical nutrients that the body requires to increase bone density and health. While you definitely need a blend of calcium and magnesium, it’s more important to have a moderate intake of calcium and magnesium with other nutritional factors that increase bioavailability and absorption. I would suggest a combination of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D-3, K-1 and K-2, silicon, boron, zinc, copper and manganese complimented with a probiotic (the “good bacteria” that helps us absorb nutrients) such as Bacillus coagulans which provides excellent support for bone health and increased bone density. I recommend taking 2 tablets of this combination twice daily. I would also suggest an organic silica product extracted from horsetail. I recommend taking 60 mg daily for the first month, 40 mg daily for the second month, and then 10-20 mg daily thereafter. Because silica is poorly absorbed, please look for a product that contains organic silica and bioflavonoids, blended with marine lipids. This form of silica is clinically studied, extremely soluble, and virtually 100% bioavailable for the body. The above recommendations can help to further assist your recovery and get you back on your feet. As always, I recommend talking to your healthcare practitioner about the addition of dietary supplements to your regimen for any serious health issues.

Healthy regards!

Terry . . . Naturally