Medical Journal Says: Acid Diet Erodes Bone Mass

Fresh research published only late last week in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) has shown that acidosis causes bones to weaken in post menopausal women (click here for more on acidosis) – AND that an increase of alkaline substances reverses this trend to strengthen the bone!

This is pretty clear cut stuff.

Here are some exerpts from the abstract:

Chronic acid loads are an obligate consequence of the high animal/grain protein content of the Western diet.

In a randomized, prospective, controlled, double-blind trial, 161 postmenopausal women (age 58.6 ± 4.8 yr) with low bone mass (T score -1 to -4) were randomly assigned to 30 mEq of oral potassium (K) citrate (Kcitrate) or 30 mEq of K chloride (KCl) daily. The primary end point was the intergroup difference in mean percentage change in bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine (L2 through L4) after 12 mo.

Bone mass can be increased significantly in postmenopausal women with osteopenia by increasing their daily alkali intake

I have commented previously that I agreed with the philosophy that that one of the main causes of a reduction in bone mineral density is acidosis – because when the body is constantly fed acid forming foods the body can be forced to leach alkaline minerals such as calcium and potassium from wherever it can – most often the bones in order to neutralise the acids.

In fact, to quote myself:

…when the body becomes overly acidic, in order to retain a slightly alkaline blood pH the body will leach calcium from wherever it can take it (usually our bones) and voila – osteoperosis is now significantly more likely.

This research seems to lend weight to that theory.

What do you think? Let me know your thoughts below or in the forum.

Note: This blog is only my opinion. It is not medical advice or diagnosis. Only opinions based upon our own personal experiences or information detailed in medical/academic journals or other publications is cited. WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE or prescribe any treatments. Please consult with a medical professional before making any diet or nutrition changes. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.