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Wondering if Milk Works Against PMS

March 19, 2008 01:56 PM ET | Katherine Hobson | Permanent Link | Print

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Yes Katherine!

The research I read states that the relief from PMS symptoms are related to the calcium and vitamin D. Women who took those supliments had similar relief whether they drank milk or not. But on this point, I disagree...I do have PMS and not the variety where you just get cramps and bloating, but the full blown physical emtional and cognitive variety. (yuk) but I think we should be able to talk about it seriously WITH humor. I thought the commercial was hysterical.....except during the week before my period. LOL

Recommended Sources of Calcium

As someone who’s lactose intolerant, I found this article very interesting and helpful!

I’m impressed by the Web site that Katherine referenced in her article: http://www.pcrm.org/health/clinres/menstrual.html. The site recommends foods such as collard greens, figs, great northern beans, navy beans, mustard greens, and oatmeal as healthful sources of calcium. Sounds great to me!

Calcium in Milk

Katherine Hobson might want to further review the scientific literature .

In January of 2001, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined

the diets of 1,035 women, particularly focusing on the protein intake from

animal and vegetable products. Deborah Sellmeyer, M.D., found:

ANIMAL PROTEIN INCREASES BONE LOSS

In her study, women with a high animal-to-vegetable protein ratio experienced an increased rate of femoral neck bone loss. A high animal-to-vegetable protein ratio was also associated with an increased risk of hip fracture.

WHY DOES ANIMAL PROTEIN CAUSE BONE LOSS?

Dr. Sellmeyer explained:

"Sulphur-containing amino acids in protein-containing foods are metabolized to sulfuric acid. Animal foods provide predominantly acid precursors. Acidosis stimulates osteoclastic activity and inhibits osteoblast activity."

For more information regarding milk and calcium, see:

http://www.notmilk.com



Katherine Hobson: That's an interesting point, but this story was purely about the effects of calcium -- whether via milk or other means -- on PMS symptoms, and the evidence seems to suggest it can help. Whether animal protein promotes bone loss is another issue entirely.

I used to get severe cramps when I had my period. After going vegan, though, my cramps are a breeze.

The dairy industry will do anything to hide the truth from consumers.

A recent study also found that a vegan diet helped people with rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps people who suffer from diabetes. And it helps people avoid heart disease because only animal products contain cholesterol.

I'm a vegan, I'm healthy, and I love it!!

The "Physicians Committee"

There's a good reason the "Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine" (note the quotes) wants us to avoid drinking milk.

It's an ANIMAL RIGHTS group, not a committee of physicians. Less than 4 percent of its members are doctors. And it gets two-thirds of its budget from the wealthy president of the Animals Rights Foundation of Florida.

Can we please, please have a little truth in labeling?



Katherine Hobson: You are right -- they are opposed to animal testing as well as advocating a vegetarian (in this case, possibly vegan?) diet for both animal rights and health reasons. I don't think that negates their tips on beating PMS symptoms through diet, however; those are useful to people who don't drink milk for whatever reason, including things like lactose intolerance or simple taste preference as well as feelings about the role of animals in the food chain.

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About On Fitness

Senior Writer Katherine Hobson writes about keeping your body fit and your diet healthy—and what those phrases actually mean, according to science. A longtime endurance athlete, she enjoys both training and Nutella in moderation. Ask her your burning exercise and nutrition questions at onfitness@usnews.com. Follow Katherine on Twitter at twitter.com/katherinehobson.

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