 | by Amy Joy Lanou; Michael Castleman Print book |
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
An attention-getting title, but with a questionable message (2009-08-06)
This is book is pretty thought-provoking and even a little provoking. Having been diagnosed with osteoporosis a few years ago, I picked this up because I was curious what the authors could possibly mean by "Without Dairy Foods, Calcium, Estrogen, or Drugs".
Basically, they are stating three problems:
1. Eating animal protein leaches the calcium from your bones because animal protein causes your blood pH to become too acidic, and calcium is drawn from your bones to neutralize it.
2. Lots of studies show that eating calcium, Vitamin D and dairy do not prevent fractures.
3. Osteoporosis is *not* an epidemic in countries where meat is not eaten and dairy is not consumed in mass quantities. Also, in these countries people do not have to supplement to have good calcium levels.
So they advocate eating a meat and dairy free diet. And we should increase our intake of fruits and veggies because they are the mortar that holds the calcium bricks together. And, if we do eat animal protein at a meal, we need to eat lots of fruits and veggies to offset the acidity and prevent calcium loss. I can understand this. I think it's a good idea.
My problem with this book is that it sounds like they are discouraging calcium and Vitamin D supplementation. I think this is a mistake. I already have osteoporosis. I need to take my supplements.
I guess I'm just annoyed that the authors discourage calcium supplementation. For some of us, it's too late; and this book doesn't address those of us who have already passed into the negative numbers.
Overall though, I think the book was eye-opening and has given me food for thought. I'm going to give veganism a go, but I'm not going to beat myself up for eating the occasional hamburger (or chocolate milk, or ice cream cone).
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