Calcium, as well all know, is the primary mineral within our bones. What many people do not know though is that our bones are living tissue just like the heart, kidneys, liver, etc.
Bones, like the rest of our organs are always losing and replacing cells. When we lose more cells than we replace on a daily basis, the bones become weak, fragile and can easily be broken.
Its pretty common to hear that an elder person or a grandparent fell and broke their hip. The solution, obviously, is more calcium, right? Wrong!
In a study conducted by the University of California - Department of Nutritional Sciences, and reported in the American Journal of Nutrition: Additional calcium, coral calcium or calcium carbonate is NOT the solution to weak or fragile bones (otherwise known as Osteoporosis).
LESS protein is. Huh? How can this be?
Excess protein or high protein diets, which are very common today, actually cause very high 'acid' levels within the body. Sodium is the first mineral that offsets the high acid levels and calcium is the second. Much of our sodium gets lost through our kidneys so calcium bears the bulk of the load.
But, your Doctor tells you to get more calcium so that you will maintain strong bones and ward off Osteoporosis in later years. And what about all those commercials that tell you calcium supplements, calcium carbonate, or coral calcium are the key to strong bones.
Milk is surely the answer to strong bones due to the high calcium count in milk though, right?Not so fast.
While milk does contain a great source of calcium, once it has been pasteurized (all cow milk is pasteurized), the bonds that hold the minerals in place become altered and much of the calcium is lost and unusable. Even cows can't survive on pasteurized milk.
Check out the following study supporting the above:
The American Journal of Nutrition report I mentioned earlier revealed a 95 day study in which researchers monitored 6 individuals and tested the amount of calcium each lost in their urine. They were on a controlled diet that contained high levels of protein and 1400 grams of calcium which is approximately 75% more calcium than the 'Recommended Daily Dietary Allowance' says adults need.
The research found that the more protein these individuals ate, the more calcium they lost. And, additional calcium was not being absorbed into the blood.
Here's what the report said in exact words:
"The consumption of high calcium diets is unlikely to prevent the negative calcium balance and probable bone loss induced by the consumption of high protein diets."
Interesting.
The report also showed that at the rate the subjects were losing calcium, that would equate to about a 4% loss of bone calcium per year. It doesn't sound like a lot but how about over 10 or 15 years?
Finally, the study concluded that unless you cut back on the amount of protein you eat, you are almost guaranteed to develop osteoporosis over time.
[Source - Dr. M. Ted Morter, Jr., M.A,]
Dr. M. Ted Morter, Jr., M.A. reports that he now sees patients in their twenties and thirties showing indications of fragile bones and osteoporosis for the first time ever. He cites that it is due to the rapid change in our dietary practices over the last 30 years or so.
He goes on to say,
"High protein fast foods, convenience foods, preservatives, additives, and meals on the run are all relatively recent innovations. A sixty year old man, his forty year old son, and his twenty year old grandson have all participated in the "new improved" lifestyle for about the same length of time. As a result, each generation has been equally exposed to a long term, high protein diet. Each generation is in equal danger of suffering the consequences of excess protein and inadequate vegetable intake. Daily, each generation is losing an alarming amount of calcium."
[Fell's Health & Wellness Guide ? 2000]
Fascinating!
I must admit, I was quite shocked and surprised by these findings when I first learned of them myself this past summer having always been a 'high protein' advocate as a competitive athlete most of my life and always using a calcium supplement, calcium carbonate, or coral calcium at one point or another.
The Solution:
Take inventory of the amount of protein you are truly consuming on a daily and a weekly basis. You may be surprised just how much protein you are really exposing yourself to.
With that being said,
Cut back a bit on the protein and replace some of that protein with fresh, whole fruits and vegetables. You don't have to go over board. As always, my stance at 1 HealthTip.com is, and always will be, 'everything in moderation.'
Take it easy with all the calcium supplements, coral calcium, calcium carbonate tablets and chewables or eliminate them all together. They are not worth the paper on the label.
As you just read, more calcium is not the answer. Less protein is. And, equally as important to know:
Calcium in pill or tablet form is only about 10% absorbed by the body at best (Physicians Desk Reference) so make sure you're calcium supplement is in water soluble (liquid form) or it wont get into the blood stream or the cells of your body.
More information can be found at: http://www.1HealthTip.com
Andrew J. Cass is an Alternative Health Consultant, Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC) with a specialization in Integrative Nutrition, Age Management, and Personal Development. Regional Manager with one of the fastest growing, privately held Nutraceutical Corporations in the United States, Natural Health and Wellness Author, Editor, Entrepreneur. Member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), The American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC), the American Nutraceutical Association (ANA), The National Health & Wellness Club, The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Teachers College at Columbia University, The Center For Educational Outreach And Innovation. His consulting practice and home is in Miami, Florida. Contact: Andrew J. Cass, CNC (212) 969-9930 |
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