From: gts (gts_2000@yahoo.com)
Date: Tue Apr 29 2003 - 00:24:46 MDT
This abstract below supports my case made in an earlier message that
naturally alkaline diets (e.g., paleo diets) increase calcium retention and
fight osteoporosis, and that this effect can be simulated by adding any
alkaline base to the diet. In other words, with respect to the second point,
alka-seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) should work just as well as potassium
bicarbonate for inhibiting calcium loss, though I think potassium
bicarbonate would generally be superior due to the need for more potassium
vs sodium in the typical non-paleolithic western diet.
The abstract also mentions a benefit I had not realized: alkali
administration reduces plasma cortisol levels. Cortisol is a catabolic
stress hormone that we should try in general to minimize.
Plop, plop. Fizz fizz. Oh, what a relief it is.
-gts
ABSTRACT:
Neutralization of Western diet inhibits bone resorption independently of K
intake and reduces cortisol secretion in humans.
Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2003 Jan;284(1):F32-40 (ISSN: 0363-6127)
Maurer M; Riesen W; Muser J; Hulter HN; Krapf R
Medizinische Universitatsklinik und Zentrallabor, Kantonsspital Bruderholz,
CH-4101 Bruderholz/Basel, Switzerland.
A Western-type diet is associated with osteoporosis and calcium
nephrolithiasis. On the basis of observations that calcium retention and
inhibition of bone resorption result from alkali administration, it is
assumed that the acid load inherent in this diet is responsible for
increased bone resorption and calcium loss from bone. However, it is not
known whether the dietary acid load acts directly or indirectly (i.e., via
endocrine changes) on bone metabolism. It is also unclear whether alkali
administration affects bone resorption/calcium balance directly or whether
alkali-induced calcium retention is dependent on the cation (i.e.,
potassium) supplied with administered base. The effects of neutralization of
dietary acid load (equimolar amounts of NaHCO(3) and KHCO(3) substituted for
NaCl and KCl) in nine healthy subjects (6 men, 3 women) under metabolic
balance conditions on calcium balance, bone markers, and endocrine systems
relevant to bone [glucocorticoid secretion, IGF-1, parathyroid hormone
(PTH)/1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D and thyroid hormones] were studied.
Neutralization for 7 days induced a significant cumulative calcium retention
(10.7 +/- 0.4 mmol) and significantly reduced the urinary excretion of
deoxypyridinoline, pyridinoline, and n-telopeptide. Mean daily plasma
cortisol decreased from 264 +/- 45 to 232 +/- 43 nmol/l (P == 0.032), and
urinary excretion of tetrahydrocortisol (THF) decreased from 2,410 +/- 210
to 2,098 +/- 190 microg/24 h (P == 0.027). No significant effect was found
on free IGF-1, PTH/1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D, or thyroid hormones. An acidogenic
Western diet results in mild metabolic acidosis in association with a state
of cortisol excess, altered divalent ion metabolism, and increased bone
resorptive indices. Acidosis-induced increases in cortisol secretion and
plasma concentration may play a role in mild acidosis-induced alterations in
bone metabolism and possibly in osteoporosis associated with an acidogenic
Western diet.
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