Here is yet another example of how the conventional model of one organ/one measurement/one drug treatment completely misses the interconnectedness of the body system – what I call the metabolic matrix. Bones are made of more than calcium. The calcium in bones is laid in a matrix, a lattice-work of proteins, lipids, and other minerals. Now comes research suggesting that bone strength is not the same as bone mineral density, though they are related. To put it another way, not everyone with low bone density is susceptible to fractures and vice versa. The integrity of the bony matrix is just as important. This is why we always try to give calcium in a matrix form called micronized crystalline hydroxyl cal apatite or MCHC. And it’s why we look at hormones, inflammation, heavy metals and other toxins, and a wide array of non-calcium nutrients when faced with possible osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Bones can actually be thought of as an endocrine (hormone) organ, constantly in communication with other endocrine organs. Estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, T3 thyroid, and the brain hormone seratonin are all factors influencing bone health. There’s a lot of overlap between the development of osteoporosis and that of auto-immune disease, chronic infections, cardiovascular illness, diabetes, and even gum disease.

So by all means have bone densities monitored and take a good source of calcium – but also pay attention to the lifestyle interventions that will restore balance among all of your organ systems.

Massage:  Body massage not only feels good, but it can boost immunity, improve sleep, lessen pain, and elevate mood. And remember, it takes energy to keep a muscle in spasm; massage releases that energy to where it’s helpful.

Homeopathy: Used by billions of people around the world, homeopathy relies on the body’s innate ability to heal when given the right energy “message.” It is gentle to the point of being virtually risk-free, and scientific studies demonstrate its effectiveness in a variety of conditions.

Antioxidant nutrients:  All chronic disease – whether it is cancer, heart disease, or auto-immune conditions – involves the oxidation of tissue and its resulting damage. Our tissues protect against this damage by maintaining adequate levels of antioxidant substances like vitamins A, C, and E; the minerals selenium and zinc; and accessory nutrients n-acetyl-cysteine and alpha lipoic acid. Supplementing these nutrients helps combat the ravages of chronic illness.

Movement:  There are almost no conditions in which movement is contra-indicated. Exercise regularly if you are able; if not, then a simple daily walk helps. And if you can’t walk, then seated exercises or even movement in bed has tremendous physiological benefits. Even the simplest movement brings blood and energy to the tissues, oxygenates us, lifts our spirits.

Colorful fruits and vegetables:  Bright colors and tasty flavors result from powerful substances called flavonoids. These substances improve circulation and function of our body tissues. Some, like lycopene from tomatoes, have anti-cancer properties. Others, like hawthorne berry, have been shown to improve heart function. There are hundreds of flavonoids in foods, and these “medicines” are in your salad bowl.

Acupressure:  Acupuncture needles are very slender and rarely painful. However, some people do better with acupressure (also derived from Chinese medicine) which uses finger pressure to move Qi and promote healing. In the hands of a skilled acupressurist or Shiatzu practitioner, this is a safe, non-invasive, and powerful treatment option for problems resulting from chronic illness.

Breathing:  Yes, we all breathe without thinking. But all too often, we fail to breathe deeply and effectively, depriving our bodies of fresh oxygen. Anxiety or pain can limit our chest motion. Trying to breathe slowly, deeply, and fully can increase energy, oxygen, and vitality.

Yoga:  For centuries, yoga has been an integral part of Ayurveda, the native healing system of India. Not all yoga practice involves twisting yourself into knots, like you see in the yoga magazines. Simple yoga postures are doable by nearly everyone, and are in some ways just as effective.

Adaptogenic herbs:  Certain herbs have been studied for their ability to make the body more resilient, and able to handle stress more effectively. These herbs are called adaptogens; commonly-studied ones include eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng), rhodiola, and astragalus. They’re known for their safety, but should always be taken under the advice of a physician.

Welcome others’ support:  Going it alone is never a good way to cope with chronic disease, and can lead to feeling depressed and isolated. In this age of social networking, there are more ways than ever to feel connected, share stories, and get answers. Having the support of others is a powerful antidote to the worst effects of illness, and is associated with increased life expectancy.

While the internet can sometimes paralyze with information overload, it’s great for patients who want to find others like them to break that isolation and compare notes. I’ve already mentioned that I am starting an online community for thyroid concerns called ThyroidBalance (named after a book I wrote several years ago).  Patients Like Me is another wonderful resource for people who have been diagnosed with an illness and want to share stories and read about the latest treatments.

No supplement or fortified food is going to take the place of sunlight. There’s a range of opinion about SPF levels and sufficient protection, and of course so much depends on the fairness of your child’s complection. Your goal should be to achieve a level of adequate protection that allows for safe sun exposure ( The Vitamin D Cure covers this topic pretty well).  And here’s a no-brainer for kids old enough: if they are headed somewhere that’s safe to walk or bike to, don’t climb back in the car. Let them walk or bike in the sunshine, and get a little exercise while they’re at it.

When sunshine is scarce, it’s tough to rely on Vitamin D-rich foods – even fortified ones – to give your child enough Vitamin D. An entire quart of milk only contains 400 units, for example, and the recommended dose for a child is 1000-2000 units per day. (And plenty of kids are lactose-intolerant, which complicates things further.)  And other than fortified breakfast cereals and eggs, most of the Vitamin-D rich foods aren’t necessarily kid-friendly: cod, sardines, shrimp, salmon (even my adult staff are wrinkling their noses).

Luckily, supplements are so much easier and kid-friendly than they used to be; droppers of tasteless liquid Vitamin D can be mixed into food, and 1000 unit caplets are an easy solution for kids old enough to swallow pills. There are even topical creams on the market that are safe for children to use.

The fact is that any long trip, whether it be on a plane or in a car, can dramatically increase your risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT. DVT refers to blood pooling in the veins after prolonged periods of inactivity; it becomes deadly when a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, restricting the flow of oxygenated blood-flow to the heart (known as a pulmonary embolism). There was that sad case some years ago of the war reporter, David Bloom, who died of a pulmonary embolism after spending months of flying with the US troops in cramped quarters. Preexisting conditions like a prior case of phlabitis, or taking certain medications like birth control pills, can increase that risk even more.

Luckily there are several preventive measures you can take to travel safely. First – no medication or supplement takes the place of standing up and stretching your legs every two hours. If you’re packed in the minivan headed to Yellowstone, be the hero, give into the kids’ pleas for a pit-stop, and do a few turns around the ice cream stand. When the in-flight movie is over and you’re reaching for your laptop, put it down and walk the plane aisle for a few minutes instead.

And there are several natural remedies that work to prevent clotting. I have my patients pre-medicate before long trips with 2 each of garlic and Vitamin E, and a fish oil tablet. If they have poor circulation, I will add 2 tablets of Ginkgo. All of these work beautifully as anti-clotting agents.