PART I
WHY THE CALCIUM THEORY IS WRONG
Chapter 1
COUNTRIES THAT CONSUME THE MOST CALCIUM
SUFFER THE MOST FRACTURES
All four studies of hip fracture rates worldwide show the
highest rates in the countries that consume the most milk,
dairy, and calcium. Countries with low calcium intake have
substantially lower fracture rates.
Chapter 2
SOME OSTEOPOROSIS STUDIES
SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY THAN OTHERS
Brief explanations of the four types of osteoporosis
studies, and their differing degrees of credibility.
Chapter 3
BY THEMSELVES OR IN ANY COMBINATION,
MILK, DAIRY FOODS, AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS
DO NOT PREVENT FRACTURES
Only twenty-four of eighty-six studies (28 percent) show
that milk, dairy foods, and calcium supplements by
themselves or combined reduce risk of osteoporotic
fractures. Sixty-two studies (72 percent) offer no support
for the conventional wisdom.
Chapter 4
CALCIUM INTAKE DURING CHILDHOOD
DOES NOT PREVENT FRACTURES AT ANY STAGE OF LIFE
Only six of thirteen studies (46 percent) of childhood
calcium intake show benefit for bone health throughout
life. Seven (54 percent) show no benefit.
Chapter 5
VITAMIN D WITH OR WITHOUT CALCIUM
DOES NOT PREVENT FRACTURES
Seventeen of thirty-seven studies (46 percent) show a
statistically significant decrease in fracture risk. Twenty
studies (54 percent) show no clear benefit.
Chapter 6
THE FINAL SCORE: WE NEED A THEORY THAT WORKS
Forty-seven of 140 studies (34 percent) support milk,
dairy, calcium, and vitamin D. Ninety-three trials (66
percent) show no benefit. The score is two to one against
the conventional wisdom. It’s time for a better explanation
of osteoporosis.
PART II
THE OSTEOPOROSIS CURE:
LOW-ACID EATING AND DAILY WALKING
Chapter 7
THE KEY TO BONE HEALTH AND FRACTURE PREVENTION:
THE BLOODSTREAM’S ACID/ALKALINE BALANCE
A diet high in animal foods draws more calcium out of bone
than milk, dairy, and calcium supplements can replace.
Chapter 8
WHY A 40-YEAR-OLD EXPLANATION IS “NEW”
With so much evidence in favor of the low-acid theory, why
isn’t it better known and more widely accepted?
Chapter 9
BRICKS AND MORTAR:
FOR STRONG BONES, THE BODY NEEDS MORE THAN CALCIUM
Building bone requires seventeen other nutrients. The best
sources of all but one of them: fruits and vegetables.
Chapter 10
THE CASE AGAINST LOW-ACID EATING
A handful of studies argue against low-acid eating. We do
not dispute their findings. But the weight of the evidence
still supports the low-acid approach.
Chapter 11
EVOLVING TOWARD LOW-ACID EATING—PAINLESSLY
Small changes in the way we eat can have major impact on
bone health—and health in general.
Chapter 12
WALK YOUR WAY TO STRONGER BONES
Walk for as little as twenty minutes three times a week—and
risk of hip fracture plummets 40 percent.
PART III:
OTHER RISK FACTORS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Chapter 13
DIABETES, FRAILTY, AND FRACTURES
Chronic illnesses increase fracture risk, particularly
diabetes and frailty.
Chapter 14
SALT, CAFFEINE, ALCOHOL, SMOKING,
DEPRESSION, AND SEVERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Some rot your bones. Others don’t. And moderate amounts of
one might actually help prevent fractures.
Chapter 15
SHOULD YOU TAKE OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS?
Talk to your doctor. But drugs are no cure.
Chapter 16
SAVE YOUR BONES, SAVE THE PLANET
Low-acid eating helps stop global warming.
Chapter 17
CONCLUSION:
WE NEED AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO OSTEOPOROSIS
Twenty-first century medicine strives to be
“evidence-based.” We applaud this commitment to scientific
rigor. We just wish our health authorities would apply it
to osteoporosis.