Milk = Osteoporosis

Milk = Osteoporosis

As a bone fan and potential orthopedic surgeon, the milk lie needs additional addressing. Firstly, the most common joint disorder, especially in western cultures, is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease[1]. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis which is characterized by inflammation and swelling, OA usually produces little swelling however, degeneration of hyaline cartilage and bone hypertrophy within the joint are OA hallmarks[1]. Incidentally OA usually starts as joint stiffness lasting less than 15 minutes a day then slowly progressing into full blown pain with joint movements [1]. Since my focus is preventive medicine; what can be done to prevent this common condition? Well, obesity increases the risk for OA, so weight control lowers the odds of developing this disease [2]. Additionally, there is also a correlation between poor diet (such as high fat)early in life and OA[3]. This suggest that a plant based diet may slow or even prevent the disease [1]. This means OA dose not have to stay a “common condition” in this new era, starting with the youth.
Got milk…get osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease distinguish by progressive thinning of the bone matrix and cortex[1]. Consequently, Americans consume more milk and its products than most of the worlds populations[4]. In particular, American woman over the age of 50 have one of the highest rates of hip fracture in the world, second only to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand where they consume even more milk than the United States[5]. Additionally, in a 2000 study it was found that hip fracture, a major health problem, varies in incidence among the populations of different countries and is directly related to animal protein intake, a finding that suggests that bone integrity is compromised by endogenous acid production consequent to the metabolism of animal proteins. Hence, plant based foods provide a countervailing effect, because they are a rich source of base (bicarbonate) in the form of metabolizable organic anions, which can neutralize protein-derived acid and supply substrate (carbonate) for bone formation [5]. Put down that chicken leg or loose mobility of your own leg! Conversely, the study of 72, 000 woman for 18 years found milk consumption had no benefit in the prevention of hip fractures or bone strength and may have even contributed to overall bone weakness [5]. Wow, wipe off that milk mustache Serena!
Lastly, a new day is dawning in wellness creation. Treatment should be focused on prevention, symptomatic therapy and slowing disease progression [1]. Currently, there are many therapies for people suffering from osteoporosis however, the primary therapy is to immediately eliminate all dairy from the diet , consume adequate amounts of calcium backed by vitamin D and frequent weight bearing exercises to increase bone mineral density [1]. Welcome to the 21st century and wellness creation!
eddie S


References:
1. Barnard ND, Reilly JK, Weissinger R, Jaster BJ, Kahan S, Smyth C: Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, vol. 2. Washington, DC: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine; 2009.
2. Lievense AM, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Verhagen AP, van Baar ME, Verhaar JA, Koes BW: Influence of obesity on the development of osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2002, 41(10):1155-1162.
3. Peterson RO, Vucetich JA, Fenton G, Drummer TD, Larsen CS: Ecology of arthritis. Ecol Lett 2010.
4. Campbell TC, Campbell TM: The China study : the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted and the startling implications for diet, weight loss and long-term health, 1st BenBella Books edn. Dallas, Tex.: BenBella Books; 2005.
5. Frassetto LA, Todd KM, Morris RC, Jr., Sebastian A: Worldwide incidence of hip fracture in elderly women: relation to consumption of animal and vegetable foods. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2000, 55(10):M585-592.