Expert: Jayne Boyle - 6/21/2010

Question
Is it true that milk and other dairy products are acid forming foods, and therefore take calcium FROM the bones rather than help build them?  I read that countries with the highest rates of osteoperosis and bone fractures are countries with high-dairy diets, such as the US and western European countries.

I came across this information:

A Harverd Nurses' Health Study found that women who consumed the most calcium from milk and dairy foods broke more bones than those who rarely drank milk. (Source: Feskanich et al. "Milk, dietary calcium and bone fractures in women: a 12-year prospective study."  American Journal of Public Health, 1997.)

Any light you can shed on this will be appreciated!

Answer
Yes that is true only because our bodies are not equipped to break down the proteins and calcium in dairy.   Cows don't drink milk to grow bones they eat grass And the milk they porduce for their babies are for the claves with large stomach with better digestive power for the milk they consume.  Yogurt however is predigested milk and better for you. I have substituted lots of recipes with yogurt and eat it everyday. I have used it instead of sour cream or cream in quiches and other recipes. When my kids were little I made milk but added a little water. But make usre with dairy you at least buy organic.  They add hormones and antibiotics that mess up our system.Green leafy veggies are very high in calcium and almond milk is too. Jayne