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Caffeine's Role in Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Sep 8 1:57pm | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
IMPORTANT: I'd be VERY careful in consuming comfrey. Comfrey contains alkaloids that can cause liver damage and death. Even used topically, you need to be extremely careful and it should not be used on puncture, deep or infected wounds as it will speed external healing, potentially trapping pathogens and/or infections internally. Please be careful about what you incorporate into your diet from non-vetted sources on the internet.
Although caffeine can cause some minor calcium loss, I think the loss is easily offset unless of course you are consuming massive amounts of coffee throughout the day. One or two cups in the morning is likely fine and the health benefits of coffee are well documented so it's not something I would personally eliminate.
If you are looking to substitute tea for some of your coffee, one of the best options is nettles tea which is rich in minerals including calcium. It doesn't taste very good but you can combine it with peppermint, also quite mineral rich, which improves the taste. You can also include other herbs to make a nutritious blend by adding any of the following: sage, red clover, tulsi (holy basil), plantain, gotu kola. Rotation is always recommended. Periodically adding in a pinch of horsetail will provide silicon which is great for the bones but horsetail is not recommended for daily use as it can decrease thiamine absorption so only use occasionally if you decide to incorporate.
Replies to "IMPORTANT: I'd be VERY careful in consuming comfrey. Comfrey contains alkaloids that can cause liver damage..."
I disagree with you re comfrey. It is referred to as 'knitbone' and has the ability to stimulate cell growth in bone tissue and in ligaments. Naturopathic doctor, Barbara O'Neil touts the huge benefits to bones with comfrey tea. She speaks about osteoporosis and its origins in the following video:
@teb , @madhub140 , @beanieone
I was reading teb's comments about the dangers of comfrey. And madhub's response.
Teb says there are dangers and madhub says someone is touting it on the internet.
Personally, I believe this would be a good question for a pharmacist and doctor. Whenever I'm not sure about a drug or other substance I call our local pharmacist and they have been wonderful at giving me information on drugs and other products. Just a thought.
I found a link from Mount Sinai, what I believe to be a reliable source, that addresses this (scroll down to the "Precautions" and "Possible Interactions" sections.) https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/comfrey#:~:text=Comfrey%20has%20toxic%20substances%20that,only%20under%20a%20doctor's%20supervision.
Here's what it has to say:
Precautions
Comfrey has toxic substances that can cause severe liver damage and even death. You should never take comfrey by mouth.
The toxic substances in comfrey can be absorbed by the skin. Even creams and ointments should be used for only a short time, and only under a doctor's supervision.
DO NOT use comfrey on open wounds or broken skin.
DO NOT use comfrey if you have liver disease, alcoholism, or cancer.
Children, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use comfrey products, even ones for the skin.
Possible Interactions
Since comfrey may increase the risk of liver damage, it should not be used with other medications that may also affect the liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you take any medications, whether prescription or over the counter, ask your doctor before using comfrey.
You should not use some herbs that have also been known to cause liver problems, such as kava, skullcap, and valerian, while using comfrey ointments or creams.
ps - at the end of the article they site supporting research
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Yikes! Thanks for providing this valuable info @teb. I’ve never been one to drink much herbal or non-caffeinated tea, however, I need to give my bones every chance to get me upright and much closer to 100 🙄…. My tea is usually flavored so I can make the “sacrifice” and do two coffees, two teas daily.
Cheers!