Re: With all due respect

 "High protein raises insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which in high levels can lead to cancer, bone disorders, joint disorders, etc."


my mother did the Atkins' thing for a time, and now suffers with bone and joint disorders--but likely did before, as well. I recall her at about 40 talking about her "old bones" when she asked me to go to the store, for example

There are several things that could have contributed here. Proteins not only raise IGF-1 but in high levels also block the absorption of calcium. And many people on the Atkin's diet were eating a lot of steak. Beef is rich in phosphorus, which in high levels leads to the secretion of parathyroid hormone, which leads to bone loss. And high protein diets also increase acidity of the blood, which can also lead to bone loss.


About "not ..tea, but water"

I have been drinking green tea chai lately,(last three months) about three or four glasses a day often, using the same tea so it gets diltuted--this is a 12 oz glass... and then having a few glasses water. But sometimes more tea. Fruit and big salads mainly, for food.

I'm feeling a bit stiff in the hands and fingers. Could be the humidity too--it gets humid here as soon as summer gets started. Don't eat too much protein. A little fish once a week or so. A little yogurt. Ocassionally some feta or organic cheddar. The rest is all plant-based.

*
Can you speak more about how something like green tea, or the green chai (no milk) is different (+ less good)than water. I mean, I know water is the ideal solvent, but can you explain a little more on that tea, juice, water point.
or post some links to other discussions, if you have them at hand?

One issue with green tea and black teas are the oxalate content of the teas. Especially when taken with calcium sources such as the cheese you mentioned. Oxalates bind tightly with calcium forming insoluble calcium oxalate, which cannot be utilized by the body. It can cause kidney stones though. The caffeine in the tea is not only a diuretic, but it also raises uric acid levels that can lead to joint pain and kidney stones. And the tannins in tea bind various beneficial compounds in other herbs and can bind with medications making them worthless to the body. This is why it is best to take herbs away from teas, coffee and other high tannin sources.