Growing
up in the Western world, we were all told from a very young age that
drinking milk was the best way to keep our bones strong, because "milk
is the best source of calcium in the diet". Fast forward to present day,
and we know from various studies that women who consume more milk on a
regular basis have higher instances of osteoporosis than women who do
not drink milk.
The fact is that, like all animal protein, milk
causes the pH of the blood to become more acidic, which then the body
must correct and balance using sodium and calcium. If necessary, the
body will leech calcium from the bones in order to do this, as calcium
is great for neutralizing acidity, and will then release it from the
body via the urinary tract. Threrefore, the bones and the body are
losing calcium as a result of drinking milk. Many people are unable to
properly digest dairy as well. For these people, consuming dairy
products can cause mild to severe digestive upset, skin outbreaks, and a
variety of other symptoms (which sometimes go un-recognized).
There
is much more information to be discussed on this topic, but for today I
would just like to share with you some of the best alternatives to
dairy products that will provide your body with useable calcium, without
over-acidifying the system:
Sesame seeds, chia seeds, spinach (especially cooked), almonds, broccoli, kale, collard greens (fresh picked & frozen are highest), mustard and turnip greens, quinoa, brussel sprouts, beans (white, baked, blackeyed, etc), tofu and tempeh (soy), bok choy, peas, baking powder, and seaweeds
are all high in calcium as well as many other healthful vitamins and
minerals needed and used by the body. Dark leafy-greens provide calcium
that is bio-available while also providing the body with nutritent-rich
chlorophyll and fiber, which aids the digestive tract. Some dried herbs
also contain calcium! Dried herbs that are calcium rich include dill, basil, marjoram, thyme, oregano, poppy seed, mint, celery seed, sage, parsley and rosemary.
It
is also advisable to avoid excess sugar and sweets, and processed
carbohydrates. These food products cause a surge in blood-sugar and
insulin levels which, in-turn, causes a large excretion of calcium from
the body, and potentially the bones. This is true for soda and other
high-sugary drinks as well as sugary fruit juices. Caffeine is another
culprit in encouraging calcium loss from bones and the body, so limit
your intake of caffeinated products, like coffee.
