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
i took fosamax,calcium 1200 mg,magnesium,zn,vit.d3,for one year[i still have osteoporosis]i cant play aerobic.
Fosomax. inhibits the death and breakdown of bone cells. But this breakdown is a natural process. for the old cells must die and be taken away for new cells to be full of the minerals. So fosamax takers have bones that age prematurely. 20 years on the drug your bones age 35 years. old bones break easily but can still be full of calcium. old crystallized calcium. Vit E . “mixed tocoferols.” This is the vitamin that kills old cells and helps them to dissolve so they can be replaced. so your year was wasted. Sorry.
I can agree with your comments about milk and do not consume it myself. But what about the provision of school milk during the 1940’s and the subsequent disappearance of ricketts in children
Very interesting reading all the comments.I’m a great beleiver in natural remedies.I’m not entirely sure about milk being bad for everybody.My mother lived to the age of 95 & never had a fracture.I’m more concerned about the obsession people have with cutting fat out of their diets.I always go for the full fat variety cheese,milk,yoghurt,even as far as asking for meat with fat.I think a lack of fat stops people absorbing nutrients.I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis & since I have been taking a probiotic drink & eating plenty of natural yoghurt my symptoms have disappeared.
Hi Eluned,
As I say in the blog post, unsweetened fermented dairy products like yogurt are acid neutral and just fine! And as you’ve noted, they can indeed have a beneficial effect on digestive issues. So go for it! 🙂
You can buy Yogurt in 1 to 5 lt drums. half the price. No added sugar and the pro biotic level is much higher. check around the little shops . Halal yoghurt. Greek yoghurt. The little 200 ml tubs are full of sugar. Cane sugar and High Fructose Corn syrup used in sweetning should not be consumed. Very hard for the liver.
Thank you Vivian – I have been saying that milk is not meant for people since I was 4 years old.
Everytime I was forced to drink it (raw or homogenized) I was violently sick. And was punished for not drinking my milk properly.
I have always had the belief that milk/dairy (except plain Yoghurt) did not give you strong bones – my hubby drank copious amounts of milk all his life – and he has the worst teeth (now plastic).
Whereas I (who had very very little milk) have had strong good teeth with no cavities (until aged 30+)
in fact I still have great teethwith very few cavities.
We only drink clean rainwater from our tanks. No fluoride etc.
About four years ago I was medically diagnosed with Lactose Intolerance. My body was trying (unsuccessfully) tell me that milk was not good for me.
Thanks again – everybody always shouted me down and told me to be sensible and drink milk for my bones. Ha! I was tested for bone density and have the skeleton of a 22 year old woman I’m 60.
No wonder you are violently sick when you are forced to drink milk. It is because you are lactose intolerant, not because milk is bad. It is just plainly because you are allergic to one of the milk’s component…
And for the teeth, drinking milk alone doesn’t keep your teeth in a good condition. You need to keep a good oral hygiene, so I don’t see the relation between your hubby drinking milk and bad teeth.
Great information. Alot of confusing info these days thouhg, i will try to limit milk intakei like yoyhurtso im happy. Thank u for the work,
Dear Vivian,
I just read your article about cows milk and its effect on bones. Would colostrum be a problem as well? I was diagnosed with osteopenia but I take colostrum to build up my immune system. The brand of colostrum I take comes from USDA grade A dairies that are hormone, pesticide, antibiotic and rBST free. Thank you for your help.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Colustrum is OK. The substance found in colostrum, binds to glucose-modified proteins bearing AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and prevent damage to collagen. More recently, researchers in New Zealand discovered that lactoferrin injections (which contain colustrum) directly at the fracture site may help with new bone growth.
of course the milk they sell today is bad for you ! It’s full of anti-biotics,hormones and is watered down. Drink RAW MILK it’s the best.
Do you know pasturization was invented for making BEER ?Stop buying into the hype eat what your grandparents ate and you’ll live longer.
I have never been much of a milk drinker or cheese eater my whole life so I don’t miss it…but I have been using Protein Whey (the good(?) kind that is raw, organic, grass fed cows with no heat processing)…I thought that this was a way to get some protein in a good way..am I wrong??? I try to do a breakfast smoothie and get in as much good stuff as I can and that is where I use it….if this type of whey is not acceptable, is there another protein that I can use? Also, is there a particular brand of almond milk? I am trying not to buy anything processed or with bad lists of ingredients and I haven’t found an almond milk that looks natural to me. THANKS!! I have just purchased your program (yesterday) and eagerly look forward to going thru it (I was recently told I needed to take Fosamax and refused – the doctor thought I was being uncooperative and didn’t know what was good for me…might be trying to find another doctor in near future too!!)
I was on Fosamax for 4 yrs., and 3 yrs. ago I fell, and broke my radial bone so bad that my dr. told me don’t fall again, because I may not be able to fix it again. I quit taking Fosamax.Anybody try Iprilflavone??
Hi Connie,
Whey is fine. And I don’t recommend a particular brand of almond milk. Just try to find one with as few added ingredients as possible, and preferably organic.
Really? I find it very hard to buy into the fact that milk is so bad for you. I think that in the years to come researchers will find that just like the egg that was sooo horrible and detrimental is actually good for us. Go figure. If I bought into every “scientific” find, I’d still think the earth was flat.
I was always an avid milk drinker in my youth. In my teen years, I consumed on avereage a gallon of whole milk a day. It never made me fat, and, while I don’t consume it in such vast amounts, at 48 years old I am extremely healthy, have awesome bone density, good nails, hair, teeth, etc… My one sister who never touched milk has the frail bones, some heart palpitation issues, weaker teeth, and so forth.
I am sure the research has been extensive and thorough, but everyday one scientific theory is negated with another. The real problem is too much human meddling in what nature intended.
Very interesting reading all the comments.I am posting against this one because my experience was just the opposite. Both of my sisters never liked milk, still rarely drink it. I was the milk lover all my life, and I am the only one of the 3 of us that has osteopenia…..
lets face it, there are too many people on the planet to feed naturaly.
Mass production of foods is an unfortunate requirement to satisfy the demand for foods.
Cloning, growth hormones, yeild hormones etc etc are a result of this.
I don’t think that taken in moderation anything is that dangerous.
However we must always be aware of individual problems suffered. some people can process milk protiens without a catch, some have severe reactions.
at the end of the day, a varied diet, taking in a range of foods, in a balanced way should not be a long term problem.
I have lost track of how many new fad foods have come out, cranberies, blue berries, etc etc, good for this, good for that !
It’s all good, if it suits your system, but don’t go mad on it, just incorporate a little of it into your overall varied diet.
Let’s face it, if we study it case by case, it will always contradict. Everyone got their own body condition, and the effect of milk on one person is not the same in others. Your ospenia problem might not caused by the milk, but maybe because other factors such as genetics, other food consumed, or your lifestyle…
I grew up on a dairy. Helping my Dad milking the cows. I would drink 1 pint mug of milk twice each milking morning and night. I developed a duodenal ulcer. Tests found too much fat on my liver and Gallbladder. Causing too much acid causing the ulcer.
Australian Govt statistic show that we consume 40 grams of animal fat.”Omega 6″ Milk Red Meat. to 1 gram of fish fat. “Omega 3” the ratio should be 4 to 1. A reason for some sicknesses
What do think of Dr. K Fuch’s (a Naturopath), program about “Ultimate Bone Formula” that has Strontium in it plus other minerals? I am taking that and was hoping that it would ease all of my bone issues?
Hi Felicity,
This formula contains 500 mg of strontium. Please read my recent blog post, Strontium Demystified, to see why I think this is an excessive amount. This formula also doesn’t appear to contain any calcium. In addition, I don’t believe that supplements alone are the entire answer. A multi-pronged approach like The Osteoporosis Reversal Program would be a better bet.
I agree that milk is not the best for you, but I have been drinking milk (organic for the most part)heavily for over 43 years and I have never broke a bone, never have problems with my intestins, I have a great bone density and I love the taste. If milk was that bad for you, I wouldn’t be in such a good shape. I just think that we cannot blame milk solely for all the problems we have. There are other factors as well. I enjoyed reading your article, though.
Thank you for sharing this important information, I will pass your web to friends.
Best regards.
I question the milk information. I believe it is the dead/pasteurized/homogenized milk that is doing the damage. I also believe raw goat, cow or sheep’s milk is healthy.
Yes your right. try reading the Douglas report. a doctor but a maverick. tells it like it is and uses natural healing also. He had a newsletter recently about this. Called it poison. Also cows milk has a big fat molecule where the Goat and sheep’s milk has a small molecule. .If I have a full glass of cows milk it forms a big curd and causes dyspepsia. where the Goat and sheep doesn’t. “https://clicks,douglassreport.com//t/AQ/AAVTfg/AAVe6Q/5ZI/AQ/Aqwa3w/tGOF”
What is the best type of Calcium supplement. What do you think of CalcichewD3? Your comments on cows milk I found very interesting, but most medics would disagree.
hey vivian..i want to know is dark chocolate then much better then milk chocolate?
It’s the cocoa that has nutrients good for you. A bit like Red wine. Poliphenols etc..
Hi vivian,
I have a couple of questions. 1. Is Agave as a sweetner good or bad for bones? 2. I was put on fosomax quite a while back and after a few years, maybe 3 or so, developed heartburn and so the doctor said that meant I was allergic to fosomax and the like, by mouth and had me go and get the once a year infusion instead 1st one was about 2 years ago with no side affects but my hair did thin out for about 6 months. Had a 2nd one in November 2011 and again no side effects but going through the hair thinning again. Now that I have done much research and gathered information, I will not be having anything to do with any form of the biophosphonates. My question is…….”am I ruined after having had 2 infusions?? Can I find my way out of the damage, if any, from the oral and infusions??
Thanks for the wealth of information you are providing and showing us a healthier way to deal with the bone issues.
Linda
Fosamax stops the death and breakdown of bone cells. BUT that is a natural process. cells grow old and must die and be cleaned out to receive new minerals Etc. Fosomax for 20 years and your bones are 35 years older. old bones can break as easily as osteoporotic bones
what do you think of low fat dried milk with vitamin A and D
Dear Vivian,
I have read and heard about the cow’s milk problems over a few years but do still drink it. On reading your advice I will now try to see rice and almond availability. I have a problem with soya milk due to stroke problems. My eye doctor has advised no estrogen in any form due to a stoke/clot in my eye just over a year ago, as estrogen can be associated with stroke. I now have to be really careful with all products as soya is in so many cereals, breads etc.etc. What is the position on goats’ milk. Is that just as bad?
I love you question and answers Vivian. I make my own buttermilk from organic low fat milk, both pasteurized and homogenized by adding a start and letting it sit for 24hours in a dark area.
I also eat plain stroe bought yogurt. Are either of these harmful. If so I will discontinue. Thank you. Jane.
I just don’t understand. I have 2 friends who are really big milk drinkers all their lives and their bone density tests always come back good, no osteoporosis or osteopena, one is 68 and the other 82. I don’t drink milk and I have osteoporosis.
What about consuming yogurt from cow’s milk which if culture or fermented?Does it change the PH?
I am glad to read that yogurt is acid neutral. I make my own yogurt all the time. Haven’t drank milk since age of 18, now 90.
90 and computer literate as well. I’m impressed! I’d love to hear about what you have discovered about diet during your time on this planet.
I’m 62. Good health. Just found I have 75% bone density loss in hip & lumbar. Dr. wants me on fosamax. I’m scared to start taking it. I am deparatly looking for a natural cure. Is is too late for me? Can it be cured at this point?
Thank you
linda
I think your articles on the most part are very interesting and truthful. However, when you recommend drinking soy milk, that’s not a good recommendation. Please do more research on soy products. Soy is not good in any form, especially if you have low thyroid problems, it is very bad for your system. I have read many articles on soy not being good, at all. Other than the soy, you are right on.
Hi Carolann,
To set the record straight, I don’t recommend soy. I have said that using soy milk in small quantities on your cereal, for example, is ok. And yes, there are health conditions that would preclude eating any soy.
There are several concerns with soy, among them the phytoestrogen content and the fact that over half of all soy crops are genetically modified. To avoid the GMO issue, soy, if consumed at all, should be organic.
I read your Comment on drinking Soy Milk that it should be Organic. We’ve been drinking Soy Milk from a regular grocery store ever since my Daughter got a place of her own-(about 11 yrs. now). Because the label has said to be “Heart Healthy” and “100% Lactose-Free”. Therefore, easier on our stomachs and my Husband and I Haven’t Had Any Problems.
We drink Silk-Lactose Free.
Soy-As Natures Perfect Protein.
In fact, its pretty amazing stuff— the only plant based protein thats recognized as nutritionally complete. Silk-All Natural Soy Milk, brings you the very best from Soy. They use only natural soy beans grown without genetic engineering right here in North America.
You can learn more at
SilkSoymilk.com/Traceit
I agree with Carolann Lee. I drank soy milk from an early age because I have never liked the taste of cow’s milk. After drinking it for nearly 20 years I have now discovered how low my fertility is and it is nothing that any doctor can explain as I don’t have the classic symptoms of endometriosis or other complaints. Soy flour is in every bread on the market (even fresh bakery bread) and soy lecithin is in most chocolate, muesli bars and some “health foods”. It is so hard to avoid it that I certainly would not be voluntarily buying it and drenching my cereal in it every day. I have also stopped eating tofu but as tempeh is fermented I still eat that occasionally and enjoy it.
I liked your article on milk and the guide book on Osteoporosis. However, I felt there are unanswered questions, like
1. Did you ever found out the real cause that lowered your BMD the first time? (Was it due to endocrine condition or diet/life style?)
2. If one was found Osteoporosis due to reduced testosterone(like me), does your method still work?
Wanyen
I am a person of many moods… and they all require chocolate. Thanks for the great post!
Have you sen the terrific new book about the milk myth and bone health?
You may like to review it here. It’s called WHITEWASH: The Disturbing Truth about Cow’s Milk and Your Health by Joseph Keon
I am 69 your MILK article scared me I have been drinking milk my whole life(organic) can i reverse the damage that has been done.
thank you ann
On recommendation of a friend who was battling allergies, I tried Almond Milk. Sometimes I find the one that is not sweetened and sometimes I find the one that has 60 calories. Either one is fine for me – I love them both.
Please read H.H.F.’s comments regarding celiac disease. I was diagnosed with celiac at the age of 43. Four of my five siblings have it, as well as three nieces and two cousins. There have been many bone, joint, dental and neurological complications among us that went unexplained for years. Anyone who has osteoporosis – especially at a young age – should be screened.
What about 0% Fat Free Greek Yogurt?
I heard that this was a healthy choice.
Fact or fiction?
I love yogurt although I have no idea if it is harmful for tha bones
Hi Judy,
All cultured and fermented dairy products are acceptable for bone health. That being said, I don’t promote eating large quantities of these products, but rather, it’s one more category of foods that helps promote good bone health and overall health. Unsweetened plain yogurt also has friendly intestinal bacteria that helps the immune system and digestion.
I love Almond milk. I’m vegetarian working on being a vegan.
Hey thanks for this article! I never knew Milk was bad for bones! I always thought I should drink more of it. Glad that I didn’t! I’ll research more about this subject and probably start consuming milk alternatives now….. What do you think about the natural calcium tablets made by Amway? Are they any good?
Thanks for the advice.
Jack
https://latestexams.com/pro/
What are your views on a vegan diet? Many thanks. I love this article & show it to everyone x
when available let me know through email.Im guessing that I have some investigated as you do.Wore brace on back to keep it aligned and braces on both legs as well,this is why I say when you know the answers Ill be waiting.Please address to email provided.Oh and teeth are bad to.Osteopenia or something else?have hoshimoto thyroiditis as well.a little help.Sincerely ,frustrated
So what your saying is the body replaces,and the supplement is just an aggrivater,a well balanced diet and maybe a better look into proper vitamins,I dont beleive in vitamins,I beleive balanced meal fruits and vegetables and Im a good sailor,is this proper thinking.Never broke anything yet,and still wont carefullness allows that.proper diet and walking right.Im45 and 123 pounds.u tell me.
so calcium supplements are not a good idea?I eat five fruits a day and two servings of vegetables,my legs and by my buttocks are soar after I take calcium supplements,but I do feel more peppy please help.Its caltrecd but it has boron zinc magnesium and calcium,but once I miss a day of it my legs get sore and by my buttocks,anymore info please.
Ive been diagnosed with osteopenia,was told to take caltrecd a supplement.Im also watching my cholestrol level with allergie to milk as well.Will the caltrec D be enough to help my problem?Im all for the article regarding milk,a mom of four a major cholestrol adder on that.Thats my question.Oh Almond milk,Wouldnt it be better to eat almonds?A very concerned person as well as parent.
Vivian, you are right on as far as the danger of acidosis in our bodies. As your readers may not know, our blood Ph is normally 7.365, if it goes significantly lower than that, like 6.8 or less, you die. Because of the critical nature of your blood Ph, your body goes to extremes to avoid over acidity. Not only animal protein, but virtually all foods except fruits and vegetables, create acid residue. Osteoporosis is not the only “disease” caused by over acidity, as most disease producing pathogens as well as cancer cells become active and multiply when the body becomes over acidic. Once the body’s Ph is returned to normal, naturally with alkaline diet and alkaline water, nutritional supplements and exercise, the body heals itself of osteoporosis, asthma, acid reflux, hypertension, etc. Keep spreading the truth!
I am much interested in the information, I was raised on a dairy farm and drank unpastureized milk as a child. I love milk and have it often (in cooking and by the glass) but now I’m thinking that it probably isn’t good for any of us. I have osteoporosis very badly, probably at least 20 broken ribs, broken hip, shattered femur and shattered tibia, right wrist broken six times, all of these have been different falls (on the ice) from a chair, from a step stool, and etc. My leg was so badly shattered, the doctor said: “30 years ago we would have had to cut off your leg to save your life.” This all started at about 50 years of age. And it has never stopped ! I am now 65 and in pain everyday of my life.
The doctor put me on Actonel/and/or/Fosamax and I’ve been on it all those years. I fell in December 2009, (shattered the femur and wrist) and I quit taking the Fosamax. I don’t think it has helped one tiny bit, and I believe it contributed to my ‘shatterings’ !
P.S. You say (like it’s good for everyone) eat Walnuts, and Broccoli – – When I eat Broccoli – – I get horrible pains in my stomach and then very upset stomach from 4 to 8 hours! Walnuts give me sores in my mouth !
They taste terribly bitter to me, and I don’t eat things that make me sick. I hate Walnuts, but I love Broccoli, so it doesn’t always run with: “If it tastes bad, don’t eat it.”
I am doing some ‘other’ things now to help build bone, many times I hear: “Be sure to take Vitamin D with the Calcuim.” Well, that’s just fine and dandy, I’ve been taking Calcuim with Vitamin D, B-Vitamins, Oil, minerals, and etc., etc., since I was about 45 years old. IF YOUR BODY (AS MINE DOES) DOES not ASSIMILATE CALCUIM, ALL THE ‘SUGGESTIONS’ IN THE WORLD WON’T SOLVE THE PROBLEM !”
THERE IS OSTEOPOROSIS ‘thick’ in my family, my mother, my sister, (my sister has had three broken hips) my neice, my cousins, my daughters, my cousin’s daughters, my aunts….. and on and on it goes. This has not been a ‘problem’ only since 1964/65. My mother was born in 1907.
Anyway, hopefully you can reach others before they are so beat up that a ‘WAR’ couldn’t do much worse than Osteoporosis can do to a body (after the broken bones, of course).
AND one more thing: “I played softball on a City League until I was 48 years old.” Don’t tell me I didn’t exercise ! BECAUSE I DID !
Sincerely,
Loni Gregson
Vivian, you had sent an email on coQ10 and I was trying to read it again but cannot find it. Could you send it to me again, please. Thank you. Helen Emerick
Can the 300 mg of calcium in milk help to lessen the acidity of it?
IT’s too expensive.
I am confused mabout the milk theory.Just diagnosed but thought I was in pretty good health.Still thinking about your program.
I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis early this year with a T-score of – 2.8 in the spine. I have noticed that everything I see seems geared toward an older population when it comes to osteoporosis. Im only 49. My doctor says Fosamax, or Actonel, or Boniva, but I refuse. All the doctors I have seen laugh and shake their heads when I voice my concerns about taking these drugs. It gets so frustrating to try to find a doctor who will work with me to find a natural solution to help with this. I feel now that I am on my own to sort out what is the best course of action, and I have no idea where to start. Ive exercised regularly for years, take calcuim supplements and magnesium too. What else should I consider doing?
Where are the answers to the above listed questions?
Hi Janet and Betty,
I’m sorry you feel alone in your search for solutions. I can tell you that I never believe drugs are the answer and that many people have seen a return to bone health by following the natural approach advocated by The Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Hi Vivian,
Why am I not surprised at your article. I have never been one for drinking milk. I take very little in my tea and not much more in coffee (one cup per day) and yet my bones seem to be in good shape. I however do have arthritis or degeneration in the hips. Can you suggest anything. I love my veg . I did hear recently that taking magnesium may be more imprortant – can you confirm?
thankyou for this article i am shocked that drinking cow’s milk is so bad for us i will now only drink unsweetend soy milk.
There were 6 children in my family. My oldest sister never ever drank milk. She broke her arm several times, her nose and I don’t know what all over the years. Everytime she fell she broke something. I am 84 and I plan to continue drink milk, take calcium and exercise. The doctor does not know why I am so healthy. I take no Rx.
I love this article! I showed it to a work colleague too who found it really interesting.
(Sadly almond milk costs around 5 times more than cows milk in the UK!)
What is your view on a vegan diet?
Several years ago (1997-1998),I went through 3 separate chemo regimens over a 14 month period.
Last year (2009) my doctor sent me for a bone density scan saying that chemo often has a detrimental effect on bone density.
My bone density result was -2.9 (I understand acceptable range is 2.5 to -2.5).
He put me on Actonel plus extra Calcium plus vitamin D – in addition to a daily vitamin pill I take. He also told me to drink at least 1 and a half liters of milk daily. I followed his instructions.
Shortly after I found your website and became concerned. Doctor told me to ignore you and carry on – I did not – I stopped the Actonel but carried on with the Calcium, Vitamin D, and milk. I have now reduced the amount of milk to 1 or 2 glasses daily.
My ex-wife and I had 4 children. About 4 years ago she was put on Fosamax plus C & Vit. D. She developed severe hip pain, X-rays were misread, and finally her femur broke. It will not heal properly because of the poor condition of her bones.
Her doctor finally took her off Fosmax.
I have severe pain in the fleshy part of my hip BUT it does not seem to be in the bone – my doctor doesn’t seem concerned about it but I am.
Any thoughts on this?