It has been eight years since I had my baseline Dexa Scan. Last week I had a repeat test for comparison, and I have been anxiously awaiting the results…for reasons I will explain.

Dexa stands for ‘Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry’. It is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnosis Osteopenia or Osteoporosis.

I just received my results. Big sigh of relief: “Normal.” Why are these results very significant to me?

Back in 2004 is when I first started reading the teachings of noted hormone expert, Dr. John Lee, M.D. That was the very first time that I heard milk is bad for you. I read every book that Dr. Lee wrote, and I endorsed everything he taught…except I thought he was a little radical on his beliefs about drinking milk.

I can still hear his words, “Humans are the only animal on earth that drink another animal’s milk.”

All the men in the Lee family experienced early deaths – in their 40’s – due to heart attacks. Dr. Lee did not want to be one of them. He quit drinking milk in his very early years. Dr. Lee defied his family history. He lived into his 70s, a feat unheard of among the Lee men.

Though his argument was very compelling, all the public indoctrination about the terrible ramifications of not drinking milk instilled fear in me, and I continued to drink milk…and I made sure my family drank plenty of it as well.

I continued that practice until sometime later when I read Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s Disease Proof Your Child. Dr. Furman’s data could not be denied. I learned that I was the radical one, not Dr. Lee. I immediately stopped the practice of drinking milk.

Since then I have also read The China Study and heard the same message. The research studies are staggering.

Also, back in 2002 when I had my hysterectomy, my doctor told me to take a calcium supplement – 1,500 mg a day. Which one should I take? The literature about calcium supplements was very confusing. I researched all the various types of calcium. I found all sorts of pros and cons for each type – so I settled on a brand that contained all the various forms of calcium, hoping that I would hit upon the “right one.”

Somewhere along the way, I then read the studies that said supplements are not well absorbed, and the best source of calcium is from vegetables, particularly deep leafy greens. I pitched my supplements and substituted foo

In addition, I annually monitor my hormone levels and supplement with natural, bioidentical compounds for any areas that need help with balancing, such as progesterone cream supplementation.

Somehow in this country we have been indoctrinated to believe that if we don’t drink milk we are going to experience terrible osteoporosis. Perhaps the opposite is true? Check out the amount of calcium in the table below provided by http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=45.

Note that there are only three sources cited as “excellent,” and all three are dark green leafy vegetables. The vegetables receive a higher rating than milk, which is listed as “very good.”

It is important for you to do your own investigation and do what feels right for you. However, please do take the time to investigate. The health of your bones and, consequently, your healthy longevity depend upon it.