Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
Hi,Tex. After the DEXA scan which indicated that I have osteoporosis of the spine, by PCP referred me to a Rheumatologist. I met with the PA last week and she recommended a Reclast infusion once a year because of the LC. She ordered blood work which I had this week and I'll see her at the end of the month. I am not willing to have the infusion as I've read how terrible some of the side effects are. I'm not willing to risk bone loss of the jaw or a broken femur out of the blue! I'm sure she won't be happy with me. I've been researching and someone shared that she increased bone density by boiling egg shells (I buy organic eggs) and then baking them and then grinding them to a pulp. What are you thoughts on this? I Googled and there are several sites that mention it. I'm always hesitant to rock the MC boat as I've been doing so well.
You mentioned previously that the DEXA results don't necessarily mean that my bones are brittle, but I just want to do all that I can to build them up now. I had already started to use hand weights and I've walked almost daily for years.
Thanks for your input!
PS The PA told me that the forearm score on the DEXA is often incorrect because it's difficult to measure. Isn't that encouraging?!
Reclast
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Re: Reclast
Hi Marcia,
While DEXA scan's are claimed to be the gold standard for determining bone M,mineral density, and they're usually helpful, they're far from perfect, because they measure bone density, not bone strength. As an engineer, I can tell you that higher strength materials are not always high density materials. Many people with normal bone density suffer fractures, and conversely, many people with "osteoporosis" never have a fracture. Like you, I'm not a fan of the bisphosphonates, because they fool the tests (scans) by appearing to create denser bones, while actually creating more brittle bones. I looked up some of this stuff (especially the eggshell treatment) to make sure I was right, and here are some things to consider:
DEXA scans demonstrate high precision when properly performed, with repeat measurements showing consistent results and low variability. The radiation exposure remains minimal—roughly equivalent to a cross-country flight—making routine monitoring safe. Results are standardized worldwide, enabling consistent interpretation across different healthcare facilities and integration into fracture risk assessment tools like FRAX.
However, DEXA's limitations are substantial and clinically significant. The technology measures only bone mineral density, missing crucial factors like bone microarchitecture, collagen quality, and geometric structure that contribute to overall bone strength. This fundamental limitation explains why approximately 50% of fragility fractures occur in patients with osteopenia rather than osteoporosis by DEXA criteria.
Artifact contamination presents a major reliability challenge, particularly for spinal measurements. Lumbar spine readings can be artificially elevated by osteoarthritis, bone spurs, aortic calcification, or old vertebral fractures—affecting up to 20% of older adults with spuriously high spine BMD values. Hip measurements prove less susceptible to artifacts and often provide more reliable data in elderly patients.
Site-to-site disagreement creates additional diagnostic complexity. Up to 40% of patients show significant differences between hip and spine measurements, with osteoporosis present at one site but not the other. This discordance requires clinicians to interpret results carefully and consider both anatomical sites when making treatment decisions.
Patient-specific factors can also influence accuracy. Very thin, tall, or small-boned individuals may receive falsely low T-scores. Improper positioning or poor scan technique further compounds measurement variability.
DEXA results require interpretation within comprehensive clinical context rather than as standalone diagnostic criteria. Age, prior fractures, medication use (particularly glucocorticoids), family history, and fall risk contribute equally to fracture probability. Some patients with osteopenia fracture while others with osteoporosis never experience fractures, highlighting the multifactorial (complex) nature of bone strength.
Eggshell calcium supplementation represents a scientifically supported natural approach to bone health. Eggshells contain approximately 95% calcium carbonate—identical to many commercial supplements—plus trace elements including strontium, magnesium, and fluoride that may provide additional bone support.
Several small human studies demonstrate the efficacy of eggshell calcium. Japanese and Dutch research involving postmenopausal women showed that eggshell powder calcium combined with vitamin D increased bone mineral density and reduced bone resorption compared to controls. Animal studies confirmed that eggshell calcium improved bone strength and density in rats compared to pure calcium carbonate. Bioavailability research indicates eggshell calcium absorption rates at least equal to, and possibly superior to, purified calcium carbonate when ground into fine powder.
Proper preparation ensures safety and maximizes bioavailability of eggshell calcium. The process begins with collecting shells from organic, pasture-raised eggs when possible to minimize contamination risk. After cracking, shells should be thoroughly rinsed to remove residual egg white or yolk, with inner membrane removal optional.
Sterilization requires boiling shells for 10 minutes to eliminate bacteria such as Salmonella, followed by draining. Drying involves spreading shells on a baking sheet and heating at 200–250°F for 10–15 minutes until completely dry, which provides additional sterilization and makes shells brittle for grinding.
Grinding to a very fine, flour-like powder using a coffee grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle ensures optimal absorption and minimizes digestive irritation. The finer the powder, the better the bioavailability and safety profile.
One teaspoon of finely ground eggshell provides approximately 800–1,000 mg of calcium, meeting a significant portion of daily requirements. Adult calcium needs include 1,000 mg daily for men up to 70 and women up to 50, increasing to 1,200 mg daily for women over 50 and men over 70.
Starting with half a teaspoon daily (400–500 mg calcium) allows gradual introduction, with the powder easily mixed into smoothies, yogurt, or baked goods. Total daily calcium intake from all sources should not exceed 2,000 mg unless medically prescribed, as excess can increase kidney stone and vascular calcification risk.
Eggshell calcium supplementation requires several important safety considerations. Always combine calcium supplementation with vitamin D to optimize absorption. And make sure your magnesium level is adequate in order to minimize the risk of kidney stones. Patients with kidney disease, history of kidney stones, or those taking calcium-sensitive medications should consult healthcare providers before beginning supplementation.
Eggshell calcium should supplement, not replace, evidence-based osteoporosis treatments when medically indicated. Medical osteoporosis management typically requires prescription medications such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, or teriparatide for patients at higher fracture risk. Comprehensive approaches including adequate vitamin D, magnesium supplements, and weight-bearing exercise may be effective for many patients.
When I was a kid, most people fed egg shells to their chickens In order to supply their calcium needs without having to buy commercial feed supplements.
I hope this helps.
Tex
While DEXA scan's are claimed to be the gold standard for determining bone M,mineral density, and they're usually helpful, they're far from perfect, because they measure bone density, not bone strength. As an engineer, I can tell you that higher strength materials are not always high density materials. Many people with normal bone density suffer fractures, and conversely, many people with "osteoporosis" never have a fracture. Like you, I'm not a fan of the bisphosphonates, because they fool the tests (scans) by appearing to create denser bones, while actually creating more brittle bones. I looked up some of this stuff (especially the eggshell treatment) to make sure I was right, and here are some things to consider:
DEXA scans demonstrate high precision when properly performed, with repeat measurements showing consistent results and low variability. The radiation exposure remains minimal—roughly equivalent to a cross-country flight—making routine monitoring safe. Results are standardized worldwide, enabling consistent interpretation across different healthcare facilities and integration into fracture risk assessment tools like FRAX.
However, DEXA's limitations are substantial and clinically significant. The technology measures only bone mineral density, missing crucial factors like bone microarchitecture, collagen quality, and geometric structure that contribute to overall bone strength. This fundamental limitation explains why approximately 50% of fragility fractures occur in patients with osteopenia rather than osteoporosis by DEXA criteria.
Artifact contamination presents a major reliability challenge, particularly for spinal measurements. Lumbar spine readings can be artificially elevated by osteoarthritis, bone spurs, aortic calcification, or old vertebral fractures—affecting up to 20% of older adults with spuriously high spine BMD values. Hip measurements prove less susceptible to artifacts and often provide more reliable data in elderly patients.
Site-to-site disagreement creates additional diagnostic complexity. Up to 40% of patients show significant differences between hip and spine measurements, with osteoporosis present at one site but not the other. This discordance requires clinicians to interpret results carefully and consider both anatomical sites when making treatment decisions.
Patient-specific factors can also influence accuracy. Very thin, tall, or small-boned individuals may receive falsely low T-scores. Improper positioning or poor scan technique further compounds measurement variability.
DEXA results require interpretation within comprehensive clinical context rather than as standalone diagnostic criteria. Age, prior fractures, medication use (particularly glucocorticoids), family history, and fall risk contribute equally to fracture probability. Some patients with osteopenia fracture while others with osteoporosis never experience fractures, highlighting the multifactorial (complex) nature of bone strength.
Eggshell calcium supplementation represents a scientifically supported natural approach to bone health. Eggshells contain approximately 95% calcium carbonate—identical to many commercial supplements—plus trace elements including strontium, magnesium, and fluoride that may provide additional bone support.
Several small human studies demonstrate the efficacy of eggshell calcium. Japanese and Dutch research involving postmenopausal women showed that eggshell powder calcium combined with vitamin D increased bone mineral density and reduced bone resorption compared to controls. Animal studies confirmed that eggshell calcium improved bone strength and density in rats compared to pure calcium carbonate. Bioavailability research indicates eggshell calcium absorption rates at least equal to, and possibly superior to, purified calcium carbonate when ground into fine powder.
Proper preparation ensures safety and maximizes bioavailability of eggshell calcium. The process begins with collecting shells from organic, pasture-raised eggs when possible to minimize contamination risk. After cracking, shells should be thoroughly rinsed to remove residual egg white or yolk, with inner membrane removal optional.
Sterilization requires boiling shells for 10 minutes to eliminate bacteria such as Salmonella, followed by draining. Drying involves spreading shells on a baking sheet and heating at 200–250°F for 10–15 minutes until completely dry, which provides additional sterilization and makes shells brittle for grinding.
Grinding to a very fine, flour-like powder using a coffee grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle ensures optimal absorption and minimizes digestive irritation. The finer the powder, the better the bioavailability and safety profile.
One teaspoon of finely ground eggshell provides approximately 800–1,000 mg of calcium, meeting a significant portion of daily requirements. Adult calcium needs include 1,000 mg daily for men up to 70 and women up to 50, increasing to 1,200 mg daily for women over 50 and men over 70.
Starting with half a teaspoon daily (400–500 mg calcium) allows gradual introduction, with the powder easily mixed into smoothies, yogurt, or baked goods. Total daily calcium intake from all sources should not exceed 2,000 mg unless medically prescribed, as excess can increase kidney stone and vascular calcification risk.
Eggshell calcium supplementation requires several important safety considerations. Always combine calcium supplementation with vitamin D to optimize absorption. And make sure your magnesium level is adequate in order to minimize the risk of kidney stones. Patients with kidney disease, history of kidney stones, or those taking calcium-sensitive medications should consult healthcare providers before beginning supplementation.
Eggshell calcium should supplement, not replace, evidence-based osteoporosis treatments when medically indicated. Medical osteoporosis management typically requires prescription medications such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, or teriparatide for patients at higher fracture risk. Comprehensive approaches including adequate vitamin D, magnesium supplements, and weight-bearing exercise may be effective for many patients.
When I was a kid, most people fed egg shells to their chickens In order to supply their calcium needs without having to buy commercial feed supplements.
I hope this helps.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Re: Reclast
Wow, Tex. Thank you so much! That is very helpful information. You're the best!
Marcia
------------
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style. - M. Angelou
------------
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style. - M. Angelou