Gary's new website

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Would rebounding be counter-indicated for someone with an auto-immune disease?

First of all, congratulations and thanks for a very informative web site.
I am a 63 year old female who has been diagnosed with osteopenia (verging on osteoporosis).
I was prescribed Fosamax, and have been on it for 6 ½ years. Recently, I’ve read several articles about the possible side effects of that kind of drug, and the unknown long term effects of taking the drug. I decided to go off the Fosamax, and to try to maintain my bone health with exercise and good nutrition. I read about the benefits (for bones and general health) of doing rebounding exercises, and bought myself a high quality rebounder. I started rebounding (gradually) last October, and got hooked; I just love it!
My concern is this: I may (?) have an auto-immune disease. My RA factor is negative, but my doctor feels that some of the problems I’ve been having with my hands and feet might be auto-immune related. I have recently developed bunions on my feet, and they sometimes get red and inflamed. This started around the same time that I started rebounding. I have not changed my footwear…I always wear good shoes with custom made orthotics.

I’ve read that rebounding flushes the lymphatic system, and then more white blood cells are manufactured, thus boosting your immune system.
My questions to you are as follows:
Since auto-immune diseases are really the immune system attacking the healthy cells in your body, would rebounding be counter-indicated for someone with an auto-immune disease?
Since I normally wear orthotics in all my shoes, should I wear shoes (with my orthotics) when rebounding (as opposed to going barefoot)?

I’m really hoping that I can continue with the rebounding (such a good and fun exercise), but I am concerned about the bunions.
_____________________________________
Gary:
I would have no doubt that excess calcium intake along with the harmful effects of Fosamax is contributing much to your joint problems.

I would not be all that worried about the diagnosis of osteopaenia.  The Dexa Scan discriminates against older women and those of slight build.  So long as you follow bone healthy diet and exercise guidelines, then a diagnosis of osteopaenia is a very poor predictor of fracture risk.  A better predictor is the use of Fosamax and other "bone sparing" drugs.

Vitamins C, B6 A, B3 and B5; zinc, iron, and molybdenum are antagonists of copper in the body.  Tissue mineral analysis studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis frequently show a low tissue copper level.  Chronic cases often show a high iron to copper ratio (one consequence of iron supplementation).  A low copper level relative to zinc is associated with fluid retention and bloating, including frontal headaches that mimic migraines (refer chart below).  This is the driver of Post Menstrual Syndrome.

Excess calcium intake relative to magnesium can cause the driving of the mineral into the soft tissues and not the bones (refer chart left).  This will drive bone loss while causing muscle pain and fatigue and calcification of the joints, starting with the toes.

Lead is a powerful antagonist of calcium, driving calcium out of the bones.  This is a common occurrence in women, and it would appear to be mostly due to the practice of dying grey hair with dyes that unfortunately contain lead (lead sulphate in most cases: PbSO4).  The half life for lead in the body may be from 10-20 years.  The cahrt to the left is of an 89 year old woman who had previously dyed her hair, consequenlty accumulating lead in her bones and brain.

The only way to know for sure about what is going on with the likes of copper, calcium, magnesium, lead, B6 and vitamin C is to get a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis completed and then act on the findings.

I do not like orthotics at all because these do not address the underlying causes of foot pain.  They are akin to crutches.  It is best to be barefoot when rebounding or to wear light and flexible slippers that allow the feet to function as Nature would have them.

Fracture risk is very low when rebounding with the greatest risk being falling off or tripping.  If there is any instability then it is a good measure to fit a balance bar which you can purchase here, along with the best rebounders on the market (Lymphacizer Brand).  having said this, there are documented cases of spontaneous fracture of the femur associated with bisphosphonate use (Fosamax), so take care.

Incidentally, I have been leading the charge here in New Zealand against the terrorising of women with the Dexa Scan and the indiscriminate dishing out of dangerous "bone sparing" drugs that actually do nothing of the sort.  It is my opinion that this will go down as one of the greatest scandals of modern medicine.  There are presently over 900 class actions pending in the USA against Fosamax.  Fosamax is just one of many.

_______________________________________
About this website
The advice in these articles is given freely without promise or obligation.  Its all about giving you and your family the tools and information to take control of your health and fitness.  Please give me your support by subscribing to my free email updates. Please shop at my Online Store. Please encourage your family and friends to do the same. While we may not always be able to compete with the big operators on price, we aim to more than compensate through personal service!



Your email address:




Powered by FeedBlitz
Do you have a question?  Email Gary: gary@myotec.co.nz. Include any relevant background information to your question.  Please be patient and be aware that I may not be able to answer every inquiry in detail, depending on workloads (My paying clients take precedence!). I will either reply by email or, most likely, by way of an article (Personal identifying details will be removed before publication).

No comments: