18/09/2025
🦴 Is Dairy Really Helping Your Bones?
We’ve been told for years that milk builds strong bones, but from a functional medicine perspective, the story is more complex.
While dairy does contain calcium, it’s also high in a type of protein that, when broken down, creates acidic byproducts in the body. To keep your blood at a stable, healthy pH (which is vital for life), your body needs to neutralise that acidity.
And guess what it uses to do that? Calcium, the same mineral your bones are made of.
When you’re not getting enough calcium from your diet or your body is constantly trying to balance acidity, it may begin pulling calcium from your bones as a quick fix. Over time, this can quietly reduce bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially if this cycle continues for years.
Even more interesting? Countries with the highest dairy intake often have higher rates of osteoporosis.
Let’s also talk about casein:
Cow’s milk has a high amount of casein, a protein that’s harder to digest and can trigger allergies or inflammation for some people.
- Goat’s milk contains a gentler form of casein that’s easier to digest.
- Human breast milk has the lowest casein levels, showing how our bodies are naturally designed to handle smaller amounts.
🦴 If you or someone you love is dealing with brittle bones or a diagnosis like osteoporosis, there is a deeper root cause. Your body is always speaking, let’s listen and support it with the right nutrition, minerals, and lifestyle.
🦴 I’m here to help you uncover what your body truly needs for strong, lasting bone health. Reach out anytime if you have any questions.
