Did you know that in Medieval England parents would tie rabbits’ feet around their babies’ necks to ward off illness? Doctors would also spit on wounds because saliva was believed to have healing properties.
Indeed, history is replete with unfounded health beliefs, and to everyone’s detriment, the milk myth is among the most tenacious.
Milk is much more than just a drink; it’s a cultural phenomenon that can be traced back thousands of years. And still today, the milk myth resonates loud and clear: in 2001, the average American child consumed 104 quarts of cow’s milk.
Milk depletes the calcium from your bones
The milk myth has spread around the world based on the flawed belief that this protein and calcium-rich drink is essential to support good overall health and bone health in particular at any age. It is easy to understand that the confusion about milk’s imaginary benefits stems from the fact that it contains calcium – around 300 mg per cup.
But many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. And the most surprising link is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurized), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. What an irony this is!
Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is – you guessed it… in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilized to neutralize the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.
Knowing this, you’ll understand why statistics show that countries with the lowest consumption of dairy products also have the lowest fracture incidence in their population (there’s more on this later).
But the sad truth is that most mainstream health practitioners ignore these proven facts. I know it firsthand because when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, my doctor recommended that I drink lots of milk in addition to taking Fosamax.
Fortunately, I did neither, because I knew that…
Cow’s milk is custom-designed for calves
Thanks to our creative ingenuity and perhaps related to our ancient survival needs, we adopted the dubious habit of drinking another species’ milk. Nobody can dispute that cow’s milk is an excellent food source for calves. Weighing around 100 pounds at birth, a calf typically gains approximately eight times its weight by the time it is weaned. But unlike humans, once calves are weaned, they never drink milk again. And the same applies to every mammalian species on this planet.
Also, each mammalian species has its own “designer” milk, and cow’s milk is no exception. For example, cow’s milk contains on average three times the amount of protein than human milk which creates metabolic disturbances in humans that have detrimental bone health consequences.
It’s important to bear in mind that mother’s milk is excellent nourishment for human babies, but its composition is very different from cow’s milk.
Scientific studies show that milk increases fracture risk
Many scientific studies contradict the conventional wisdom that milk and dairy consumption help reduce osteoporotic fractures. Surprisingly, studies demonstrating that milk and dairy products actually fail to protect bones from fractures outnumber studies that prove otherwise. Even drinking milk from a young age does not protect against future fracture risk but actually increases it. Shattering the “savings account” calcium theory, Cumming and Klineberg report their study findings as follows:
“Consumption of dairy products, particularly at age 20 years, was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in old age. (“Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Hip Fractures in the Elderly”. American Journal of Epidemiology. Vol. 139, No. 5, 1994).1
And the 12 year long Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that those who consumed the most calcium from dairy foods broke more bones than those who rarely drank milk. This is a broad study based on 77,761 women aged 34 through 59 years of age.
In the authors’ own words:
“These data do not support the hypothesis that higher consumption of milk or other food sources of calcium by adult women protects against hip or forearm fractures.” (Source: Feskanich D, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA. Milk, dietary calcium, and bone fractures in women: a 12-year prospective study. American Journal of Public Health. 1997).2
Shocking statistics ignored by mainstream medicine
In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program one of the topics I discuss is the complete disregard of scientific evidence that discredits milk and dairy products as the best source of calcium.
One exception is Amy Lanou Ph.D., nutrition director for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington, D.C., who states that:
“The countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis are the ones where people drink the most milk and have the most calcium in their diets. The connection between calcium consumption and bone health is actually very weak, and the connection between dairy consumption and bone health is almost nonexistent.”
Surprised? You shouldn’t be, because as I mentioned earlier in this article…
Milk is an acidifying animal protein
Like any other animal derived protein-rich food, milk has a positive potential renal acid load (PRAL) which triggers a protective biological reaction to neutralize all the damaging acidic protein before it reaches the kidneys.
The body is designed for survival, so it sacrifices bone density to protect the kidneys and urinary tract because the latter are essential to survival. And the most readily available source of acid neutralizer is in the bones. So even though milk contains calcium, it ends up sapping your bones of that crucial mineral. But that’s not all because…
Today’s milk is a processed food
Until the end of the 19th century in Europe and the beginning of the 20th century in the US, milk was consumed unpasteurized or raw. Later on, homogenization became the industry’s standard. These processes further alter milk’s chemistry and actually increase its detrimental acidifying effects.
Raw milk advocates claim that if cow’s milk is left “as is” it is a healthy and wholesome drink. It is true that raw milk is less acidifying than processed milk and that pasteurization and homogenization may cause a long list of digestive and other health problems, but I still don’t recommend drinking any kind of cow’s milk.
Nowadays, milking cows are given antibiotics and most are also injected with a genetically engineered form of bovine growth hormone (rBGH). A man-made or synthetic hormone used to artificially increase milk production, rBGH also increases blood levels of the insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in those who drink it. And higher levels of IGF-1 are linked to several cancers.
This should not be ignored, especially in view of recent information by Samuel Epstein, MD, Professor of Environmental Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. In a press release titled “Monsanto’s Hormonal Milk Poses Serious Risks of Breast Cancer, Besides Other Cancers” (June 21, 1998) Dr. Epstein concludes that:
“Drinking rBGH milk would thus be expected to significantly increase IGF-1 blood levels and consequently to increase risks of developing breast cancer and promoting its invasiveness.”
Even though organic milk is from cows that are not given antibiotics or rBHG, if you truly care about your bone health and your overall health, you should…
Avoid drinking cow’s milk
As I explain in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and contrary to mainstream recommendations, drinking milk and eating lots of dairy products are not the answer to reversing osteoporosis. And while in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program no food is completely off limits, I strongly recommend that you explore the different milk substitute options that I will list for you here.
But first, I’d like to clarify that unsweetened fermented or cultured dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and sour cream are acid neutral. Yogurt in particular is chock-full of beneficial qualities. As is the case with milk, organic yogurt does not have rBGH, but even several of the most well-known yogurt brands have stopped using the bovine growth hormone (rBGH). You should call your favorite yogurt company to confirm. One more clarification: when I say unsweetened I mean without sugar or any artificial sweetener. However, you can add honey or stevia, a zero calorie plant-derived sweetener that is delicious and alkalizing as well. I like to carry around stevia packets in my purse so that I’m always able to sweeten food or drinks when I’m on the go.
The best milk substitutes
My favorite milk substitute is unsweetened almond milk, not only because it is alkalizing (as almonds are), but also because it’s delicious and tastes very similar to milk. I even cook with it!
If almond milk is hard to get, you can also try rice or soy milk. I strongly suggest consuming only organic soy milk to insure it’s not made with genetically modified soy. There is also some controversy about unfermented soy products, so try to use it in moderation.
What Else Haven’t They Told You?
What else have you been told about bone health by your doctor or other “experts” that is flat out wrong? What other “facts” (like drinking milk does a body good) are keeping you from optimal health?
Myths like these are a big reason I created the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. To give you the straight scoop on how to deal with osteoporosis the natural way.
I can help you take control of your future.
Learn more about the Osteoporosis Reversal Program here →
And remember, if you ever hear someone ask “Got milk?” smile and think to yourself “No, because I know better!”
And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share them with me and the rest of our community by leaving a comment below.
References
1 Cumming RG, Klineberg RJ. “Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Hip Fractures in the Elderly”. American Journal of Epidemiology. Vol. 139, No. 5, 1994
2 Feskanich D, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA. Milk, dietary calcium, and bone fractures in women: a 12-year prospective study. American Journal of Public Health. 1997
Soy and thyroid disease do not mix well. Thus drinking soy milk is not an option for people with thyroid disease.
I have hypothyroidism and cannot use soy products as a result. I drink Almond milk instead.
I disagree with all about almond milk it is no longer good for human consumption today.
The reason being that is is made from pasteurized almonds, there are different ways they accomplish that and none are any good.
If you buy raw organic almonds (hard to find) and and make the milk yourself then it will be healthy
my son hasa thyroid problem should he not drink 1% milk but dring soy
Dear Vivian, I find difficulty in relating some of the product names to the content of our supermarket shelves. Does Stevia have another name?
Cow’s mik seems to be bad for our health but perhaps you could find the time to debunk the belief that it was the introduction of free milk to school children that got the credit for eliminating rickets in many parts of the U.K. Jim
Jim,
Stevia is the generic name. You can check out your local grocery stores to see which brands of stevia they sell.
Most Health Food Stores will carry Stevia
My wife and I do not drink milk, rice milk for me soy milk for her. I’m glad you mentioned the gene altered soy and bovine growth harmone issues. I seem to have developed wheat intolerance in my later years (Age now 75)and wonder if you will be writing about that some time? I submitted my request for your “Natural Bone Health guide a couple of days ago which was supposed to come via email but trying twice failed to accomplish this Thank you. I sent the info on bone health to my twin sister who has serious osteoporitis, two bones collapsed. both my wife and I have mild to moderate cases. I shall send for you book when I can. Best, Duane
Very, very interesting article. Years ago, our brother-in-law mentioned that calves are weaned away from their mother’s milk for a good reason. Similarly, humans should be weaned away from milk.
After reading your book, I’ve completely eliminated cow’s milk and use rice or soy instead (but use very little of those). I’ve cut out red meat and eat more stir-fried (with olive oil) veggies and a little chicken or seafood. I feel better than I have in ten years. I can’t wait for my next bone density test – I’ve brought my cholesterol down by 20 points. Good job, Vivian.
And good job to to you too, Marie!
I learned a lot here, Vivian…Thanks!
This was very interesting to me because I a have a 16 month old grandson that does not like milk. I have told her that I didn’t think that was a problem. His pediatrician and mom are both concerned about this. After reading this article, I guess there is nothing to worry about. Maybe he knows better than us.
I am now drinking vanilla Silk soy milk. Is this good for me? I need to have something other than water to drink while I’m working or at home. What other juices can I have that aren’t full of high fructose corn syrup? I don’t drink soda of any kind and some orange juices give me a sore throat as they are strong. I thought grape juice was good. HELP!
I won’t touch SILK brand soy milk.
Check this out.
https://www.naturalnews.com/027450_food_foods_Dean.html
In my opinion, the soy industry is corrupted. If the label doesn’t say ORGANIC then it is GMO, right?
According to the above article, Silk was organic and now “natural” which is not the same. Trying to mislead the public. Beware.
Grape juice may be acidic??? Bad for the teeth, I guess.
Thank you for that information. I and my 3 daughters use Soy Milk Daily. Just checked the carton and sure enough it just says “natural”. Will have to find another brand>
Flo
One solution for you might be to purchase a juicer and make your own fresh juice out of the fruits and vegetables that you like. I recommend the Breville brand (no affiliation) as it is the only brand with the capacity to easily juice hard vegetables, etc.
I hope this helps.
Andrea
Hi, Vivian.
I am going through some life changes. About 3 years ago I fell and broke my right hip(surgery-a pin and a plate)
Last June 14/09 a dog knocked me to the sidewalk,(partial hip replacement on my right hip) I am in a lot of pain as RH arthritis has set in. Both Rheumatologist and family doctor have insisted I start on Fosamax(Fosavance)
I am in so much pain that I gave in 2 weeks ago,despite my personal convicition and lots of studies . The truth is, going the “natural”
way,I cannot afford,as I only have my pension.
I take MSM/condrydin/glucosamine.
My question is, can I stay on Fosavance for maybe 2 months,then change over to”the good stuff” Thank You,
Heidi Holm
Up until the age of 40, when my son couldn’t tolerate the milk I drank in my breast milk, I drank a quart of milk a day! I drank a pepsi a day from the age of 16 to 20 where I worked! Last year, for one complete year, I took an acid reflux medication unknowinly! In November last year after my latest bone density test, I had lost 54% of my bone mass. For the past 10 years I have tried osteoporosis medication from Fosomax to Actonel and I could not tolerate any of them. I was never told I could actually reverse osteoporosis, so now I will try this book. I will be hoping for a miracle!
Thank you Vivian for your informative and crucial information.
Blessings,
Lily
Pasteurized and homoginized milk is the worst, but I grew up on a dairy drinking a quart or more a day of raw, organic cow’s milk. At age 50 I was diagnosed with osteopenia. Even is it’s most natural form, cow’s milk is for baby calves!
Thanks again for a great article. We use nothing except “Rice Milk” for our cereal’s and drinking. And doesn’t Soy Milk/Soy Products give one too much estrogen. I’ll stay with rice. I grew up with raw milk (I milked the cows myself)drank very little as an adult and now have osteoporosis.
Excellent article Vivienne. It simply reinforces what I now know and why I drink almond milk and avoid cow’s milk.
You mentioned using Stevia as a sweetener.
Another sweetener that I prefer is Organic Blue Agave.(light) This is a natural sweetener made from cactus. Available at health food/nutritional stores
I like luo han guo as sweetener.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siraitia_grosvenorii
Sometimes you may find this ingredient in some products (e.g. goat whey).
love your info – thanks
What are your thoughts on powdered or regular coconut milk. I have heard that coconuts are the tree of life.
I love coconut everything.
MCT – medium chain fatty acid is good.
E.V. coconut oil may even help some to lose weight. Do some research.
Unfortunately, coconut milk is highly inflammatory which may be bad for bones and general health.
https://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3113/2
So, use it in moderation and balance it with alkaline foods.
Thank you for this important information on milk. I have stopped drinking milk some time ago and replaced it with almond milk. All the changes help over time.
Celestina Marie
Vivian,
I have a friend, 70 years of age, who has a very high calcium count. She was always a big milk drinker. She is my only friend who was never put on fosamax. How do you explain this?
Ruth
Medical Dr.’s take a calcium count by analyzing the urine. This person obviously has alot of calcium being excreted – but is it being absorbed? Has she ever had a
bone density test? Having alot of calcium in your system or leaving your system does not mean it is being utilized – quite the opposite.
Blood test and hair analysis can reveal calcium level too. We don’t know what test the poster’s friend did.
Calcium is not the most important for bones. All kinds of minerals are needed. Also, bone density and bone strength are two different things.
Maybe the MBP (milk basic protein) from the milk helps. Go to Pub Med and research the papers.
It’s hard for me to explain this without knowing more about your friend’s diet. What if she drinks milk but also eats lots of fresh fruits and vegetables? She might be ahead of the curve even though she is a milk drinker…
Thanks Vivian for your insightful information! After viewing most of the comments, my question is right with your comment:
“What if she drinks milk but also eats lots of fresh fruits and vegetables? She might be ahead of the curve even though she is a milk drinker…”
Can’t we drink milk and also take much vegitable and fruits, so we could take good advantage of the netrients in milk? Your article did not mention this kind of “Balance” while seemded take an assumption that we only drink milk without taking much vegi and fruit. I really want to make life changes with the “balanced” knowledge. I will look forward to your answer and advice. Thanks!
Hi Vivian,
I can’t wait for my book to arrive and get started on your save the bones program. After being diagnosed with osteoperosis I who never did drink milk all my life started drinking 3 glass a day for the last 8- 10 years. I have now stopped!!I have also been taking Evista for 11 years and still loosing bone.I have started taking calcium with magnesium and also taking vit.K2 once a day but a little concerned with taking Vit.K and Evista because of the blood clotting side effects that could occur. Can you please respond to my concerns. Thanks
Thank you for this important info.! Very informative. I will pass this along, Vivian.
Always good to hear from you. Your articles make a lot of sense.
Pat
Thank you Vivian for this valuable info which makes great sense. Now I will be better informed to tell my doctor why I do not drink milk for treating ostheoporosis.
I stopped drinking milk after reading The Bone Health Revolution. I live in a small town and cannot find unsweetened yogurt. I use Soy milk occasionally but primarily do not use milk products very often.
Vivian, You had mentioned a few weeks ago that you would like to speak with me because I had increased my bone density by 10%. I now have osteopenia in my spine which was osteoporosis. I may have discouraged you from calling because I said I was hard to reach. I would love a chance to speak with you! When my doctor saw the results, he said I should write a book. I told him one had already been written and it was what I have been following. I enjoyed your article today confirming that milk and dairy is acidic. I have avoided it for several years now. I appreciate your recommendation of Almond Milk and will pick it up the next time I am at the store!
I have your Bone Revolution book with copyright date of 2008. Is this latest version or is there a new one with additional information? I also have the Natural Bone Building Guide which I printed off the internet probably a year ago. Am I current with everything? I am always open to any further suggestions you have! I am on a mission to continue to improve!
Just a brief background…I had been on Fosomax and Actonel for probably 15 years. I tried Forteo for 17 days and got violently ill! I decided to just quit taking everything. I reeducated myself through your materials, changed my diet, and am pretty close to being a vegan (chicken & fish at night). Last September it had been a year since I quite all meds. My doctor wanted me to take Reclast once a year. I told him I really didn’t want to. Let’s check my bone density since I have been off all meds for a year and see what my results are. The doctor was shocked and wanted to know what I had been doing. I told him I was following your book, eating a more alkaline diet, walking 10,000 steps a day and doing weight bearing exercises, taking supplements such as Vitamin D3, calcium and magnesium and pilates twice a week. ( have Vitamin K ordered)
I can be reached at 201-248-9159 (cell) Thanks Vivian!
Carol McDermott
Carol McDermot,
Congratulations on your success with Vivian’s program! I have started a discussion on Success Stories Without Drugs and think it is important to get these success stories out more to the public. Would you mind sharing your success with Vivian’s program on this discussion link? It would give people who have never heard of her program a chance to see that it works! Your story would be of great value to those of us needing inspiration and guidance without drugs.
Here is the link to the discussion:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/success-stories-w-o-drugs/
Warm regards, Santa Fe
I can’t tell from the website if the Stevia you are recommending is organic or not. I thought that if it was not organic is was acidifying. Please clarify.
Thanks!
I don’t drink milk anymore because it caused some digestive problems. I do use Westsoy unsweetened, organic, almond soymilk on my cereal in the morning and on cereal for my nighttime snack. I was told to use soymilk in moderation by my pharmacist. I do have diabetes and allergies so I do watch what I eat and I do walk a lot. I stopped taking Fosamax and I was told I have osteoporosis. I take 1200 units of Calcium with D3, and a multivitamin. I take C when I feel a cold coming on. There is so much information out there that the lay person is so confused as to what is the truth. I am just into my 80’s, widowed, and I work at taking care of myself. Do you have any advice and how much of this almond soymilk is safe to drink. I do enjoy reading your emails and why can’t the doctors agree on health care? I question my doctor on everything.
I drink goat’s milk. Is this any better than cow’s milk? It certainly tastes better.
Goat milk is less acidifying.
interesting article. I am alarmed that stockpiles of milk continue to appear in many food stores!!!! If what you report is true, should there be a label on EACH carton of milk sold ‘warning’ people about the danger of ingesting milk? If indeed milk consumption is a “myth” then the Federal Food Administration department should get involved.
Incidentally, I had written to you about the “purity” of vitamins you discussed in your article about osteoporosis. I am still waiting for your comment on guidelines I should follow so that the vitamins I may buy (after purchasing your book) would not compromise the objectives your program proposes to achieve.
Hi Vivian:
Enjoyed this email temendously. I, too, was told to drink a lot of milk awhile back. I was very much interested in the link provided for the almond milk recipe and have down loaded the contents. I will start to make my own almond milk. Thanks so very much to the sender for sharing this with all of us. Take care.
Anne
hi Vivia ! thanks agaian for your information on milk. I stoped drinking milk after reading your book. trying to eat yogurt, nuts and fruits. For breakfast I like to eat boil plantain, is my favorite dish. I do not have that much pain in my back after I started using your book as a guide, doing a lot of exercise and Tai Chi almost every day. Thanks a lot, consuelo.
Keep up your dedication, Consuelo!
I have never drank much milk, however, I have been diagnosed with breast cancer (all gone due to surgery) and I have been told to drink lots of milk. I hate milk, can’t tolerate it.
Good for me. How about Goat Milk or Almond Milk?
I was told that soy milk is not good for people with thyroid problems. Your comment?
I’m a goat milk drinker as I am allergic to dairy products. It’s delicious!
EB
Almond milk is alkalizing,Glynn.
Thank you Vivian for your fine work – as always – and for your encouragement. I would dare say that spreading the word that milk is bad for your bones is as revolutionary as wanting to abolish slavery way back in history. It is very shocking in some circles, rattles the establishment and will take time.
Thanks for all your insightful informaion on bone health, Vivian. I was wondering if all this info holds true for organic goats milk, which I give my daughter. I was told it is much easier to digest and better for you than cow’s milk. Thank you.
You are right about that, but it’s still an animal protein.
I find your emails very helpful, and would like to know if drinking soymilk is a better source for hehelping me with osteoporosis?
What can you tell me about soy-based nattokinase?
This would be to take the place of coumadin that I was put on after atrial fibrillation.Hate taking medication.
Be sure to talk to the pharmacist if you take BOTH the drug AND nattokinase. You may be overdosing.
Also, be careful if you use any enzyme and probiotic supplements when you take the drug.
Again, talk to the pharmacist who usually knows more than MD’s when it comes to drugs. Unfortunately, not every pharmacist is well trained in supplements.
Absolutely …makes great sense…this whole milk connection…I was raised in the midwest..milk, beef, cheese etc…by age 46 diagnosed with osteopenia etc…I think all the damage was done in my childhood and early adult years…also migraine headaches, IBS etc..I became vegetarian and now vegan for the last dozen years and feel so much better…I am 55 now…work out with weights etc….feel great…bone density tests are a pack of money making lies…created by the pharm industry to rake in on Fosamax etc..read the history and stuff that goes into those medicines…you would not give that to your dog let alone your mother….I am not against practical medicines but we have to use common sense and know the bottom line he is the dollar…milk is a nice beverage if you choose to drink it occasionally with no hormones etc…but for bones…no…milk is for baby cows….if you look back in time on most stuff that is pushed on us to believe it has a giant big dollar sign behind it ..filling somebody elses pocket…etc….be strong, use your common sense…..loved the milk information…
I could not agree more – the drug companies create many of these myths as well as doctors who have an interest. I like to think it is ignorance, but this proves the information is out there.
YOu are so right. I have had numerous fractures and my staple diet for 45 years was 3 glasses of drinking chocolate or more every day.This equated to nearly 2 litres of milk every day.
I now do not dring milk at all pity really late after many fractures and months lying on my back.
I am now well and walking but a place I will not go back to,
HILARY
After reading the articles, clicking on all the links and reading the info about calcium published by a doctor ‘The Calcium Lie'(calcium not necessary for our bones, causing bone spurs etc.) and milk – some sources maintain it’s important for bone formation, others say it’s detrimental to our health – I really am confused! What are we supposed to do??? Who do we listen to?
It is like Russian roulette.
I really want to do the right thing – but whose advice do I follow in order to maintain or improve bone health?!
Cheers,
Trudy
I can sympathize, Trudy. But I have just read a book explaining the different calcium studies and how we weigh the outcomes: Building Bone Vitality, by Amy Joy Lanou and Michael Castleman. Read and learn! I got it at the library & was so impressed I bought my own two copies, one to mark up and one to loan out. Best wishes.
I think the culprit in milk is Casein. The MBP (milk basic protein) is supposed to be good for the bones.
Milk from the store is bad but GOOD QUALITY whey is okay. Anyone cares to confirm?
(1)
“MBP, one fraction present in bovine whey, has been the focus of intense investigation…”
(2) https://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/whey_protein_directly_boosts_immunity/
(3)
https://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/whey_protein_activates_bone_building/
(4)
https://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/entry/whey_protein_stimulates_osteoblasts
Hello Vivian 🙂
Thank you once again for your very informative e mail. All I can say is …”Thank goodness I now drink Soya Milk.” I have drank this milk for 10 years. My son introduced it to me when our grandson Keelin was found to be highly allergic to all dairy products. I feel better for it. Soya margarine is just as good too, for those who are interested.
take care
best wishes from Bonnie Scotland 🙂
Marysia
Marysia, before you continue to drink soy milk, please read some of the dangers of soy consumption. This is just one website, there are lots out there.
https://www.quantumbalancing.com/news/soy%20dangers.htm
Hello Marysia…Good for you that you switched to drinking soy. I’d like to balance out any fears you may have contracted after reading that link offered by G. Kamp on the dangers of soy. Although the article is informative with “food for thought”, in many ways it smacks of the scare tactics used by medical industries and dairy industries. The author is obviously not completely neutral and the last paragraph where he cites an FDA authority shows where he stands. The website itself is suspect, for that article seems out of place; I didn’t notice articles on the dangers of milk or the dangers of red meat eating there. The article gives the impression that Asians consume very little soy. Well, I’m writing you from Taiwan where I’ve lived for over 20 years and I can tell you a way lot more than 9.3 to 36 grams per day of soy are consumed here. Soybean/tofu based dishes are replete in any vegetarian restaurant as well as on the family dining table. Lots of soybean milk is sold in all supermarkets. My wife is Chinese and her family ran a small family business that sold warm soybean milk. It’s a morning breakfast favorite for many local Taiwanese students, until McDonald’s arrived with their egg McMuffin breakfast.
Main thing is to listen to your body’s needs. Your obviously happy with soy, so stick with it but remember “everything in moderation.” Good luck. Mimmo
Agree. MODERATION.
I know about Asian soy culture too.
I have been wondering if the manufacturing process is different in Asia.
In the west, hexane is used as a solvent in the process by big corporation. Home-made tofu, soy milk etc. in Asia are much better.
Thank you, and yes I will stick with what I feel is good for me. For 10 years I have been with these products and I have had no ill effects what-so-ever. When I tried to drink cows milk again I had a number of “flare ups” with my R.A. I take soya in my tea and with a breakfast cereal now and again.
best wishes
Marysia
Hey Vivian,thankyou for yr info ,i do believe dairy 2 litres a day mad my bone denisty worse,i will never touch dairy again,our drs put us on there programs of medication,vit d and dairy,didnt help my bone dentisty after 3 yrs,drug free is the way too go!I HAVE A NEW GP SHE WILL try too put me back on actonel etc blaa dairy etc no go for me!to many side effects.
Hugs Steve x
Is Skimmed milk a suitable alternative to ordinary milk?
Same issues as any other milk, except that it has less fat…(and more water)…
Hi, I have been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at age 57 years(-4.1score). I am currently taking deep sea minerals from the coast of QLD. Australia, & protolytic enzymes to help break down protein,plus co enzyme Q10, Dhea, Vitamin D3, mega magnesium plus a number of other vitamins. My goal is to alkalize the body to help with bone regrowth. I am still having laser acupuncture on my back & I believe this also helps with healing & bone regrowth. I am looking forward to having a bone density scan towards the end of the year to see how beneficial all the strategies are. As mentioned in a previous comment, I have gone against conventional medicine by ceasing the calcium, & refusing the IV bisophonates. I think my Doctor sees me as a bit of a rebel, but I need to take responsibility for my own health.:)
Absolutely i agree best of luck,be careful with the Dhea !
Why do you say be careful with DHEA I am interested to know
i was wondering if my son who has thyroid should drink soy milk instead of 15 milk
Dear Julie,
You sound just like me, I wish I could come up with a bone building strategy, can you please get back to me, I am very interested in what you are taking.
Go, rebel!
Hi Julie,
I am sooooo interested in what you are taking could you please email me mu*********@******om.au.
My doctor and I do not agree, I look forward to hearing from you.
With kind regards,
Cyndi
Thank you Vivian, for confirming once more my personal contention that milk is not a nutritious product, but is rather a product designed strictly to make money for a lot of people. Here’s the URL of a website that supports that view;
https://www.hps-online.com/troph9.htm
They discuss an experiment concerning pasturized milk using cats; very informative.
Oh, and by the way, thank you for countering the propaganda and brain-washing deluging us on TV!
I know margarine is very bad for us. What is a good substitute for butter?
Coconut oil. It is a healthy versatile product you can use it as a spread on bread ect. I roast my veggies with it you can use it in baked goods. It has a lovely flavour. Google banaban coconut oil they also sell other coconut products.
Nop is not coconut oil full of saturated fats 92% does not matter of raw, cold press virgin is not that healthy as people think it is..
It is so refreshing to read someone actually speak the truth about milk. I have been trying to tell my mother this for years but she has been brainwashed by the media and thinks I’m just a vegetarian loony…
So thanks, it’s nice to be affirmed.
And just think… we are the only species on the planet that actually chooses to drink the milk of another species. Would you suckle from a cow? It’s just too weird!
Go the strong milk-free bones!
I have found a sugar substitute @ Albertson’s Grocery Store (in WA) called Truvia – do you know about it and is it acceptable? The label says that it is made with rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf.
Rebiana is not an ingredient in the stevia plant, nor is it found in nature. It is produced by the action of chemicals and stringent alcohols on various stevia glycosides. Rebiana is the trade name Cargill gave their chemically derived product (Truvia) in 2008. The FDA “No Questions” letter stated that Rebiana contains residues of ethanol and methanol.
Rebaudioside-A (Reb-A)is commonly confused with Rebiana. Reb-A is one of the 11 glycoside compounds naturally within stevia leaves and are 400 times sweeter than sugar. It is produced by the action of sunlight on the stevia leaves.
Truvia is 9/10 of 1% Rebiana and masking agent (the masking agent is to cover up its bad taste profile) and 99.1% erythritol, a sugar extracted from corn with alcohol (a sugar alcohol), which can be hard on the digestive system.
Truvia is essentially corn sugar.
I recommend SweetLeaf Stevia as it is a more pure stevia product and retains the natural 0 calorie, 0 carbs, and 0 glycemic index properties of the stevia leaf, and SweetLeaf’s dark liquid form retains stevia’s nutrients.
In the Bible, the Promised Land was “a land flowing with milk and honey” and they got it from cattle or goats, I guess, but certainly not from almonds or soy. And it was just left to curdle in flasks or skin bottles. There’s even a law from Moses about “not boiling a kid in its mother’s milk”. So, how can we here in the USA use their methods of getting the nutrition they derived from milk? There must be some way to do it. What about kefir or natural yogurt? Is that also processed too much here or is it similar to what they ate then? Kefir always makes me very sick in my stomach. Is Mexican cheese made in a more natural way and fresher? When I lived in Mexico the cheese was made fresh and by individual vendors. It was delicious, didn’t last long and didn’t make me sick or have alot of mucous. What about cultures that are centuries old in the Meditteranean? They also live on cheese and are very healthy. It’s natural and fresh. Can we get that here? I just believe that since these healthy, ancient cultures thrive on it, there must be a way to do so here, too. Can you explain?
Anyone interested in reading about goat milk will enjoy this comprehensive article from the UC Davis:
https://drinc.ucdavis.edu/goat1.htm
The best wisdom is to use the diet that are in use for several centuries. With science and big dream of America, most forgot old diet habits that were developed over long periods of time without the inclination to make money or to follow some idolatrous scientific discovery. By example soy unfermented contains substances that may interfere with the endocrinian system, yet traditional diets in Asia contains little unfermented soy, where fermented soy foods are very healthy. Natto helps build bones.
I would guess that in biblical times they drank more sheep and goats milk.
Cow’s milk is bad for bones and calcium is a lie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prSMCxJBubQ
But, MBP (Milk Basic Protein) is important for bone formation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11471735
If this is a lie how come after 45 years of 2 litres of milk per day I have had multiple fractures?
It has to be true as this is the only apparent reason for these fractures,
I live in Australia and you do not see Asian people with crutches anywhere, they do not drink milk.
Hilary
Sorry to hear about your fractures.
I agree with Vivian that cow’s milk is bad for bones as it is acidic.
I said: Calcium is a lie which is a quote.
The title of the book is
“The Calcium Lie……”
https://www.amazon.com/Calcium-Lie-Doctor-Doesnt-Could/dp/0981581854
If you don’t agree with the author, go argue with him.
People (Asian or not) who don’t drink milk can have osteoporosis, fractures too. There are many reasons.
As a matter of fact, Asian females are a high risk group for osteoporosis.
Good luck!
Appreciate your comments. I drink soy milk now. I have heard that xylitol is also a good natural sweetner. Do you recommend its use?
Sandra
Natural???
You may want to check this out.
https://www.naturalnews.com/023469_sorbitol_diarrhea_doctors.html
Sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol are all six-carbon sugar alcohols.
Vivian may want to elaborate.
Xylitol is essentially sugar ( a form of sugar). All sugar alcohols are.
Sugar alcohols are acidifying. The Natural News article is a good read.
How do you feel about goat’s milk? After I was weaned fom Mother’s milk at 15 months, my Mother fed me goat’s milk. I am healthy today at age 69 inspite of many stresses and I contribute it to the way my Mother fed me as a baby. eg. mashed food that was grown from her garden and the very best of fruits and other hormone free foods. But my parents had a couple of goats and I drank this delicious drink.
Love your site.
Ruth
I envy you. I wish I had a goat too. The goat milk from the stores as you know is pasteurized. One alternative is to have RAW goat or sheep cheese i.e. not pasteurized.
Goat’s milk is closer in make-up to human milk than cow’s milk (just think about the size of the beast for a start) and easier to digest.
I’m 58 in March have surfed all my life & pretty active in other sports . I suppose I’m not full-on into the program . I still eat some of the foods I did b4 diagnosed with Osteo but less in quantity & made changes which make me lean to the positive angle . I can get a density test in April so see how I go , Rod
I switched from cows milk and cheese, to goats milk and cheese (pasture fed animals) Do you see a problem for me?
I’m not a doc… but as the cow’s milk is for calves, goat milk is for kids…
It’s less acidic and easier to digest than cow’s milk.
There are plenty of almond milk recipes available on the internet. I make my own almond milk – all you need is raw almonds, water and a few dates to add flavour. Check out the web.
Good for you. Almond milk in a box may have carrageenan.
One recipe here:
https://drbenkim.com/almond-milk-recipe.htm
And give your baby scurvy!