Data from the Women’s Health Initiative compared inflammatory components in subjects’ diets to bone mineral density and fractures.  As reported in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research earlier this year, the women were observed over a six year period.  Those with the least inflammatory diets lost less bone density than those with the most inflammatory diets.

Inflammatory diets are associated with a more acidic profile, causing the bones to give up calcium to make the body’s internal environment more alkaline.  In so doing, the bones become less dense, and the calcium acts as an antacid…even as Tums [a form of calcium] acts as an antacid in the stomach.

What is the bottom line?  Diets richest in vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains fight inflammation, may prevent bone loss, and lower the risk of fractures.  The standard American diet with its emphasis on animal protein at every meal, appears to promote unwanted inflammation.