The Buzz About Beer And Your Bone Health: My Take
Study toasts beer as being good for your bones
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Beer drinkers now have a good excuse to order another round — the brew may help keep bones strong, a study has found.
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Beer drinkers now have a good excuse to order another round — the brew may help keep bones strong, a study has found.
Researchers from the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of California, have found beer is a rich source of silicon and may help prevent osteoporosis, as dietary silicon is a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density.
These were the findings after researchers tested 100 commercial beers for silicon content and categorized the data according to beer style and source.
Previous research has suggested beer contained silicon but little was known about how silicon levels varied with the different types of beer and malting processes.
“We have examined a wide range of beer styles for their silicon content and have also studied the impact of raw materials and the brewing process on the quantities of silicon that enter wort and beer,” researcher Charles Bamforth said in a statement.
The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found the beers’ silicon content ranged from 6.4 milligrams per liter to 56.5 mg per liter. The average person’s silicon intake each day is between 20 and 50 mgs.
The researchers found there was little change in the silicon content of barley during the malting process as most of the silicon in barley is in the husk, which is not affected greatly during malting.
They found pale ales showed the highest silicon content while non-alcoholic beers, light lagers and wheat beers had the least silicon.
“Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon,” said Bamforth.
“Wheat contains less silicon than barley because it is the husk of the barley that is rich in this element.”
But Bamforth told reporters that the results shouldn’t be taken too serious. The study examined the beers but it did not look at bone mineral density or analyze patients’ data.
“I would first consider flavor and whether you like it or not,” he told science and technology magazine Discover. “Choose the beer you enjoy, for goodness sake.”
Source: Reuters
My Take
It turns out that beer has significant levels of the most bioavailable form of silicon, orthosilicic acid (OSA). And silicon may have a positive effect on connective tissue such as collagen and on growth and mineralization of bone, the latter especially in men and premenopausal women.1
Silicon is involved in bone growth processes by affecting bone collagen turnover and bone matrix proteins such as osteopontin. The latter is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in bone remodeling, wound healing, and certain types of cell-mediated immune responses.2
Have scientists found the pot of gold at the end of the bone-health rainbow? You’ll get the answer when we analyze this study with a fine-toothed comb.
Potential bone health benefits of beer are brewing up a storm
You see, even though dietary intake of silicon has been linked to greater bone mineral density, the devil is in the details: the study that created the “buzz” about beer and bone health doesn’t correlate beer drinking as beneficial to osteoporosis.
Conducted by the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of California, Davis, Bamworth and Casey, the study authors, reveal that the barley husk is the principal contributor to silicon in beer.3 Also, after testing 100 beers for their silicon content, they observed that the pale colored malts retain the highest levels of silicon because they are more impervious to heat stress during the malting process.
Silicon is present in many alkalizing foods
Call me a party pooper, but I must tell you that beer is neither the best nor the only source of bone-friendly silicon. You see, beer is an acidifying drink because it contains alcohol. Granted, beer has lower alcohol levels than wine, vodka, whiskey, and other drinks, but it is still acidic and it can therefore draw calcium from your bones to correct the low pH. But that doesn’t mean that if you care about your bones you can’t enjoy an occasional beer; you can have it in the right balance, as is the case with any acidifying food or drink.
But the really good news is that highly bioavailable silicon is also found in many alkalizing foods such as beets, pumpkin, carrots, onions, cherries, apples, oranges, and raisins.
The highest levels of silicon are in the skin of cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Here’s one of my favorite silicon rich recipes:
Better than Beer Salad
Serves 6
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 6 tomatoes, diced
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 radishes, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon rind
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Black pepper and sea salt to taste
- 12 Kalamata olives for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a large serving bowl and garnish with olives.
Take the bone health benefits of beer with a grain of “hop”
As with any other acidifying food or drink, you can still enjoy a “cold one” making sure that it is in the right acid/alkaline proportion.
Also try to eat some cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes to nourish your bones with the most absorbable source of silicon and other bone-smart nutrients.
Now you know what the “buzz” is all about…
Cheers, and please leave your comments below.
References
1 Jugdaohsingh R, Tucker KL, Qiao N, Cupples LA, Kiel DP, Powell JJ. “Dietary silicon intake is positively associated with bone mineral density in men and premenopausal women of the Framingham Offspring cohort.” Journal of Bone Mineral Research.;19(2):297-307. (2004).
2 Forrest H. Nielsen and Rhonda Poellot. “Dietary Silicon Affects Bone Turnover Differently in Ovariectomized and Sham-Operated Growing Rats”. The Journal of Trace Elements in Experimental Medicine. 17:137–149 (2004).
3 Troy R. Casey and Charles W. Bamforth. “Silicon in Beer and Brewing.”.Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. February 2010.
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August 22, 2010
im always trying to find information on bones, cause i do have osteoarthritis,,,,, always looking for info. what foods to eat, or not to eat, what vitamins or herbs to take . and have been looking for ways to keep my body alkaline.,. but some of the things i need to eat, i have to avoid them cause i have fibromyalgia, too… but thanks for this info….
July 1, 2010
I wouldn’t mind getting the program but I will not give my credit card info on the internet. Is there any other way of paying?
June 11, 2010
Vivian,
I am grateful to have found your information through web search on Osteoporosis. I am soon to be 57, and must say I am terrified.
In a recent Dr. appointment, I have lost one (1) full inch in height since June 25, 2008.
A recent dental appointment has heightened this fear. I have been advised I have bone loss mass of a 72 year old. I broke a tooth on an olive pit, and before the mold could be made for a bridge, I was eating and bit down. When doing so, the only tooth behind it slid behind the back, bottom tooth and literally popped out of its socket.
I stepped down ever so gently and my foot slid off of a two inch rock and broke my big toe.
Suddenly, I am experiencing Neuropothy in my arm and lower back, causing the loss of the use of my legs.
The lack of supplemental insurance, combined with mounting Neurological, Orthopaedic, Dental is soring out of control with a fixed income.
Your information is invaluable to assist me in rebuilding my skeletal structure, and bone mass, rather than drugs.
I am going to save for these books, so that I can have a return in my structural/dental health.
The foods you write of in this article are within my dietary plan. The milk consumption is a surprise to me. When my daughter was born, it was nothing for us to consume five (5) gallons of milk a week.
Thank you again. Lois Lane
May 5, 2010
I would like to save my bones naturaly.
April 26, 2010
Hello Vivian
I am 80yrs young & have made my own beer for over 30 yrs.
Good to hear it is the way to go.
Dulce
April 22, 2010
I agree with you Vivian. The salad sounds very good.I love salads and that will be a good recipe to have. Thanks a lot Vivian!
April 17, 2010
Thank you, Vivian for this entire article:
My son can not go 1 day without beer probably 2 cans minimum. He knows how I feel about alcohol. It wasn’t in my parents house as I grew up. But his father taught him wine often. Even a glass of red wine is rare for me. I’m glad to have this article to send him because he does care to eat wisely, is a terrific cook and enjoys entertaining. Grows his own basil he chops finely to sprinkle on top of the olive oiled fresh from the garden tomatoes.
March 14, 2010
GREAT INFO ON MILK AND BONES.Is wheat bad for bones also ?
June 8, 2012
Whole wheat, robs your bones of calcium.
April 14, 2010
It is for sure bad for Celiacs. and maybe others
March 3, 2010
One of the most frustrating experiences I have encountered in the last few years, is the spraying and waxing of fruit and vegetables. The healthiest part of an apple or a cucumer must be peeled away. Even organic food has some spraying done.
Ev
February 28, 2010
Vivian, thank you so very much for all the informative articles you have researched, published and shared with us, esp for me, a bone density worrier, who have family history of osteoporosis and arthritis. I have been a health freak watching everything I ate and supplements I took but have overlooked that too much acid intake may caused bone less. My last bone density test last year resulted to 39 which is on normal level but my primary dr. still prescribed fosamax once a week which I did not take, but instead keep up with my religious intake of vit d 2000 daily with calcium 1200 daily in divided dosage each day. In the past I love drinking 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with a cup of water 2 or 3x a day, maybe the reason why my bone density scan was low, and also resulted to so much bloating, cramping and gas esp after a meal. But since I started taking apple cider vinegar with 1/4 tsp baking soda and a cup of water, all the bloatings, cramping and gas were gone, once a day only, but have included only a tsp of honey for great taste. Does honey and apple cider vinegar helps with good bone density. I have experienced with 1/4 tsp or a pinch of baking soda dissolved in half tsp apple cider in quarter cup water, a fast relief for bloating/cramping. I am not a beer drinker but I like your salad recipe. I always try with what I have like cucumber with a tbsp apple cider vinegar and black pepper. Thank you for all your help and concern, and thanks to everyone who have informative comments regarding bone inssues.
February 27, 2010
Thank You so much Vivian to keep on checking on information for us with bone trouble and thank You very for the salad receipe it sounds delicious I am a salad lover Keep up the good work and may God bless You..You have my vote anytime..when I have no message from for a while I feel like theres something missing in my life as I depend a lot on all the info….
April 14, 2010
Gaspacho soup is great too. Has almost everything in the salad.
February 26, 2010
Hi Vivian ,I thought I responded to the beer alert, although I don’t drink at all, I shall stick with the suggested vegetables. Your salad looks tempting, I shall need to add tuna or chicken to it. I really enjoy all your healthy tips for maintaining our bones, keep them coming.Janet Talley
February 24, 2010
Thank you, Vivian, for your continued sharing of very important information for our bone health.
Veronica
February 22, 2010
I do plan on the natural way of bringing my bone density up, I have researched and will take supplements but not medication. Thanks for the information.
February 21, 2010
Vivian,
I apprecieate you for taking your time to research the beer issue. I have never tasted it and therefore have never had to worry about its effects on my body. I appreciate your information on which vegetables to eat to get the silicon that I need. I do wonder how much of these vegetables I have to eat in a day to get the right amount of silicon? If you could send an answer I would very much appreciate it!
Thank You!
Junette Argyle
February 20, 2010
What about tofu and soy
February 19, 2010
I really like like the point about beer’s acidity drawing calcium from the bones.
This is a great lesson about this kind of research that supports a particular industry, especially in the foods/beverages. In this case, Professor Bamforth and his colleagues are somewhat biased because they are brewers; they start with “Beer is good. Now let’s find out why…” Not particularly impartial research. Consumer of information beware.
But I’ll still continue loving beer
February 19, 2010
Vivian:
Thanks for the informative article and debates to hop to.
The “Devil is in…” I don’t like the taste of beer period. I don’t care who you are…, upon your first official drink of beer…you have to gulp it down to wash the horrible taste down. You really have to acquire a taste for beer. Secondly, I don’t like the effects that the poor kidneys and liver have to go through just to break this stuff down in your body. For one glass of wine or beer alone try about 12-14 hours. Not to mention that it is a physical depressant to motor functions/reactions. Thirdly, I prefer to have sharpen brain cell functioning instead of dull or delayed.
Hats off to you for informing me as a student to your bone classes. Kim Mack
February 18, 2010
Vivian,
Thank you for doing the reserach I do not have the time to do. You are absolutely the best source of info regarding osteoporosis and debunking a lot of hype regarding its cure. Kudos to you!
Jody
February 18, 2010
Dear Virginia!
Thanks for the info about beer. I am not a beer drinker, don’t like the taste of the stuff so I think I will stick to veggies. Any kind of veggies. I am a salad freak so hopefully that will help my bones to stay strong. Thanks again
Viola
February 18, 2010
Vivian, thanks for the beer comments. Have hypertension so can’t drink alcohol. If I could and you said drink it, I would. Feel like your book is gospel for me. Am following your suggestions in the back of your book for food. I have osteopenia. Love all your comments.
February 18, 2010
I do have osteoporosis in my lower spine. I have your book and am trying to follow the diet. I just came across Truvia, nature’s
sweetner. Should I be using the product.
Thank you
February 17, 2010
That salad sounds like an odd combination but I will try it.
Is there a test that can measure a person’s ph?
My sister-in-law says there is an ex-pharmacist turned naturalist in our area that makes a ph elixir to balance one’s ph. Is this possible?
February 17, 2010
I don’t drink beer as I see any form of alcohol as empty calories and a waste of money that I could be spending on healthy food.
Thank you for the heads-up on beer research (what will they think of next?!). Please keep up your work, Vivian. It is interesting and helpful, as well, to read all of the comments.
Thank you to everyone,
Andrea
February 17, 2010
Thanks again Vivian for all the good work you do to help people build strong bones. It is real epidemic with women. I also enjoy reading the comments other people add. We can learn so much. I have been taking Strontium for over a year as well and have been taking Silicea. I have a hard time keeping the 80 -20 for meals. I still eat too much acidic foods. I hadn’t heard about the buzz on beer. Carole
February 17, 2010
Love it!!! Keep the research coming!!! Thanks so much.
February 16, 2010
Thanks for sharing your information. You can always use an article like that to justify drinking something that is not healthy for mind, body, or spirit. What about alcohol damaging brain cells? Let’s see, do I want to eat those foods you mentioned or drink beer and damage my brain cells, liver, etc.? NOT
February 16, 2010
Hello Vivian
I have been making my own beer for 34yrs.Of course I drink beer but I also have a salad every day.
Nothing has changed for my aged body so all this leads to nowhere.
Dulce
February 16, 2010
Vivianne,
It helps to have you give updates as my patients always have questions and I don’t have the time to review everything out there. Have you looked at the Blood Type Diet by Dr. D’Adamo? I have found it extreemly useful with the patients who have diabetes and find he recommends acidic vs alkaline foods based on blood type which is really useful for bone management.
Thanks for your work!
February 16, 2010
Thank you Vivien for your wise and helpful comments about the beer. I don’t particularly like beer and would rather eat the salad you suggest.
I love receiving your emails and always take them to heart and act on them.
Very best wishes and thanks June
February 15, 2010
Doesn’t anyone drink beer? There is nothing better after a round of golf with good friends. Eat healthy food, enjoy beer and wine in moderation and above all – have fun.
February 15, 2010
Notice how the very article on beer said iteslf, “The study examined the beers but it did not look at bone mineral density or analyze patients’ data.” Just that is all the proof I need that this beer buzz is not valid medical research and advice. Granted, I am not a beer drinker nor any other liquor. About red wine and any other pro-liquor-good-health hoopla: I have done enough research on health and nutrition to know that you actually get the same health benefits, if not better, from fruit and vegetable juices as you do from wines.
Joel M. Wilson
February 15, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I am celiac who has a terriblel time gaining weight. I had recently seen a gluten free beer and wondered if 2 beers a week would help me gain a few pounds. I don’t drink at all so I’ll stick to your advice about the salad and other alkalyzing foods.
February 15, 2010
Thanks for the info. Since I am a celiac, no beer for me so I am not missing much. I enjoy fresh vegetable salad any time over beer.
Keep up the good work.
February 15, 2010
THANKS vIVIAN FOR THE INFO. i LIKE MALTE, NON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE. BARLEY IS A GOOD SOURCE OF IRON I WAS TOLD. MAYBE ONCE IN A WHILE I CAN SOCIALZE BY DRINKING A BEER.
February 15, 2010
Dear Vivian
I recently wrote you about my large dosage of vitamin D (50,000 UI once per week) because of an extremely low level of this vitamin (19). Normal level is 30-100 with 40-50 being okay.
I enjoyed your article regarding Vitamin K2. I have just mail ordered from a company called New Vitality a product called Strontium Bone Matrix which has 300 mg of “Strontium Citrate and 45 micrograms of K2. Please tell me a little more about this “Strontium Citrate.” Thanks, Marie Monet
March 16, 2010
“I am increasingly recommending a product called Strontium Support (AOR) for all my osteoporotic patients. Since I’ve started using strontium in my practice, I routinely see five to 10% improvements in bone density after a year without any of the usual drugs prescribed for osteoporosis. It should be taken at least three hours away from any calcium supplements.”
http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/may09_pg32feat
February 23, 2010
Many people have benefited from strontium citrate. But a few healthcare professionals do not support strontium citrate.
In my opinion, not necessary for osteopenia or minor case of osteoporosis.
Just make sure you take strontium citrate away from calcium i.e. don’t take them together.
February 15, 2010
Hi Vivian:
Thanks again for keeping us all knowledgeable and for that wonderful recipe which I will be making real soon. I, also, am not a beer drinker. I do use a lot of barley in homemade soup. Is this good? I was told a while back not to ever use anything with Strontium. Take care, stay well and safe and keep the emails coming.
February 15, 2010
I missed the beer advice that’s all the rage. It would be the last thing I would consider to drink for bone health regardless of any findings.
I hope too many aren’t planning on following it thinking it will save their bones. The salad advice is excellent and more believable.
July 27, 2012
I will have to get my hands on it. A Rickards porter would be ietnresting. I think that, for a macro, even their poor stuff is good-ish. It’s drinkable at least. It’s, like Sleemans, a good introduction to better beers for a newb, and at least a passable drink for those with more refined palettes. I didn’t mind the honey brown. But if the dark is better, then it’s worth it. The white is nice.
February 15, 2010
Hey Vivian,
Thankyou for yr imfo,have too confess i do not drink beer,i can not have sugar or alcohol,due too another heath condition,have a great day.
Steve
February 15, 2010
I don’t drink beer at all ,i like the salad racipy i will do it verry soon . Thabk you for your kindeness.
maria .
February 14, 2010
My mother had a very severe case of osteoporosis. She was also a heavy beer drinker. It does not appear that beer helped her in any way.
February 14, 2010
the salad sounds great, beer is nasty.Satan is doing his best to fool us. But, we have a choice to do what is best for are bodies. thanks for all the good advise. Eve
February 14, 2010
Hi Vivian, I purchased your book to find some more helpful things for my bones. I was always eating healthy and most of the time very similar to what is in your book but this did not help my bones. I am slim 5″ caucasian and my density test is not so good. I started the fosomax but because of my dental problem I stop taking it after 15 months. To tell you the truth I expected more from your book. I am surprised that you put prunes in the acidifying group. Prunes have calcium, potasium and also phosphorus, but there is more potasium than phosphorus in the prunes. Prunes are very good and many studies were done to prove that prunes are good for the bones. One of the studies were condacted for 3 months were women were eating 12 prunes a day and their bone density improved. In your book you are telling women to eat them in moderation. Why? I like them and they are part of my diet. I like some of your recipes but I am not using butter,margarine, sour cream or white flour which you are using in your recipes. These ingrediens are not a very healthy choice.
But thank you, you gave me something to think about and study further.
Regards, Lusia
February 23, 2010
I won’t eat prunes nor raisins. Even if they help my bones they probably rot my teeth first.
February 14, 2010
I’m anxious to make the salad. It sounds delicious. Would much rather eat that than drink beer!
February 14, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I rarely have beer, but it’s good to know which colors have the most silicon. Usually, it’s
horsetail that you find in supplements for silicon, how available that is, is in question.
You give very sound advice, & I would caution
all readers that beer can be addictive for some
people!
Harry
February 14, 2010
Thank you Vivian especially for the great salad
receipe!
Selma
February 14, 2010
Do not have the Reclast infusion. Like any drug/meds there are side effects…some very dangerous. This IV solution stays within you for a year. If there are serious side effects you are suffering with them for a year. No like with pills, where you can just stop taking them. Be careful & don’t do it. A friend of mine had this done about 4 months ago…biggest mistake she ever made. Fo;;ow Vivian’s program as best as you can.
God Bless & Good Luck.
February 14, 2010
Vivian, thanks for the salad recipe. I love salads and can’t wait to try this one. I learn something everything I receive your e-mails. Can’t wait to see if there is a new when I bring up my computer after work each day. Thanks again for the information about ost.
Chloa
February 14, 2010
One more careful analysis of the facts much appreciated. Although not a consumer of alcohol, I’ll enjoy using the recipe.
February 14, 2010
I enjoyednthe article and have never been a beer drinker. since following an alkaline diet I have really learned to like peppers and find them economical. We also grew great ones this past summer and were able to freeze some to use in cooking.