Osteoporosis

Dairy products, despite popular opinion, are not the answer to osteoporosis. In the Western world we consume the highest volumes of dairy products in the world, and have the highest blood calcium levels, but the lowest bone calcium levels. The high level of protein in milk causes calcium to be actually drawn out of the bones. This is the body’s attempt to neutralize the acidity caused by high consumption of animal products.

The milk fats are likely to bring with them all manner of hormones, antibiotics, toxins, pesticides and herbicides. Organic milk, which may be free of these problems, still creates acidity and causes a problem with human digestion.

High levels of fat and protein prevent absorption of zinc and calcium; depresses magnesium and potassium levels.

Osteoporosis is caused, not simply by low calcium, but by low magnesium and poor Vitamin D, toxins like steroids and excessive caffeine and sodium. Without magnesium you cannot absorb calcium into your cellular tissues or bones. Magnesium is needed for Vitamin D synthesis. Low Vitamin D levels mean low calcium absorption.

 

Foods high in both potassium and magnesium: lentils, chickpeas, peas, dried beans, nuts, brown rice, bananas, apples, green leafy vegetables, buckwheat and millet.

Best Vitamin D sources: mercury-free fish oil, sunshine

 

Magnesium levels lowered by: refined foods, stress, tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar, high carbohydrate and fat diets which are nutritionally empty.

 

Calcium levels are lowered by: soft drinks, tea and coffee, sugar, dairy products, refined foods, smoking, some medications such as steroids.

 

Other factors to consider for healthy bones:

• Weight bearing exercise – walking, climbing stairs, digging, aerobic exercises using weights
• Supplementation with a balance of minerals and vitamins. Those that are essential for the absorption of calcium are zinc, molybdenum, manganese, potassium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C.

 

References:

Woollams, C. The Tree of Life

Dingle, P, The DEAL