Many people are surprised to discover that dairy products – especially cow’s milk – are not emphasized on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. After all, most doctors tell osteoporosis patients to “drink plenty of milk” for the health of their bones.
But as Savers know full well, cow’s milk is not good for bones, and today we’re going to explore three little-known reasons why.
Let’s start by recapping the better-known reasons why milk is bad for your bones.
Milk Does NOT Do A Body Good
You’re probably familiar with the dairy industry’s campaign slogan of the past: “Milk: it does a body good.” This may be true for calves, but for humans, cow’s milk is bad news.
For one thing, milk has an acidifying effect on the body since the animal protein in milk promotes calcium loss via the urine. In addition, milk is high in phosphorus, which binds to calcium and prevents its proper absorption.
Hormones are also present in milk, even if the cows are not injected or fed hormones. That’s because hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, insulin, androstenedione, and insulin-like growth factor are required for the growth of a healthy calf. So these and other hormones are naturally present in cow’s milk, and they can cause imbalances in the human body.
Milk Increases Fracture Risk
Researchers believe that galactose and lactose, two sugars found in abundance in cow’s milk, are partly responsible for the connection between milk consumption and increased fracture risk.1 These sugars are highly inflammatory, contributing to oxidative stress and accelerated aging of bones.
What About Raw Milk?
While raw milk is slightly less acidifying than processed milk, it’s still an acidifying animal protein that’s full of calf-growing hormones and, in its whole state, a great deal of saturated fat (one cup has about the same amount of saturated fat as 4 ½ strips of bacon). All animal milk contains casein, too, a protein that acts as an allergen in some people (more on that below).
Now let’s look at what the latest research reveals about milk’s deleterious effects on the body.
1. Milk Destroys The Health Benefits Of Tea
Taking your morning “cuppa” with milk is a common practice in many parts of the world. Savers know that black tea is acidifying and a source of ingested fluoride; but I’m sure you’re also well aware that black tea has various health benefits (such as improved cardiovascular health and antioxidants) that make moderate consumption a healthful choice.
But science shows that cow’s milk can undermine these very benefits.
A European study looked closely at the cardiovascular benefits of tea and how the addition of milk affected those benefits. Participants were given plain boiled water, freshly brewed black tea, or brewed black tea with the addition of skim milk. The plain black tea group experienced improved FMD (flow-mediated dilation), but the same effects were not observed in the tea-with-milk group2.
Scientists followed up with rat studies and observed the same phenomenon:
“Milk counteracts the favourable health effects of tea on vascular function.”2
But that’s not all. A 2013 study took a look at milk’s effect on green tea, a beverage known for its high antioxidant content. The study shows that the protein in milk “reduces the bioavailability of galloylated catechins” present in green tea.3
Galloylated catechins are powerful antioxidants found in green tea that stimulate osteoblast production. So if you’re drinking green tea with milk, you’re missing out on one of the primary health benefits of this popular beverage.
In light of this research, we can’t help but wonder about how milk acts in the body with regard to antioxidants. Does it bind to them and reduce their effectiveness as it does in tea? It’s worth considering that milk may in fact undermine bone-healthy antioxidants in the body, too. After all, as I mentioned above, milk has an inflammatory effect and increases oxidative stress.
2. Milk Prohibits The Absorption Of Magnesium
Often overlooked in the fight against osteoporosis, magnesium is a crucial mineral for a myriad of body systems, including the skeletal system. If you are among the 60% of people who are lactose intolerant, then you know about the digestive disturbances that can result from milk consumption. Among the chief symptoms of lactose intolerance is diarrhea, which makes it very difficult to absorb nutrients from the intestine.
In addition, milk has an imbalance of nutrients including excessive phosphorus. Animal studies have shown that:
“Increases in dietary phosphorus have been reported to precipitate or aggravate magnesium deficiency in several species.”4
Excessive phosphorus prohibits the healthful action of magnesium in the body, in other words. And this is from a study done back in 1965! Clearly, this information has been available for some time, yet the Establishment continues to ignore these findings.
3. Milk Is One Of The Top Allergens
Not to be confused with lactose intolerance, a milk allergy results when the body reacts to casein, a protein found in milk. Such allergies can be miserable and even life-threatening.
When it comes to food allergies, milk tops the list of the “Big-8”: milk, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Milk allergies are especially prominent among infants and children. Because the allergy is to the protein, substituting cow’s milk for goat or sheep milk does not typically help (these animals have casein in their milk also).
An allergy is an over-reactive immune response to a substance that the body determines is harmful. Allergens are not pathogens; they are substances that do not typically cause harm. But for some, these substances – such as casein – can cause dramatic and unpleasant symptoms.
Why do some people react and others don’t? The answer may lie in part with the liver’s health.
The Connection Between Allergies And Liver Health
Just about every substance you ingest or inhale or otherwise take in to your body passes through the liver. One of its primary jobs is to filter out toxins and foreign substances, but if the liver is overwhelmed, questionable substances are allowed to enter the bloodstream.
The body then “flags” the substance and produces antibodies against it. A healthy liver, however, can filter out toxic substances and allergens (even those that are flagged), thereby reducing the allergic response.
Allergic reactions are just one of many signs of a dysfunctional liver. Abdominal bloating, inability to lose weight, digestive problems caused by fatty foods, and other health concerns all point to a sluggish, over-taxed liver.
Cleansing Boosts Liver Health
Knowing this, it makes a whole lot of sense to give your liver a periodic rest. Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse: The 7 Day Bone Building Accelerator, shows you how to nourish your liver with specific foods and drinks, giving your liver a much-needed break from the constant bombardment of toxins. An efficient liver is essential for your bones to renew and rejuvenate.
Accelerated Bone Remodeling In Just 7 Days!
Discover how the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse can flush osteoporosis drugs and other bone-damaging toxins from your system – in just seven days.
Whether you want to cleanse your system of osteoporosis drugs or would like to give a healthy and rejuvenating boost to your liver, the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse will do the trick. A “clean” system and alkaline body environment set the stage for bones to build and flourish. You’ll feel younger and more energetic, too!
I like to encourage the conversation among our readers. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences about drinking milk, liver health, and anything else that caught your eye in today’s post.
Till next time,
References:
1 “Three glasses of milk a day can lead to early death, warn scientists.” The Telegraph. 19 November 2014. Web. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/11193329/Three-glasses-of-milk-a-day-can-lead-to-early-death-warn-scientists.html
2 Lorenz, M., et al. “Addition of milk prevents vascular protective effects of tea.” European Heart Journal. January 2007. 28(2): 219-23. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17213230
3 Egert, S., et al. “Simultaneous ingestion nof dietary proteins reduces the bioavailability of galloylated catechins from green tea in humans.” European Journal of Nutrition. February 2013. 52(1):281-8. Doi: 10.1007/s00394-012-0330-8. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22366739
4 Bunce, G.E., et al. “Dietary Phosphorus and Magnesium Deficiency in the Rat.” U.S. Army Medical Research and Nutrition Laboratory, Fitzsimons General Hospital, Denver, Colorado. The Journal of Nutrition.1965. https://jn.nutrition.org/content/86/4/406.full.pdf
Comments on this article are closed.
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Vivian, I read that lactose free milk was not acidifying and therefore OK to drink. Also why is yoghurt and kefir non acidifying
Thank you so much for all your information, I am waiting for results for second DEXA scan and hope to see my osteopenia and bone density have improved -
Vivian,
I know (at least cows’) milk can mute the benefits of ingesting antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. Would the same apply to (cows’) milk yogurt? -
I have known babies who were given whole milk prescribed by a pediatrician.The fat in WM is necessary for development. Yet I have never heard of babies with osteopenia or osteoporosis. If milk is so bad for our bones, I don’t understand why babies bones are not affected.
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This pediatrician was not following AAP guidelines. Babies under 1 year should drink human milk (“breastmilk”) or formula only.
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Hi Vivian, plain Greek yogurt, not organic, with granola, is that okay?
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Following a dexa scan result of -2.9 in my spine and -1.5 in my hips the doc wanted to prescribe drugs which I refused. Currently on bone support supplement, alkalising diet, Pilates, gym and trying lactofferin. Hoping someone can help me with a question. Is lactofferin as good or better than raw goats milk kefir.? I tried that but as I am into.erant to cows milk, not sure goats milk a lot better. Also what dosage of lactofferin I should be on for bone building. Thank you.
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I’m a little confused. I read in your book, “Save Our Bones” that green tea is not good for our bones. But in this article it’s kind of indicating
We should drink green tea for its
antioxidant benefits. So should we drink green tea or just stick herbal tea? -
Now I know why my body can’t tolerate casein. I knew I couldn’t have any milk product but I tried some soy-based cheese and it had casein in it, thinking that would be ok. But it surely was not!
Thank you for bravely publishing on this controversial subject. I champion you! Hurray for Almond beverages and Calcium supplements!
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I eat plain organic goat’s yoghourt regularly with breakfast (oat-porridge, flax and fruit); and also with a rice-coconut ‘milk’. It sounds from several replies that this kind of yoghourt is not harmful. Is it OK to continue with this? And: what about the rice-coconut substitute? I have not seen this mentioned. I very much enjoy this breakfast. Do hope I can continue. I am 84 and have some osteopenia but not over the osteoporosis line. (I do not take bisphosphenates). I do exercise daily and have not had any fractures.
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I love reading your articles, they are informative and interesting. Fortunately for me, I am able to tolerate milk and drink a fair amount, as well as small amounts of soya milk and evaporated milk. But there are other sources of calcium, almonds, oats, quinoa, tofu and fruits and vegetables, and nuts of all varieties are good for magnesium, as is cocoa, dark chocolate and dried fruit. I eat all of these and seem to be keeping my osteoporosis under control. I exercise every day, and try a lot of the exercise you advise. So far I have not had any fractures and don’t suffer at all with pain. In fact I didn’t even know I have osteoporosis, until I was DEXA scanned. Apparently the osteoporosis was exacerbated by 3 years of steroid therapy. Prednisilone was an essential part of my treatment plan and gave me my life back. For the past 3 years I’ve been off the steroids and on steroid sparers. It is important for me to keep on top of my various conditions. Thanks again, Vivien, for your excellent advice.
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Does this apply to kids???? I would think they need it for the calcium fat, and vitamin D. If so, what would the alternate be?
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Yes. Vitamin D is in sunlight (or supplements if you live in an area that is like Alaska with the 6 months dark/6 months light stuff) and calcium is in tons of veggies like spinach!
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My nutritionist told me to avoid dairy due to the acidifying effects on the body, which was later confirmed by Vivian when I joined Save Our Bones. Occasionally I have a cafe latte or a cappucino instead of my herbal teas and sometimes afterwards I experienced catarrh in my throat. When I drank a lot of milk previously that was a problem I used to experience. Now I have unsweetened coconut or almond milk.
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Dear Vivian,
Thank you very much for the help they provide.
I was diagnosed with mild osteopenia three years ago and never take any vitamin , I’m 57 years old and finished menstruating 8 years, now they have joint pain and back occasionally spasms are terrible with increasing frequency and dawn with the neck and spine as a very painful prevents me from moving easily ,
without Dr. he prescribed vitamins.
You recommended me .
Very thankfull
blessings -
I disagree with this article completely. These findings are absolutely not true. Keep drinking your milk.
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It’s a matter of choice I read these articles and confirmed also from other research and milk is not worthy my mouth,
Okal -
i read years ago how bad milk is for us. This info isn’t new. What I read was totally disgusting. Cow utter disease because the poor cows are kept on milking machines. That information alone got me started on buying organic milk….for my husband. I stopped drinking it.
If I want milk, I buy organic almond milk that is not fortified with unnatural oxide calcium that could clog our arteries.
If the bovines aren’t being grass fed with plenty of sunshine, their milk can cause us more problems then we would want to deal with. Just the thought of cow utter disease and what kind of drugs they use to heal it, and the thought of those cows never off those machines…it’s just disgusting.
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Does anybody know about how good or bad for bones a cottage cheese? And what about a regular cheese? Thank you for any answer!
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Cottage cheese & other regular cheeses are made from cow’s milk and ,therefore, are NOT good for bone health.
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People need to know that casein is a cancer-promoter as proven by nutritional-giant, T. Colin Campbell. Everyone owes it to themselves to read “The China Study” which illustrates clearly the on-off effects of casein. In other words, when casein is withdrawn, cancer growth not only stops, it recedes. The best way to increase bone density is to eat lots of leafy greens, no animal protein, and run. It’s been proven that the impact from running stimulates osteoblasts.
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How does goat’s milk compare to cow’s milk? Is it just as bad for you?
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Vivian,
What information do you have on Prolia, my friend has had one dose so far but has had 3 compression fractures, 2 in spine and one in her pelvis, she is due for her second treatment in Aug. and needs help with her decision.
I enjoy your program!
Jean -
I had a ten percent increase of bone density while having two cups of milk a day. Then I used almond milk that I made myself with soaked almonds. I lost almost all that I had gained. Perhaps other factors were involved?
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I HATE milk ! I have been allergic to it my whole life.When I was a newborn my Parents had me on Goats milk. The Dr says I can eat yogurt because its different ? I have IBS as well and always have. I get flares, and its awful ! This world is becoming so toxic that I’m afraid to eat anything. I have what I was told “severe osteoporosis” been on all the horrible drugs for it , that has ruined my body, its all so upsetting. I love reading your articles Vivian, and try to get out and walk as much as I can. I eat lots of nutivia coconut oil and raw honey as my treats with apples, but I don’t know what else is there ? I’m allergic to almost every tropical fruit, I don’t really eat meat, other than chicken, everyday is a worry !
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Keep sending articles, and keep commenting on bad effects of milk. I read them all in a desperate attempt to stop the mindset and ridiculously strong craving for milk. About 8 months ago, I started the program and went from 1 liter/2 days to 1 liter/2 months. For those 8 months, the cravings never stopped, and I am tired of fighting it. Substitutes do not work. Does anyone out there love milk as much as I do? Does anyone have a way to slow down the cravings?
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Calcium supplements 1000 mg/day helped me with that years ago. Never really craved milk since unless I’m eating some rich cake or peanut butter and jelly sandwich will also do it. I
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Kimberly-
As someone who was a milk lover, I empathize with you. What worked for me was to just quit, cold turkey, and replace it with almond milk. I kept reminding myself that it was not beneficial to me or my family’s health. I also stopped eating cereal for a while, which triggered my craving for cow’s milk. My children really took to the almond milk, which helped my husband and I to kick that nasty habit; it’s pus, YUCK! 🙂
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Milk is pus. Now that IS a disgusting thought! The craving is usually for a glass of it, like we drink iced tea. Besides the fact that almond milk is difficult to get where I live (also presweetened), I cannot imagine it replacing the craving against which I am battling. I have tried several substitutes. No joy. BUT, milk is pus. That is a start. Thank you, Vanessa!
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Vivian, Vitamin A Palmitate is added to all milks including Almond Milk. I read this additive causes bone fractures. Can you confirm this?
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I too use raw milk to make kefir. I am so confused as to the good and the bad of so many things. It is very hard to change a lifetime of thinking that so much of our way of living is in actuality not healthy at all.
I am getting ready to embark on The Gerson Therapy eating plan. It spans two years and is said to completely regenerate the liver. I know it bans all milk products for the first few months and than allows a specific yogurt back in. It is so demanding, expensive and time consuming that few people will ever decide to implement it. I like that it not only tells you exactly what you need to do but explains why it needs to be done. I presently have all kinds of allergies and I am looking for help with these, osteoporosis, and HBP.
The conflicting evidences, opinions, and downright lies about what is healthy and how you should take care of yourself and feed your body, so it can function in a healthy manner as it was made to, make it extremely difficult to find the truth. The majority of people are so confused they give up and either let modern medicine dictate their path or out of fear of doing the wrong thing, end up doing nothing at all to improve their health.
I think there is a special place for those people making money at the expense of a person’s health and well being. It should be a crime to ruin our soil and sell pesticide laden, chemically fertilized, and genetically modified ‘food’ while advertising how good it is for you to boot! -
The comment about 60% of the population being lactose intolerant is a gross-over simplification. Ancient cultures which relied on milk or meat from grazing animals as part of their diet are not lactose-intolerant. That includes most people of Caucasian origin (i.e Europeans and their descedents) and many pastoralist descendents in sub-Saharan Africa. Other ethnic groups are very different.
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You talk about cow’s milk not being healthy for human consumption but what about goat’s milk?
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Goats milk is easier for some to digest but I am leaning toward believing any milk is not very healthy for people. I say leaning toward because this is one of those conflicting evidence things. A definitive answer will only be found in your own personal experience and how your body deals with milk products and how you feel. Do some research and you will find both sides insisting that their belief is correct. The only milk products I use presently are raw milk kefir and butter.
As long as there is money to be made, there will be propaganda that we will have to continue to wade through in search of the truths that big industry will keep trying to discredit, undermine, and outright refute.
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Would this extend to butter and cheese? gm
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Does soya milk have same effects?
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Dear Vivian and Fellow Savers,
I look forward to your emails. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis several years ago. Luckily I have a GP (general practitioner – I live in England) who respects my aversion to Big Pharma. I told him I was on the
Save Our Bones programme and sent him the link. I don’t know whether he read up on it. I think he views me a harmless eccentric.
I heard on BBC Radio today that osteoporosis drugs are now being touted as possibly ‘helping’ women diagnosed with the breast cancer. Is Big Pharma running scared, as more women are aware of bisphosphonates harmful effects.
Vivian, although I eschew Big Pharma in favour of natural remedies, I recently capitulated to the doctors and agreed to take their drugs. I was in hospital with severe gastroenteritis caused by E coli. I’ve been on the antibiotic Spironolactone, the diuretic Furosamide, Niacin pills, and a Vitamin B complex called Forceval. When the doctors say I can stop them, I’ll go on a detox programme.
I’d be interested to hear what other people think.
Warmest regards,
Dyana-
Hi Dyana,
Sorry for all of your troubles. Think about taking some probiotics since you are on antibiotics. Antibiotics kills off the good bacteria as well as the bad, like e Coli , so it is important to save your gut!
In terms of bisphosphonates for breast cancer, this is only a guess, but my sister had breast cancer last year. Her doctor referred her for a DEXA scan prior to being prescribed Arimidex which causes bone density problems due to its effects on estrogen. Her bones supposedly were okay, but I bet some docs prescribe bisphosphonates “just in case” while taking this medication. Also, some high dosage bisphosphonates are prescribed as breast cancer treatment(s). Good luck with your treatments! Best in health!
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This article should refer to the original article mentioned by The Telegraph.
This article was published in the British Medical Journal in last october (100.000 swedish people during 10 to 20 years) and the lessons were not as simplistic as mentioned here.
They concluded that raw milk is detremental for bone and general health, but that fermented milk was good for health (better than no fermented milk and better than raw milk).
This is because fermentation destroys what is detremental in milk.
The conclusion : “do not drink milk, eat milk”-
I have just started culturing milk with kefir grains and feel it suits me. I was diagnosed with mild osteopenia so,have to be very careful.
I am trying to find out whether the kefir is harmful for me now.
I wonder if anybody can brief me on this-
My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and last December he’d loser 14kg in 3 weeks. The docs we’re going to remove the majority of his small and all of his large intestine he’s 22 years now and we refused he went on raw organic grass reared milk with organic supplements for four months and gained 16 kg and back to normal bowel movements after three years of constant bleeding. We make our own kefir using raw milk and to date he has been able to introduce food with no side effects. Everything starts in the gut, bacteria outnumbers cells 10 to 1 and until you get the balance right your body cannot utilize any food correctly. These studies need to take into account all foods and conditions of gut pre study. Raw milk is full of living enzymes that utilize the nutrients to develop muscle tissues bones etc pasteurization kills these enzymes along with unwanted bacteria. My son is living proof that you can be cured by nature and he is not on the steroids or the low dose chemotherapy they were insisting on. Kefir. Raw milk and fermented foods all put back what today’s diets and chemical foods wipe out
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Julie, thanks so much for taking the time to share about your son’s recovery from Crohn’s with raw milk, kefir, and other fermented foods. I read Jordan Rubin’s book “Patient Heal Thyself” many years ago, and like you and your son, he refused to let them remove his intestine. He went on to heal completely with food and soil organisms. Later he wrote “The Maker’s Diet” which has been updated, as well as “Restoring Your Gut Health: …” with GI doc Joseph Brasco, M.D. You can see the cover photo of the first book on Amazon showing him in his early 20’s emaciated from Crohn’s, side by side with the his healed photo. Probably very similar to your son. Lastly, another product that has helped many with severe Crohn’s and other autoimmune issues is DigestaCure. We really must get back to a whole foods diet rich in beneficial microbes to have health. So happy for your son!
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What then for other animal milk such as goats, sheep, camel, and powdered milk, are they as damaging.
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I get bad reactions from all dairy milk including sheep and goat. Also coconut milk makes me nauseous. I can tolerate soya milk and a small amount of butter. I’ve lived with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome for many years. I manage them with diet, pacing and relaxation. Recently I was in hospital with bowel infection from E coli as per my earlier comment.
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Thank you for this information. Please can you tell me whether this is true of fermented milk products, like kefir, yogurt, fermented veggies, cottage cheese made from raw fermented milk…? This makes up a large part of our diet, and I can’t tell you what an amazing difference the inclusion of these fermented foods has made to our physical health and well being… no more aches and pains in our joints, and our overall mental disposition is wonderful… we call them our happy veggies, etc… 🙂
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I have been consuming kefir made with organic whole milk and kefir milk grains. I should also like to know if this is bad for my bones since I had a diagnosis of mild osteopenia and have to be very careful. I should be interested in any replies to your post, so thanks for posting!!
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Somehow my gut feeling tells me that kefir must be bone friendly since why else would an amazing number of cultures have fermented their milk and had such longevity despite living in such harsh conditions. Surely they would have stopped fermenting if it accelerated osteoporosis. Please excuse the unintended puns in this posting! But I should love to see the evidence.
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I also ferment veggies and cheese but read somewhere that the veggies are acidic in effect and only to put a little on the plate with a meal. Don’t know whether this is accurate. Again would love the evidence.
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Can I ask about milk in regards to Cacao Powder. I have heard the anti oxidant properties can destroy those found in Cacao powder, do you know if the same can be said for non dairy alternatives?