17 Jan Dairy is for Cows

This concept will be a controversial one – background, education and experience as a nutritionist, coach, doctor, personal trainer, etc.  All determines different approaches. However, this is my approach and strong belief, and I’d like to explain why I have chosen this lifestyle for myself, and my clients, in the simplest way possible.

1. A simple question, where does dairy come from? Cows. Their milk is a species-specific liquid, produced to help their calves grow. It is genetically designed for their young, just as our human breast milk is designed for our babies.

2. To breakdown the lactose (milk sugar) present in dairy, our body needs to produce an enzyme called lactase however, humans stop producing this enzyme after the age of 2. The milk sugars remain undigested and reside in the colon, which can then lead to cramping, nausea, flatulence, bloating and diarrhoea.

3. We have been told to consume dairy, mainly because of its’ high calcium content (approximately 300mg per 250ml) however, we only absorb a very small amount of that calcium, especially if the milk is pasteurised. The irony is, that consuming dairy actually decreases the calcium in our bones. Like all animal protein, dairy acidifies our PH levels and in reaction, our body generates a biological correction. Calcium, a strong acidity neutraliser, is drawn out of our bones to counteract the acidifying effect. This process leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

4. Dairy cows are injected with a growth hormone called Bovine to make them produce a larger amount of milk. When humans consume bovine, the chemical IGF-1 is released, which has been linked to cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), gynecomastia (non-cancerous increase of a man’s breast tissue) and diabetes.

5. The milk protein, casein, has been found to encourage cancer growth. Restricting casein has been used to decrease further development and progression of cancer cells.

We have been conditioned to drink milk for so many years, that the signs of intolerance go unnoticed. We label people as being ‘lactose intolerant’ when in reality, as adults, we are all intolerant! Some are a lot more susceptible to adverse effects while others produce no external symptoms but, internally your body is still struggling. So why does the health industry promote dairy when the research is clear? Well, that question has an extremely controversial answer and I think it’s best to leave it here. Research it yourself and make your own decision on what is best for you!