Did you know that our consumption of UPFs and more sugar may be affecting our bone health?
In a recent study of 11,000 participants, divided into either low or high UPF consumption, there was a 79% greater incidence of osteoporosis of the hips in those consuming high amounts of processed foods compared to the low UPF consumers. Items with 4-5 manufactured ingredients are considered UPF.
Studies have found that sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, sweetened teas, or fruit juice with added sugar, are associated with significant reductions in whole-body bone mineral density – Furthermore, the increased intake of ultra processed foods (UPFs) with bone health found that a higher intake of UPFs cause thinner, less dense thigh bones and reduced bone development in children.
High good quality fat and high protein are shown to be protective to bone mass, as is exercise using body weight.
The overconsumption of dietary sugar has the potential to increase the risk of osteoporosis by:
1)increasing the urinary excretion of both calcium and magnesium
2)reducing the intestinal absorption of calcium by lowering the levels of active vitamin D, and 3) reducing bone formation by affecting the bond building cells called osteoblasts.
Ultra Processed Foods drive inflammation. Inflammation is involved in all chronic disease, especially heart problems and general breakdown of cellular structure, such as bone and osteoporosis.
Tomorrow we look at a specific type of bone – Your teeth.