SPRY, Publishing Group of America's monthly fitness bulletin directed at the nation's aging population, has released the third in a continuing series of articles on preventing skeletal infirmity. The latest, titled Bad to the Bones from doctors Diane Schneider and Vivian Goldschmidt with reporting by Gale Maleskey, centers on ten "dietary don'ts" that contribute to a weakened system. Eighth on its list will be familiar to followers of this blog: "You hit the soda machine for your afternoon diet cola." According to the authors, colas contain the highest amounts of phosphoric acid --even more than other soft drinks-- because it is what provides such brands as Coke and Pepsi with the indefinable tanginess known as their signature flavor. Unfortunately, studies have linked this integral component to osteopenia and osteoporosis. "Satisfy your need for bubbles instead by having seltzer water or club soda," suggest the authors. Adding pomegranate juice to your beverage is encouraged, as this fruit, like acai, contains polyphenols, a class of phytochemicals that may strengthen bones. Of course, substituting this more natural concoction does not entirely eliminate the threat that carbonation, if consumed in very great quantity, might lead to acidosis, wherein calcium is intercepted by acid and thus not properly distributed to key areas of the body. Almost any food or beverage, it would seem, poses a threat to the system when taken at extreme quantity. In the end, there is no great mystery to achieving a properly balanced diet; the best advice has remained more or less resolute for generations: eat in mind of moderation and variety.
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| Ad found in the back pages of LIFE Magazine, December 27, 1948: "This industry does not want the patronage of the few who abuse the right to drink in moderation." - Licensed Beverage Industries, Inc. |
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