Q: I am 50 years old and have been taking actonel once a day for three years now because of mild osteoporosis. I get awful pain from degenerating discs in my lower back. The real bad pains come now and then and sometimes are unbearable. I also can’t sit for long periods of time. I wonder if SAMe would help me and if I can take it because I take actonel. I also wonder if any supplements would help me. I do take calcium with vitamin d daily. I do eat a very nutritious diet and have fruits and vegetables every day. I do a set of back exercises every day which are taken from a doctor’s video I have on back problems. Any advice you may have for me would be appreciated.

A: I am so sorry to hear about your back pain. Reports have proven that SAMe is effective for joint pain and arthritis. Also, as a building block of our feel good hormones, it may also help to fight the depression that is often associated with chronic pain. In addition to the SAMe you have inquired about, there are a many other options for you to consider:

1. Eat a highly anti-inflammatory diet. This means avoiding peanuts, red meats, full-fat dairy products, bad fats found in muffins, pastries, chips, deep fried foods, vegetable oils, cottonseed oil and margarines.
2. Consume only healthy fats such as olive oil, canola, avocado, walnuts, seeds, fish oils and omega-3 eggs. Eat plenty of vegetables and have at least three fruits per day. Choose only whole grains and stay away from processed foods – dark rye, kamut, pumpernickel, quoina, barley and oats are your best choices.
3. Keep moving! Exercise is essential for easing the symptoms associated with arthritis. I would consult a professional to find the best workout for you.
4. Natural anti-inflammatory support – I would highly recommend that you research MSM – high doses are very effective for joint pain. Hyaluronic acid, glucosamine sulphate, zinc and vitamin C are important for the production of collagen in tendons, joints, discs and other bodily tissues.
5. Turmeric and bromelain taken on an empty stomach are also beneficial natural anti-inflammatory products.
6. I would also highly recommend acupuncture for your back pain. It will help to improve circulation to the problem areas and has been proven to encourage the release of endorphins, our natural pain-fighting hormones. Osteopathy is also an excellent healing therapy and one of my favourites to relieve aches and pains. You can call 416.579.9105 to book an initial appt with Rishi Angras – a specialist in muscle, joint and neurological conditions.

• With respect to your osteoporosis, be sure to consume at least 1,500 mg of calcium (preferably in the citrate form for best absorption) and 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. Magnesium (600 to 700 mg) should also be taken daily and another mineral, boron (3 mg per day), is also beneficial for building bone density.

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