Think you know dairy?
Almond milk recipe
Food is not always what it seems, and this is especially true with dairy. For example, major businesses rely on customers continuing to drink milk even though the science of its nutritional value does not support its reported value to your body. In fact, contrary to the “three servings-a-day” marketing campaign, or what your grandmother tells you, dairy is not crucial for good health, nor is it the best source of Vitamin D and calcium. While it may be delicious and may have a continued place at our dinner table, the facts suggest that we should be aware of our quantity consumed and the risk we are placing on our health.
Consider the following:
Not everyone can stomach dairy. About two thirds of the world’s population is genetically unable to properly digest milk and other dairy products in adulthood — a problem called lactose intolerance. Yes, 67% of the world’s population cannot drink it, but somehow most Americans believe it’s necessary. Also, dairy has been shown to aggravate irritable bowel syndrome.
Dairy doesn’t reduce bone fractures. Contrary to popular belief, eating dairy products has never been shown to strengthen our bones. In fact, according to the Nurses’ Health Study, dairy may increase risk of fractures. Vitamin D appears to be much more important than calcium in preventing fractures. For healthy bones, get plenty of exercise and supplement with an adequate amount of vitamin D3 daily.
Calcium from dairy may elevate cancer risk. Research shows that higher intakes of both calcium and dairy products may increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer and a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer. In addition, dairy consumption increases the body’s level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) — a known cancer promoter. Most scientists agree that it’s better for us to get calcium from other food sources, like dark green leafy vegetables, sesame tahini, sea vegetables, and sardines or canned salmon.
Dairy is a common food sensitivity. Different than an allergy or lactose intolerance, dairy sensitivity may be triggered simply by your body's difficulty in digesting it. Symptoms of sensitivity can range widely and include bloating, congestion, migraines or even joint pain.
Want to try an experiment on yourself? Try giving up dairy for three weeks. This means avoiding milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt. See how it makes you feel. You may notice improvements in your energy, bowel symptoms, sinus congestion and weight. After three weeks start eating dairy again in moderation and see how you feel. If we know how our bodies react to food, we are taking the first steps to a healthier and longer life.
Need help sorting out if dairy is affecting your wellness? Come see me at Relish Health and let’s work on it together.