Diary 51: Calcium Deficiency

As one ages, the normal trend is one is likely to experience what the medical professionals calls “calcium deficiency”. One is likely to have weak bone and may not be able to walk properly.

It is at this stage of time that one may experiences what is clinically known as “osteoporosis”, or bone mineral losses. It simply means that about 50 to 75% of the original bone material is lost.
What is the main cause of osteoporosis?

While it is caused by a number of things, the most important is excess dietary protein.

Would increased calcium intake solve the problem?

The answer is explained by Dr John McDougall, “I would like to emphasize that the calcium-losing effect of protein on the human body is not any area of controversy in scientific circles. The many studies performed during the past 55 years consistently show that the most important dietary change that we can make if we want to create a positive calcium balance that will keep our bones solid is to decrease the amount of proteins we eat each day. The important change is not to increase the amount of calcium we take in.” (cited in John Robbins, 1987. Diet for a new America.)

In short, high-protein diets in general, and meat-based diets in particular, bring about a gradual but inexorable decrease in bone density and develops osteoporosis.

To avoid osteoporosis later, reduce the consumption of high-protein food now!

Remember, “the important change is not to increase the amount of calcium we take in.”