(Dr. Stephen Holt's 3rd visit to Power Surge) Dearest: My guest tonight is Stephen Holt, M.D. Dr. Holt has practiced medicine since 1972. A Professor of Medicine, Scientist, Board certified gastroenterologist and internist in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, with higher training in nutrition, clinical pharmacology and medicine of addictions. Most of Dr. Holt's referred patients have been seen by several physicians previously and they often have complex disorders. Dr. Holt is the author of 12 books including the Random House bestseller, The Soy Revolution and Combat Syndrome X, Y & Z ; The Antiporosis Plan and his newest book due out next month, The MenoPlan: Natural Ways to Healthy Menstruation and Menopause. Dr. Holt is a frequent guest lecturer at scientific meetings and a popular media expert on therapeutics. It's a pleasure to welcome you back to Power Surge, Dr. Holt. Stephen Holt, M.D.: It's a great pleasure always to be on Power Surge. I thank you all for the many questions you've sent and I hope that my answers have been helpful. Dearest: Dr. Holt, what exactly is osteoporosis, and why do doctors, who routinely prescribe mammograms and pap smears, neglect to pay attention to checking a woman's bone density? Stephen Holt, M.D.: That's a very good question. Osteoporosis is best described as porous or thin bones. In simple terms, think of strong bones as a thick bowl and weak ones as a clay planter. Drop them both and the planter will break more easily. I don't understand why many doctors are not tuned into osteoporosis which is a tragic, but preventable, disease. Dearest: Does having arthritis in any way predispose a person to osteoporosis? Is there some connection? If so, should a woman with arthritis have a bone density test at an earlier age? Stephen Holt, M.D.: Arthritis and osteoporosis go hand in hand. Many people with thin bones have creaky joints from osteoporosis. You could say that arthritis decreases mobility and this can lead to thin bones or aggravate osteoporosis. I would definitely advise bone density testing for anyone with any type of arthritis. Furthermore, the symptoms of osteoporosis can mimic arthritis. I want to stress that women and men should not wait until they get osteoporosis. In my book, "The Antiporosis Plan", I make a bold statement that it is never too early or too late to combat osteoporosis. SuzSings2u: I had recently been doing exercises that I believe are based on isometrics or pressing together, and have alot of aches from doing it, and wonder is this a symptom of arthritis or something related to osteoporosis. I would like to say, that I'm without period for 2 years, and also physically fit and also ache where I had broken shoulders years back. Stephen Holt, M.D.: Not necessarily. Without knowing more, it sounds like you have muscle and/or skeletal strain from exercising. The real significance of osteoporosis is that it causes bone fractures in later life and robs mature people of their quality of life. We need to understand just how dangerous osteoporosis really is for the elderly especially. Thin bones predispose to hip fractures and hip fractures result often in prolonged disability, loss of ability to live independently and, in some cases, death occurs. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men. Prevention is the key. No woman should wait to be tested. Julie11: What natural hormone replacement would you recommend? I am surgically menopausal.(TAH) Dearest: You can read more about Dr. Holt's MenoPlan at: www.power-surge.com/educate/holt_menoplan.htm and about antiporosis at www.power- surge.com/educate/holt_antiporosis.htm Stephen Holt, M.D.: First, do not assume that hormone replacement, natural or otherwise, is the best approach to osteoporosis. Building bone strength involves many issues that I describe in my book "The Antiporosis Plan". My plan is a truly holistic plan. It includes lifestyle changes, exercises, good nutrition, the management of any illnesses that cause osteoporosis and the first line use of natural bone-boosting supplements. In brief, I am not supportive of hormone replacement therapy as a first- line therapy but a combination of estrogen and calcium is very important in reversing osteoporosis. I need to tell people that managing osteoporosis is not just down to calcium. There are many bone-building supplements to consider. Let me give you a list: Calcium heads the list and Vitamin D intake is necessary for the efficient use of calcium especially for bone building. Other important elements are magnesium, boron, copper, zinc, and Vitamin C. To focus in on your question, there are two naturally occurring substances that have estrogen-like effects with major bone-building properties. The first are soy isoflavones which are sometimes considered to be a form of natural HRT. Evidence exists that soy isoflavones are effective bone builders. The second substance is called ipriflavone. This natural substance is chemically related to soy isoflavones and is highly effective in building bones in a safe manner. It is so effective that it has been used as a prescription drug in Europe but is over the counter in the US. My research in bone health has led to my use of all of these substances together to form one dietary supplement called Antiporosis. This is the most natural and complete supplement for bone health. It is more than just calcium but does include 100% of the RDA, in addition to the other substances I mentioned. Every woman over the age of 30 years should consider using many of the bone-building natural substances that I have mentioned. I stress that prevention through nutrition and supplemental support is one of the best things that a woman can do to prevent problems in later life. Dearest: Antiporosis includes 1,000 milligrams of absorbable calcium from egg shells and coral calcium together (plus vitamins C, K, B6, B12, folic acid and D3 and other ingredients). There are various types of calcium supplements, from calcium citrate and carbonate to coral and egg shell calcium. Is one form of calcium better than the others to prevent or minimize the further development of osteoporosis? Stephen Holt, M.D.: This question is important and I shall try to keep the answer short, but for the answer to be complete it is very long. Calcium is calcium is calcium. In other words, getting calcium into the body is a good thing regardless of the source. Some forms of calcium are better absorbed than others but calcium absorption is affected by many factors, particularly the taking of Vitamin D. I am going to reiterate that calcium is a star player in bone health, but it is not the whole story. I believe that all forms of calcium that are well tolerated are good. My own favorites are eggshell calcium and coral calcium because they are more than just calcium, they are holistic mineral supplements. Dearest: There is additional information about Dr. Holt's formulations at Natures Benefit Stephen Holt, M.D.: Better absorbed forms of calcium such as calcium citrate have no real advantages. Rather than just concerning ourselves with how much calcium is absorbed, we need to look at the clinical outcome. Eggshell calcium, for example, in the form of "Natures Calcium", a product that I developed, is supported by strong science that has shown improvement in bone density in both humans and animals. Eggshell calcium has a very good nutrient profile with 17 trace elements besides the calcium. It is the cleanest type of calcium known to man. By clean I mean no heavy metal contaminants. DebbieSchmitz: I am having ALOT of upper gas lately with pressure in my chest, but once I burp several times, the pressure goes away and I am wondering if that is a part of menopause or could it be from using soy. I'm 44. Stephen Holt, M.D.: I shall make the most likely virtual diagnosis on the Internet but I could be wrong. I am talking to you about the by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.