One of the most common nutritional myths is that you must eat dairy products to get enough calcium.
Milk holds a special place in American culture, next to apple pie and mother.
The dairy industry has convinced most of us that we can't live without their products, but there is ample evidence that we can live longer, feel better and have as much strength without milk, cheese, yogurt and all other dairy products. Most of the calcium in the body is in our bones, with a small amount in the blood stream to aid in regulating the heartbeat, transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. The amount of calcium in the blood is controlled by hormones. Calcium is continuously lost through body waste and sweat, and is replaced with calcium from the bones. As a process of normal tissue growth, the body constantly breaks down bone material and rebuilds it, using calcium from foods for replacement Keeping bones strong depends more on preventing calcium loss than on increasing calcium intake.