Dr. Lani's No-Nonsense Bone Health Guide: The Truth About Density Testing, Osteoporosis Drugs and Building Bone Quality at Any Age

by Lani Simpson

Part whistle-blower book, part bone health bible, Dr. Lani's No-Nonsense Bone Health Guide exposes the shocking difficulty involved in getting an accurate bone density reading and the serious risks of long term use of the most recent osteoporosis medications.Author Dr. Lani Simpson, both a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Certified Clinical Densitometrist cuts through the confusion and inaccuracies surrounding osteoporosis to explain her whole-body approach to bone health, which includes discussions of digestive health, diet, supplements, and exercise. You may be surprised to learn which foods and medicines hurt bone health and which ones help in building strong bones.The book also sheds light on basic bone biology, how aging affects the bones, the risks and benefits of drugs and alternative treatments, a comprehensive breakdown of calcium supplementation – and some delicious recipes for bone-building meals.We all share concerns about bone health and osteoporosis. Whether you are one of the nearly 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, or a younger person building a healthy body, Dr. Lani’s No-Nonsense Bone Health Guide will answer your questions and help you live long, healthy, and fracture-free into your golden years.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

WARNING....read this book with a grain of salt!!!

My husband was pissed! -- He hated that on the 'title' of this book - it says: "The TRUTH about density testing. Osteoporosis drugs and building bone quality at any age". Paul challenges the word *TRUTH*!!!!

Dr. Lain Simpson is NOT A BONE - MEDICAL DOCTOR!! She's a chiropractor who considers herself an expert on osteoporosis. Her approach is integrative. THERE IS GOOD INFORMATION IN HERE ....but some of her ADVICE about the DANGERS of drugs -- ( there are risks with all drugs) -- is NOT a reason to 'not' listen to YOUR DOCTOR. She also missed a topic. A topic that I am dealing with.
There is a lot deficiency about vitamin D. BUT NOT ONE WORD ABOUT HIGH LEVELS OF VIT. D....'toxic levels' ....and their dangers!!!! I'm rare: my VIT D LEVELS are scary HIGH.... and I'm working on getting them down!!!

In recent years there's been a push for women to take extra vitamin D which I did too....
And now I have TOO MUCH. Add all the sunshine I get ... well, I had TOO MUCH. So women need to be careful when you start supplementing high doses of vitamin D which many women were starting to do.

Also, integrative is FINE AND DANDY ...when you have not been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. BUT WHEN YOU HAVE -- it's not time to mess around - thinking lifting weights is going to be enough.
It's like telling a woman who has a painful bladder infection, to go drink some cranberry juice- yeah, right -- like that's going to take care of the problem! Ha!

THIS BOOK WOULD BE GREAT FOR WOMEN TO READ -- who are:
...... MUCH YOUNGER THAN 65 years of age....AS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION....( if young women will listen).
......Parents with pre-teen and teenage daughters to EDUCATE the importance of eating a calcium rich diet-- ( the best-for-your-buck- bone density building happens EARLY IN LIFE -- the game is almost over by age 30)
......BUT.... I DID NOT APPRECIATE Dr. Lani's 'prejudice' views about medication.
FACT OF THE MATTER -- I NEED TO TAKE MEDICATION... "Alendronate"....Generic for Fosamax. I don't need Dr. CHIROPRACTIC Simpson putting the 'fear-of-death' in me.

So ... I'm going with 3 stars!!! The book is informative but like I said at the beginning read it with a grain of salt!!!!!

Another NON- TRADITIONAL REVIEW..... lol
I'm still very busy with daily boot camp!!!! Walking - weight training- eating broccoli with cheese & salmon for breakfast-- and other calcium meals - taking the medication-taking yoga classes and a senior old fart class.

The SENIOR CLASS IS SUCH A RIOT ... it's warming my soul to no end!!! People are in wheel chairs - canes - exercise in chairs. The oldest is 98 years old. I'm the youngest- and look like I'm 12 next to them -- 49 people total. ( I made 49..,I'm the newbie). The class has been going on twice a week with a rock- star awesome teacher, ROZ, for 7 years!!!! Roz is my age -- I'm staying - we are becoming friends.

The old farts have sooooo many rules: I've gotten several lectures from the oldies... not stacking my chair right - or not signing in - and bending my head below my heart! Lol I got my first invitation for the monthly lunch gathering today, too ( not sure I'll go to that).
These people are so CUTE. - I stand to do the exercises - most have to sit. I'm next to a little married couple from Russia - married 51 years. Chubby and cute!!! People are soooo beautiful!

The seniors take their class and attendance seriously!!!! Roz loves them all like her own family. It's so frickin MOVING!!! -- I bring laughing stories home!!

Cheers to strong healthy bones and a peaceful happy life to all my friends!!!!!

[Dottie Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book on the health of our bones and on understanding and treating osteoporosis. Dr. Simpson is a chiropractor who has been trained to read dexa-scans and understand these tests. She works closely with a medical doctor. Her research and experience with patients is detailed in the book and is thorough and convincing. She experienced bone loss herself and tells her own story. Dr. Simpson says that many of the medications given to promote bone growth actually cause harm. (I have had difficulty with these same medications so was glad for the validation of this.) She also says that often dexa-scans are not accurate and gives help in how to assure you receive valid tests. I was most surprised by Dr. Lani’s connecting the health of the digestive system of the patient and the health of the bones. When the digestion is off the body does not absorb the needed nutrients especially calcium and magnesium. (I’ve had digestive problems and never connected this with bone loss.) Instead of giving separate medications or treatment for the bones and the digestion she believes it’s essential to treat the body as a whole and understand what will help it heal. She offers a realistic plan for eating right, taking some supplements and exercising to correct the digestive issues and build stronger bones or at least stop the bone loss from progressing. This is a great reference book with much information here including pictures and diagrams. I highly recommend this book.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lani makes the subject of bone health thoroughly understandable. It was also reassuring to read that although osteoporosis is a serious diagnosis it doesn't have to mean I'll be walking around with a dowager's hump in a few years, or worse. She explains the dangers of drugs commonly prescribed for this condition and gives good advice for things to be done without necessarily going down that road. I took the book with me to the doctor's office and insisted on having blood work done when my doctor didn't suggest it. Turns out I am quite deficient in Vitamin D--one of the things that can lead to bone loss. So for now my treatment course is vitamins, diet & exercise. Time will tell where we go from here. But I am much less paranoid about fracturing something thanks to Dr. Lani's book.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening and so many great facts about vitamins, nutrition, exercise, hormones, etc. Very informative about your bones, body, tests and alternatives to medications. Very glad I have added this to my library for women (& men's) health issues.

[Ktmholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the subtitle, “The Truth About Density Testing, Osteoporosis Drugs, and Building Bone Quality at Any Age,” this book makes a good introduction for anyone concerned about his or her bone health. While keeping in mind that the author is not a medical doctor (though she often works with them), she is both a chiropractor and a certified densitometrist, someone trained in the proper ways to perform and interpret dexascans (DXA). Among other topics, she explains how bones grow, how fractures happen, and why dexascans should not be used as the sole criteria for diagnoses of osteopenia and osteoporosis. She also touches upon other possible causes of osteoporosis, and how to weigh the risks of medications and other potential treatments (including her opinions on questionable or ineffective ones), with a particular look at bone-friendly foods, supplements and exercises. Be aware, too, that while sources are extensively documented, the book was published in 2014, and much can happen in medicine in five years.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and learned of this book through a Facebook support group. It is an excellent book on bone health. It is easy to read and presents clear, comprehensive, concise information in a non biased manner. It was just what I needed to help me make a decision on my own about how to move forward through my life with this diagnosis in regards to lifestyle and treatments. The no-nonsense approach is refreshing and empowering. I finished this book feeling better about my options, my health, my ability to live a fully functional life, and sure about my choices. The book made me feel more informed to make the choices that are best for me and helped me to ask the right questions in the medical office. I recommend this book to anyone who has bones and wants to keep them healthy.

[Jillein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite comprehensive info on bone health from an integrative medical standpoint. Most allopathic medicine clings to the DEXA scores and goes straight to prescription drugs. Dr. Lani’s shows that bone health is a lot more complex, and there are multiple approaches needed for bone health. There is no silver bullet and one size does not fit all. If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, this is a great resource for balanced information.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guide to osteopenia and bone loss in general is a non nonsense approach to this health condition. Writing in an easily understandable way the author explains the causes, treatments and prognosis of this disease. Includes recommended diet, exercise and supplements that will help recovery and lifestyle changes to make bones stronger again.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a practical and helpful guide through the maze of osteoporosis healthcare options. A comprehensive and step-by-step approach is used to give the reader all the information needed to make good self-care choices. The sub-title sums it up: "The Truth about Density Testing, Osteoporosis Drugs and Building Bone Quality at Any Age."

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone Health

This was a very detailed and helpful book about bone health. It should be a must read for everyone. Dr. Lani provides plenty of easy to understand information about how we build and maintain strong bones as well as how to understand today’s testing procedures and the medications often prescribed for low bone density.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it very helpful for some basics. It reinforced some basic information around vitamins, bone structure and Dexa pros and cons. I liked her thoughts on safe exercises and the vibration machines that I never heard of. Copyright is 2014 so there are newer drugs and more information out there that is not in this book. With that said I would have still purchased this book.

[Lisha Doucet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis so I have been reading everything on the topic and doing everything I can. This is a very complete book on the topic and covers everything in a very down to earth no-nonsense way.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd recommend this to anyone with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or concerned about bone heath. Wasn't so great to read purely for academic interest.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches you everything (and more) that you need to know about OP and our bones!

[Daniel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, even for non medical non science audience
Makes very interesting points about the scans, medications, treatments, and nutrition.
I have a list of things to look into from here. Recommended for others who have this problem and wonder why, or don't see results from pharmacological and typical treatment.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth book on everything you need to know about bone density, food, exercise for people with Osteoporosis. I learned things that I didn't even know to help me with my Osteoporosis. It has been a challenge to get answers, and this book really helped.

[Pat Serafy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information but

I read s lot of information but it's information I really already knew nutrition ANF exercise. I was hoping for some examples and something I could go to my Dr with who is pushing for the medical route. I didn't feel I got it in this book. Sorry

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems like a thorough overview if you've been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Although I had a general idea about how to maintain healthy bones, I realize now there's much to learn.

[Jackie MacPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Clear and concise. Able to relate. Will keep this handy as an ongoing reference guide. Highly recommended to those who wish to learn about Osteoporosis. Very detailed in all aspects.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and informative but overwhelming. Basically a full time job to build bone density and yet there are no guarantees.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative.

[NanSki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for my health coaching business. Very thoroughly researched plus she has solid clinical experience.

[Ksorb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: I bought it on Audible but then needed to purchase paper copy or download lots of pages, charts, diagrams, etc from the website (free with purchase of audiobook.) Still totally worth it.

[Tee Minn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have referenced this book many times. It is full of good information, yet easy to understand the medical and health info.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information written very clearly.