Fruits and Vegetables

I found this while doing research on an upcoming article. It comes from the National Institute of Health's website page on Calcium. Notice number 5. Even the NIH is talking about acid/base balance in the body even if your doctor doesn't.

"Some absorbed calcium is eliminated from the body in urine, feces, and sweat. This amount is affected by such factors as the following:

1. Sodium, potassium, and protein intakes: high intakes of sodium and protein increase calcium excretion [16,17]. Adding more potassium to a high-sodium diet might help decrease calcium excretion, particularly in postmenopausal women [18,19].

2. Caffeine intake: this stimulant in coffee and tea can modestly increase calcium excretion and reduce absorption [20]. One cup of regular brewed coffee, for example, causes a loss of only 2-3 mg of calcium [17]. Moderate caffeine consumption (1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of tea per day) in young women has no negative effects on bone [21].

3. Alcohol intake: alcohol intake can affect calcium status by reducing its absorption [22] and by inhibiting enzymes in the liver that help convert vitamin D to its active form [10]. However, the amount of alcohol required to affect calcium status and whether moderate alcohol consumption is helpful or harmful to bone is unknown.

4. Phosphorus intake: the effect of this mineral on calcium excretion is minimal. Several observational studies suggest that consumption of carbonated soft drinks with high levels of phosphate is associated with reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. However, the effect is probably due to replacing milk with soda rather than the phosphorus itself [23,24].

5. Fruit and vegetable intakes: these foods, when metabolized, shift the acid/base balance of the body towards the alkaline by producing bicarbonate, which reduces calcium loss. Metabolic acids produced by diets high in protein and cereal grains, for example, cause bone to release minerals such as calcium and phosphates and alkaline salts that neutralize the excess acid. In one experiment, women ≥50 years of age who took supplements of bicarbonate showed significant reductions in calcium excretion, indicating reduced bone resorption [25]."

If you have further questions please feel free to email me at bebonestrong@sequoiahealth.com.

Woody McMahon