New Study: Increased milk intake does NOT protect against osteoporosis (but does promote ovarian and prostate cancers)

I have been saying this to my patients for years!  Glad there's another article to prove I'm right :-)  (grin)

You hear it all the time: drink milk to get enough calcium to protect yourself from osteoporsis! 

But is it true?

Numerous definitive studies provide the answer: No, milk does not protect against osteoporosis -- in fact, it may be a cause.

Despite the dairy industry-funded ads featuring famous people wearing milk moustaches and implying that milk will protect you from bone fractures, it's long been known that countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis, such as the United States, England, and Sweden -- consume the most milk. China and Japan, where people eat less animal protein and little or no dairy food -- have low rates of osteoporosis.

Flying in the face of the usual corporate "milk-for-strong-bones!" propaganda is the latest study on the subject. A recent meta-analysis (2010 Oct 14 - Epub) of cohort studies of over 500,000 men and women found no relationship between milk intake and hip fracture rate.

You probably haven't heard about this study, despite the fact it highlights results from over a half million people. But this is an example of what happens when "health experts" in the mainstream media appear on shows which rely on financial support (advertising) from food companies, especially the dairy food industry.

In this new study, researchers were looking at the relationship between calcium intake from milk and hip fracture rates (the chief indicator used for studying osteoporosis).  

The researchers concluded, in October of 2010:

 

"In the meta-analysis of cohort studies, there was no overall association between milk intake and hip fracture in women but more data are needed in men." (abstract)

In other words, there is no evidence milk plays any role in preventing osteoporosis.

Perhaps interesting is the fact that this study -- showing milk plays no role in osteoporosis -- appears in the journal for the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, which is supported by the National Dairy Council. (See here)

These results are consistent with other meta-analyses carried out over the years, examining milk intake and bone health.  For example a 2004 meta-analysis was carried out on 39,563 men and women from six prospective cohort studies followed for 152,000 person years. The conclusion:

"A low intake of calcium (less than 1 glass of milk daily) was not associated with a significantly increased risk of any fracture, osteoporotic fracture or hip fracture. There was no difference in risk ratio between men and women... No significant relationship was observed by age for low milk intake and hip fracture risk. We conclude that a self-reported low intake of milk is not associated with any marked increase in fracture risk and that the use of this risk indicator is of little or no value in case-finding strategies." (full text)

Another meta-analysis from 2005 included over 170,000 women and over 68,000 men and looked at calcium intake in relation to osteoporosis. The conclusion:

"Pooled results from prospective cohort studies suggest that calcium intake is not significantly associated with hip fracture risk in women or men. Pooled results from randomized controlled trials show no reduction in hip fracture risk with calcium supplementation, and an increased risk is possible. For any nonvertebral fractures, there was a neutral effect in the randomized trials." (full text)

Here's a 2004 study looking at bone health in kids and young adults, concluding:

"Scant evidence supports nutrition guidelines focused specifically on increasing milk or other dairy product intake for promoting child and adolescent bone mineralization." (study)

Better known in the medical research is the fact that there is a significant cross-cultural association between consumption of animal protein (including milk) and hip fracture rates.

In plain language, protein from animal foods -- including milk -- causes osteoporosis. The mechanism for this is now well known.

An older study (1991) found a significant cross-cultural association between animal protein and hip fracture rates. (pdf file of study)

In a joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation, the experts had the following to say in regards to the calcium paradox:

"The paradox (that hip fracture rates are higher in developed countries where calcium intake is higher than in developing countries where calcium intake is lower) clearly calls for an explanation. To date, the accumulated data indicate that the adverse effect of protein, in particular animal (but not vegetable) protein, might outweigh the positive effect of calcium intake on calcium balance." (WHO/FAO report)

Plain speak: Milk appears to do more harm than good.

WHO/FAO released more recent information in regards to animal protein and bone health, showing clearly that the more animal protein consumed, the higher osteoporosis rates. Conversely, those populations experiencing the best bone health, have both the lowest animal protein intake, and the highest vegetable protein intake. And those with the least osteoporosis also consume the least calcium in general, see this WHO/FAO report.

A table from this report illustrates the varying levels of animal protein consumption by region (which has increased significantly in many areas since this report):

On another note, we recently highlighted results of the EPIC Study in an article on vegsource.com that indicates milk causes prostate cancer. 

From the study:

"High intake of dairy protein and calcium from dairy products and high serum concentration of IGF-I were associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer." (abstract)

The results from the Epic Study are largely consistent with the results from the 2007 report of a systematic literature review produced by the expert panel of the World Cancer Research Fund. Their conclusion regarding dairy and calcium intake and prostate cancer:

"The evidence, from both cohort and case-control studies, is substantial and consistent with a dose response relationship. There is evidence for plausible mechanisms. Diets high in calcium are a probable cause of prostate cancer." (study)

Another meta-analysis done in 2005 also revealed the relationship between Dairy and ovarian cancer:

"In conclusion, prospective cohort studies, but not case-control studies, support the hypothesis that high intakes of dairy foods and lactose may increase the risk of ovarian cancer." (see study)

Another study that included over 60,000 women also found a relationship between milk and ovarian cancer:

"In conclusion, this prospective cohort study provides evidence that high intakes of lactose and dairy products, especially milk, may increase the risk of serous ovarian cancer." (see full study)

Another meta-analysis found that dairy products increase the risk of Parkinson's disease:
       "These data suggest that dairy consumption may increase the risk of Parkinson's   
       disease,  particularly in men." (see study)

Despite the Dairy industry touting the supposed protective effects of dairy role in colorectal cancer, a 65-year follow-up study found that:

"High childhood total dairy intake was associated with a near-tripling in the odds of colorectal cancer." The study concluded that "A family diet rich in dairy products during childhood is associated with a greater risk of colorectal cancer in adulthood."

The researchers pointed out that dairy consumption elevates IGF-I, and that IGF-I increases the risk of colorectal cancer, among other cancers. (see full study)

The Harvard School of Public Health made the following statement in regards to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (corporate-approved) food guide pyramid and dairy consumption:

"The recommendation to drink three glasses of low-fat milk or eat three servings of other dairy products per day to prevent osteoporosis is another step in the wrong direction. Of all the recommendations, this one represents the most radical change from current dietary patterns. Three glasses of low-fat milk a day amounts to more than 300 extra calories a day. This is a real issue for the millions of Americans who are trying to control their weight. What's more, millions of Americans are lactose intolerant, and even small amounts of milk or dairy products give them stomachaches, gas, or other problems. This recommendation ignores the lack of evidence for a link between consumption of dairy products and prevention of osteoporosis. It also ignores the possible increases in risk of ovarian cancer and prostate cancer associated with dairy products."

The truth is out there -- and in here. But as you can see, if you get your health information from the US government, or from the corporate-funded US media, you may end up obese, osteoporitic, or worse -- with cancer. 

And don't look to organizations like the American Dietetic Association for reliable nutritional advice either; major funding for the ADA comes from their "corporate partner," the National Dairy Council. In fact, the ADA, which positions itself as the source of healthy nutrition information, receives millions from companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Unilever, General Mills, Mars, ConAgra, and the National Cattlemen's Association, among many others, to do their work in developing nutritional advice. Just check the ADA's Annual Report. When it comes to getting good health and nutrition info, buyer beware.

What is known for sure, even if it's not well publicized, is that one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health is to avoid all forms of dairy -- milk, chese, butter, etc. Fortunately, with so many healthy alternatives out there, it's become much easier to do.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks are due to TW who provided study information andn other material for this article. 

Jeff Nelson, Founder VegSource.com

The Wisdom of Pause at Winter Solstice

Inside of me there is a great space
Full of wisdom and joy,
Love and happiness...
I am just too busy to visit
For more than a few moments...


You see I have a life
Responsibilities
Goals
Aspirations
Things to do
Things that take my time
For more than a few moments

Don't get me wrong
Some of the taking of time is good
It fuels my heart and spirit
Feeds me and my family
And gives me a sense of purpose
For more than a few moments

But some of the time
That is taken and spent
On the to do's, must do's and should do's
I would like to take back
For myself
For more than a few moments

Does that make me selfish?
Does that make me greedy?
How will it all get done if I don't do it myself?
These are the thoughts that fill my head
When I think about taking my time back, creating space for me
For more than a few moments

But today I think I will change the channel
And tune my mind into a new thought stream
One that broadcasts messages like
Yes, take time, create space for yourself
For more than a few moments

For the act of creating space, slowing down, pausing
Is not one of slacking, selfishness or greed
But a daring choice of self-love
Your body, mind and body were built to pause
For more than a few moments

But in a world so un-pause friendly, the pause can seem impossible.
Until you change your channel
And tune into to the natural pauses of the earth
And match your body, spirit and mind to hers
For more than a few moments

On this day, Winter Solstice as the day goes black for long
I invite you to dance with the earth to the slowest of waltzes
Slow down your internal rhythm, move with stillness,
Find silence, reflect on your year past, and celebrate yourself
For more than a few moments

In fact take the whole night.
To love the woman or man you have become
Through the passing of this 12 months time
After all, don't you deserve to soak in all you have done and become
For more than a few moments

Find gratitude for the surprises the year has brought.
Celebrate your successes.
Embrace your failures.
And on this night, find, gather and benefit from the Wisdom you earned over the year
Because you chose to pause on Winter Solstice, for more than a few moments.




by Christine Arylo, inspirational catalyst and founder of the international day of self love. 
http://www.christinearylo.com

art by Shiloh Sophia McCloud www.shilohsophia.com

Let Food Be Our Medicine - Dr. Brian Clement of the Hippocrates Health I...

The Past

The past does not equal the future.

Because you may have failed a moment ago,
all day today, or for the last six months,
or for the last sixteen years,
or the last fifty years of your life
...doesn't mean anything.
All that matters is
what are you going to do now?!

--Anthony Robbins

Toxic Skies

POLLUTION post written by my friend Eri Hariono

It is the public enemy number one in the city where I live, the capital city of Indonesia.  As I have been raised here most of my life, I feel the environment condition was at its best condition when I was a little girl. Very less pollutant, either in the air, water, land, and especially noise. Nowadays, the air pollution reaches the first rank in here, follow by water pollution, noise pollution and land pollution. Based on WHO data, Jakarta-Indonesia ranked the third from 15 most polluted cities in the world.

What is AIR POLLUTION?

According to Tutorvistadotcom, “It is the release of harmful gases, chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. Common examples include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and nitrogen oxides produced by industry and motor vehicles. Burning of fuels like coal petrol or diesel in vehicles and factories releases harmful gases which make the air dirty and unfit for breathing.” Thus, it’s not only affecting the humans, also the animals and the plants. Based on a recent study, high concentration of particulate matter, aerosol and dust in Jakarta makes the atmosphere heavy with haze and air pollution is one of the biggest health hazards faced by Jakarta in the present time. Further study revealed that air pollution also is a carcinogen, “Toxins from the inhaled air also will be hazardous to the blood and lungs. In the worst cases, people at risk can get lung cancer and leukemia from long-term exposure to polluted air”. One recent analysis of Jakarta estimated that some 1,400 deaths, 49,000 emergency room visits, and 600,000 asthma attacks could be avoided each year if particulate levels were brought down to WHO standards

The past few years, my family and friends have felt this pollution in our city is enormously overwhelming our health. The hustle and bustle of vehicles every hour in the streets, are contributing a great deal to air pollution, not to mention the noise pollution in housing area. Everytime I look up to the sky here, it amazed me seeing the grey-white on the sky during the daytime, which looks like ‘covering down’ as a huge layer for Jakarta. I have no clue whether this could possibly the result of heavy air pollution in this megapolitan city? I miss a lot the blue skies I used to see whenever I need to energize and recharge my spirit. I also notice the abnormality of the weather pattern here. It seems we are now experiencing strange weather pattern changes. We believe as the result of this heavy air pollution, many of my friends, my family and even I have been experiencing several similar symptoms: chronic fatigue when we wake up in the morning, tiredness, insomnia, lack of focus, memory loss, dizziness, splitting headache, flu like symptoms, cough, and sore throat. Experts say the capital’s air contains the hazardous substance, one reason being that thousands of vehicles from outskirt Jakarta travel here every day and they emit lead. A high lead content in human blood, particularly children, can cause anemia, lower intelligence, behavioral problems, affect fertility, and disrupt the nervous system. Moreover, the combustion gases can cause flu-like symptoms, respiratory illnesses, or even death.

I found it very intriguing when I am searching to learn more about chemtrails, those above mentioned symptoms almost the same with the symptoms experienced by the people who were being under chemtrails spraying in their skies. Is there such thing called a coincidence here?
For a decade, some independent scientists in the Western countries have been trying to find out the chemical components from the chemtrails by researching the rainwater, tap water and the soil in cities that had heavy chemtrails spraying. Based on the testing, indicates abnormally high levels of aluminum, also appear to contain other heavy metals, including barium, strontium and titanium — as well as fibers and spores. Numerous tests have been done to verify that these poisons are off the scale in their toxicity. They are documented in the water, soil, and in the air.

My doctor, Dr. Aviandy Sukarto, MSc, SpKP (specialized in aerospace medicine and herbal remedies) explained that the aforementioned heavy metals could cause respiratory diseases and also have the ability to further damage the respiratory organs. In addition, affect fertility and triggering cancer illness because those kinds of heavy metals are carcinogen. How all these air toxin affect peoples’ healths vary according to intensity and duration of exposure.

We are breathing toxic pollutants from our air. Although I never saw any chemtrails being sprayed in Jakarta, but we are facing the same condition with our fellow citizens whose skies of blue have been sprayed by chemtrails: toxic skies. On the other hand, the chemical components might be different between the air pollution from the vehicle emissions and the chemtrails, but the impact to us is similar. Exposures to these chemicals are a health risk for all of us. It is a matter of our basic rights: breathing a healthy air free from any toxins. Our life and death is at a stake here.

The Triple-Filter Test

Author Unknown

In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge
in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great
philosopher and said, "Do you know what I just heard about
your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before you talk to
me about my friend, it might be good idea to take a moment
and filter what you?re going to say. That?s why I call it
the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth. Have
you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me
is true?"

"Well, no," the man said, "actually I just heard about it
and..."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don?t really know if
it?s true or not. Now, let?s try the second filter, the
filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about
my friend something good?"

"Umm, no, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something
bad about my friend, but you?re not certain it?s true. You
may still pass the test though, because there?s one filter
left?the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me
about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is
neither true, nor good, nor even useful, why tell it to me
at all?"

Life’s like a cup of coffee.

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. 

Offering his guests coffe, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortiment of cups. Porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite. 

He told his guests to help themselves to the coffee. After averyone had a cup in the hand, the professor said, “If you noticed, all the nice looking and expensive cups have been taken, leaving behind the plain and the cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. 

Be assured that the cup adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup. But you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other’s cups to see who had the best one. 

Now consider this. Life is the coffee, the job, money and position in the society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain LIFE and the type of cup we have, do not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups!! The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. 

Live simply. Speak kindly. Care deeply. Love generously.
Life is like a cup of coffee.

Author unknown.

What does it mean to be a disciple?

When A Guru was dying, one of his young disciples asked him,

"Guru, who was your Master?"

He said, "I had thousands of masters. If I just relate their names it will take months, years and it is too late. But three masters I will certainly tell you about.

One was a thief. Once I got lost in the desert, and when I reached a village it was very late, everything was closed. But at last I found one man who was trying to open a door of a house. I asked him where I could stay and he said: 'At this time of night it will be difficult, but you can stay with me - if you can stay with a thief'. And the man was so simple. I stayed with him for one month! And each night he would say to me, 'Now I am going to do my work. You rest, you pray.' When he came back I would ask 'Could you get anything?' He would say, 'Not tonight. But tomorrow I will try again, Heaven willing.' He was never in a state of hopelessness, he was always happy.

When I was meditating for years on end and nothing was happening, many times the moment came when I was so desperate, so hopeless, that I thought to stop all this nonsense. Then suddenly I would remember the thief who would say every night, 'Heaven willing, tomorrow it is going to happen.'

My second master was a dog. I was going to the river, thirsty and a dog came. He was also thirsty. He looked into the river, he saw another dog there -- his own image -- and became afraid. He would bark and run away, but his thirst was so much that he would come back. Finally, despite his fear, he just jumped into the water, and the image disappeared. I knew that a message had come to me from Heaven: one has to take the leap in spite of all fears.

The third master was a small child. I entered a town and a child was carrying a lit candle. He was going to the temple to put the candle there.

'Just joking,' I asked the boy, 'Have you lit the candle yourself?' He said, 'Yes sir.' And I asked, 'There was a moment when the candle was unlit, then there was a moment when the candle was lit. Can you show me the source from which the light came?' And the boy laughed, blew out the candle, and said, 'Now you have seen the light going off. Where has it gone? You will tell me this first!'

My ego was totally shattered. And that moment I felt my own stupidity. Since then I dropped all my knowledge ability. It is true that I had no master. That does not mean that I was not a disciple. I accepted the whole existence as my master. My Disciple hood was a greater involvement than yours is. I trusted the clouds, the trees. I trusted existence as such. I had no master because I had millions of masters & I learned from every possible source.

To be a disciple is a must on the path. What does it mean to be a disciple? It means to be able to learn. To be available to learn to be vulnerable to existence.

With a master you start learning to learn.

The master is like a swimming pool where you can learn how to swim.

Once you have learned, all the oceans are yours."

Post thanks to Kavita Mohan Menda