There is some good news for wine drinkers. If recent research from the University of Oregon is to be believed moderate consumption of wine on a regular basis benefits the bones and this is especially true for aging women who have crossed menopause. Apparently, a glass or two of wine works as well as certain anti-resorptive drugs at keeping the bones strong and from leading to the development of osteoporosis. However, make no mistake it is wine or beer and not any other form of alcohol that drives home the benefit to the thinning bones. Also, caution is to be practiced in terms of the amount of wine that is being consumed. Any more than a glass or two will do damage. Experts from the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research took a look at the study conducted by the…

Reclast is a Novartis drug (chemical name: zoledronic acid or zoledronate) that prevents the release of calcium from bones, thus reducing the rate of bone mass deterioration, especially in post-menopausal women. The chemical is also sold under the brand name Zometa. It is prescribed for men to help increase their bone mass and is especially recommended in persons who will be on any steroid combination for over a year as a part of their osteoporosis management program. (1) Now there is sufficient evidence that Reclast raises the risk for kidney failure in osteoporosis patients especially if they already have kidney impairment or suffer from severe dehydration. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has gone further to warn such patients as those on potentially kidney-damaging medications or diuretics while they are being given Reclast. Though the drug which was approved in…