Healthy bones for Life

Diet and lifestyle are crucial for building and maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. Milk is no bone builder but there’s plenty of foods that are!

Your skeleton is the scaffolding that houses and protects your organs, gives your muscles something to cling to and stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. In the centre of some of your bones is red bone marrow, responsible for producing blood cells. So, far from being just a collection of bones, your skeleton is a living network of cells, fibres, minerals and blood vessels.

As bones grow, become worn or suffer minor damage from physical activity, they are constantly repaired. Damaged and worn bits are cleared away and new bone is built in the gaps.

Some 99 per cent of your body’s calcium is in your skeleton and so anything that affects calcium levels in the body – food, lifestyle, medication – has an impact on your bones. If the effect is negative it can result in bone loss leading to osteopenia (the forerunner to osteoporosis) and it can happen at any age. Women have a higher risk because of the dramatic drop in oestrogen at menopause – much greater than the corresponding decline of testosterone in men – and hormone levels are an important player when it comes to bone health.

Your bones, just like the rest of your body, need a wide range of nutrients to be healthy. If you have a bad diet and top it up with an extra dose of calcium, you won’t get the benefits you might think you’re getting and it can actually be harmful for your bones.

More calcium = better bones?

In the UK, a half of all women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture and this level of risk is fairly common in many Western countries. This simple fact destroys the old myth that osteoporosis is caused by calcium deficiency because those nations that consume the most cow’s milk and other dairy products have the highest rates of osteoporosis and hip fracture.

Bowl of fruit Getting the balance right

To keep your bones strong and healthy, it’s as important to know what weakens them as well as what strengthens them. The myth about people needing calcium from cows’ milk is so pervasive that you’d think vegans were boneless blobs, wobbling around the floor!

This is the crème de la crème (excuse the pun) of myths from the dairy industry: we, but especially our children, must have cows’ milk for strong bones and teeth.

Western nations have been duped into believing that we need to suckle from cows to obtain calcium! When you think about it, the notion is preposterous. After all, how did we develop a healthy skeleton for most of our evolution when we did not drink dairy? And how, today, do the majority of the world’s people have strong bones when they don’t consume dairy?

The latest figures from 63 countries show the truth of this, with a huge variation in fracture rates – some countries having 10 times as many fractures as others (Kanis et al, 2012).

Nations such as the UK, where dairy consumption is high (av. 270 grams dairy products a day), have the highest osteoporosis rates in the world. Nigeria, on the other hand, which eats a diet high in plantains,  tubers, wholegrains, vegetables and pulses and where only one per cent of the diet is dairy and less than three per cent is meat – has almost no cases of osteoporosis (National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria, 2010).

You may be wondering how Inuit (used to be referred to as Eskimos) people survive? When scientists studied them, one outstanding discovery was that after the age of 40, Inuits had high bone loss and fast progression of osteoporosis. This was attributed to a diet very high in animal protein and phosphorus and low in fresh fruit and vegetables (Mazess et al, 1974).

There are copious scientific studies showing that people eating a diet high in dairy products and animal protein have high bone loss. And conversely, that fresh fruit and vegetables protect and strengthen our bones. A huge analysis of 34 surveys from 16 countries found that 70 per cent of all fractures resulted from eating animal protein (Abelow et al, 1992). Not satisfied with that, another scientific team tested the same theory in a seven-year study of 1,035 women. They found that those with diets high in animal protein had almost four times more bone loss – and a 3.7 times higher risk of hip fracture – than women who ate the least amount of animal protein (Sellmeyer et al, 2001).

A highly-regarded study of more than 120,000 women lasting 12 years showed that eating more than 95g of protein a day significantly increased the risk of forearm fracture (Feskanich et al, 1996).

And there’s more! A gargantuan study of almost 80,000 women in the USA led by scientists at the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, examined whether by increasing your milk intake you can reduce the risk of fractures. It found that not only does milk not protect bones from fractures but that women drinking two or more glasses of milk a day increased their risk of hip fracture (Feskanich et al, 1997). A recent study looked at children and the growth of their bones and it concluded that animal foods, particularly meat, had a significant negative effect on bone mass increase (Zhang et al, 2010).

And an important review of 58 different scientific papers examining whether high calcium or high dairy intake improves bone health in children was published in the highly esteemed Pediatrics journal. It concluded neither option gives even a modest benefit (Lanou et al, 2005). One of the authors of this review, Professor Amy Lanou, PhD, holds a doctorate in human nutrition from Cornell University and her book, Building Bone Vitality, makes clear that for healthy bones we must:

  • Increase fruit and vegetable servings to six to 10 per day
  • Avoid or limit protein from animal sources (no meat, dairy and so on)
  • Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes every day)
  • Get adequate vitamin D through sunshine or a supplement
  • Obtain calcium and other bone–healthy nutrients from plant sources

When we consume dairy, calcium floods our body and much of it is quickly lost in our urine because so much of it can’t be immediately used or stored. Animal protein increases our absorption of calcium but this is not necessarily a good thing. The ongoing European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) studied almost 9,000, 35 to 67 year old women. It was carried out by the Department of Epidemiology at the German Institute of Human Nutrition and it showed that as animal protein intake increases, bone health deteriorates. Conversely, as vegetable protein increases, bones are found increasingly to be protected. This study accounted for age, weight, hormone replacement therapy, smoking, exercise, alcohol intake, menopausal status, education and occupation… in other words the scientists narrowed down the impact to the effects of protein alone (Weikert et al, 2005).

When we eat healthy plant foods, we are not overwhelmed with excessive calcium but instead we get a steady supply throughout the day. Our body then uses what it needs without depositing excess calcium in the wrong places, risking kidney stones and hardening of tissues – including blood vessels which can increase the risk of heart attack.

Also, when small amounts of calcium are absorbed into our blood, hormone regulation is more precise so that bone breakdown and build up is not overstimulated. However, osteoporosis is generally not a disease of low calcium. It is caused by many factors including bad diet (often with excess calcium and animal protein and low fruit and veg), smoking, alcohol consumption, low oestrogen or testosterone, lack of exercise and being underweight.

Despite relentless claims by the dairy industry, milk is neither the only nor the best source of calcium. It takes strength to stand up against a lifetime of propaganda – but that is what we have to do in order to sweep aside the myth that dairy is the holy grail for strong bones and teeth. In fact, the opposite is true. In terms of diet, the biggest favour you can do for  your bones is avoid dairy and all animal products and enjoy a wholefood vegan diet packed with fruit and vegetables, mushrooms, pulses, nuts and seeds and small amounts of vegetable oils.

Antipasti delicious dinnerHow to eat right?

The high alkaline content of many fruits and vegetables can counteract the effects of some acid-generating foods (see the chart in our guide pages 19-22) and generally promotes good health. The science is now absolutely clear – fruits and vegetables improve bone health in both children and adults. Aim for eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day – build it up gradually and you’ll be eating better in no time!

Calcium from plant foods doesn’t flood the body with excessive amounts but provides a steady supply throughout the day, which is used for your body’s immediate needs and keeps blood levels steady. If you fill your diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds and pulses, you’ll get all the calcium you need. Good sources are sesame and other seeds, tofu (calcium-set), pulses, almonds and Brazil nuts, green leafy vegetables (including broccoli), figs, cinnamon, oregano and parsley.

For calcium content of foods and to find out what other nutrients are important for healthy bones, please see our guide, pages 12-15.

How to encourage children to eat bone-friendly foods
  • Involve your child in meal preparation or cooking, depending on their age; try to get them interested in what they eat.
  • Let your child choose some fruit and veg in a shop.
  • Lead by example – if your children see you eating the same foods, it’ll encourage them.
  • Don’t get discouraged: young children may need as many 20+ exposures to a new food before they take to it. Keep each exposure to a new food low-key and relaxed.
  • Keep meal times happy and drama-free – that way kids trying to assert their independence won’t see food as a power battle!
  • Discourage unhealthy snacking between meals: if they fill up on crisps and chocolate they won’t be hungry enough to eat a proper meal – also, their taste buds will be blunted by fat and sugar!
  • Make fruit and veg visually attractive – arrange cut pieces in a fun shape and play with colours.
  • Chop fruit and vegetables in small, bite-size pieces.
  • Keep freshly cut vegetable sticks in the fridge.
  • Add dried fruit (unsweetened) and berries to your child’s cereal.
  • Always pack a small box of nuts and dried fruit in the lunchbox.
  • Always add vegetables to main dishes (aim for at least two types of veg per dish).
  • Serve some fresh cut vegetables on the side of the plate.
  • When making sauces, add tahini (sesame paste, rich in calcium and alkaline).
  • Make or buy smoothies rather than juice.
  • Try to switch from peanut to almond butter – it’s healthier and a good calcium source (you can spread it on bread but also on thinly sliced apples or pears).
  • Add beans and lentils to stews, soups (blend them if your child prefers that) and salads and use them pureed as sauce bases.
  • Serve pancakes with fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries) or savoury vegetable filling (eg spinach and tofu).
  • Soya yoghurt with chopped dried and fresh fruit is a great snack.
  • Avocados are a great source of energy – slice them in a sandwich or blend with beans or chickpeas into a spread.
Healthy bones: tips for grown-ups

Eat better, whatever your lifestyle. Here’s how:

  • If you eat cereal in the morning, add a handful of berries (fresh or frozen).
  • Dried fruit, nuts and seeds are an ideal snack, wherever you are (try almonds & raisins, pumpkin seeds & apricots, Brazil nuts & pears).
  • Aim to have at least three pieces of fresh fruit and veg as snacks throughout the day.
  • Eat a portion of fruit or vegetables before dinner.
  • Tofu stir-fries and lentil and bean dishes are the best choices.
  • Add beans and lentils to stews, soups, rice and pasta dishes and salads and use them pureed as sauce bases.
  • Always eat a big salad with a pasta dish – that’ll help you tip the balance towards alkaline side.
  • Casseroles and stews are very versatile – but make sure you don’t cook vegetables longer than necessary.
  • Always add vegetables to main dishes (aim for at least two types of veg per dish).
  • Although hummus and veg sticks are an easily available option, you might get bored. Make your own dip – just blend a can of beans or chickpeas with two spoons of tahini or pumpkin seeds, your favourite veg (peppers or steamed broccoli work well) and some salt and pepper (and any other spices you like).
  • Try to switch from peanut to almond butter – it’s healthier and a good calcium source (you can spread it on bread but also on thinly sliced apples or pears).
  • Experiment with fresh fruit in desserts – eg dip pieces of fruit in melted dark chocolate and serve with soya cream. Or chop up bananas and freeze, then blend with berries (fresh or frozen) and a few drops of vanilla extract for a delicious ice-cream.
  • Making biscuits? Try adding buckwheat flour, raisins and sesame seeds or ground almonds.

When you’re eating out:

  • Indian veggie options are a good choice, just ask for your dish to be cooked in oil and not ghee. An extra serving of saag (spinach) is also a good addition.
  • Italian pasta with tomato sauce and fresh herbs and fresh salads are great.
  • You can also go for a pizza without cheese and ask for extra grilled vegetables on top.
  • Jacket potatoes with chilli beans and salad is a good quick lunch.

How much calcium do we need?

How well you absorb calcium depends on your age. It’s highest in infancy (50-60 per cent), especially from breast milk, but by adulthood it drops to about 30 per cent.

This is how much calcium (mg/day) you need at different ages:

 

Children

  • 0-12 months: 525 mg
  • 1-3 years: 350 mg
  • 4-6 years: 450 mg
  • 7-10 years: 550 mg

 

Males

  • 11-18 years 1,000 mg
  • Over 19 years 700 mg

 

Females

  • 11-18 years: 800 mg
  • Over 19 years: 700 mg
  • During lactation: +550 mg

 

See the best plant sources here.

Latest studies show that calcium intake above the recommended dose offers no additional protection from fractures and can actually increase the risk.

Move it!

Exercise is important for healthy bones throughout your entire life. It’s the old adage of use it or lose it as bone adapts to the loads put on it and therefore weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running, dancing, yoga, ball games and so on, leads to an increase in bone density.

How to build bone-healthy habits into your daily life

  • Use stairs rather than lift.
  • Carry your shopping bags (weight permitting).
  • Walk to the shops, café, restaurant, pub etc. or park further away so you simply have to walk a little bit more.
  • If you use public transport, get off a stop before your usual stop and walk the rest.
  • Even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, dance to your favourite song at home.
  • Try to incorporate 30 minutes of walking, running or other exercising (any activity using your own body-weight is good for your bones) into your daily routine.
  • When watching TV, get up during ad breaks and walk around or do a few squats.
  • Try yoga – everyone can do it, there are styles and classes to suit everyone’s abilities.

How about weekends?

  • Go for long walks, hike and jog.
  • Ball games, tennis, etc. are great for your bones but also a good family activity
  • Volunteer in a local shelter – walking dogs helps them as much as it helps you!
  • Gardening helps your bones too!
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