Milk - Does it Really Do the Body Good?
by Betsy Markle
You may not be aware of this, but milk consumption is a very controversial topic amongst the health care community. As a Registered Dietitian, I was initially taught that lower fat dairy products are fine in moderation and are needed for growing children and people with Osteoporosis. But, now, as a more experienced nutritionist, I never recommend milk, especially to adults. You may be shocked to hear that the nutrients in milk and most dairy products are difficult to absorb and may actually increase your risk of certain health problems.
Why is milk potentially harmful to our health?
Reason #1: Our cows and their milk production have changed drastically through the years. Basically our milk is becoming as processed as a twinkie (well, maybe not that bad).
- Homogenization: A filtration process used to blend the fat so it does not separate. Many scientists are weary of this process because the fat molecules (attached to a damaging enzyme) are now small enough to pass into the bloodstream and plaster themselves on the arteries causing heart disease.
- Pasteurization: This purification process is meant to protect us from infectious diseases, however it also destroys essential enzymes and vitamin content by over 50 percent. This depletion is so great that baby calves fed pasteurized milk die within 60 days.
- Excess Hormones: In 1994, the FDA approved the use of bovine growth hormone, BGH, a genetically-engineered hormone that increases milk production. BGH is banned in Canada and Europe for good reason. The use of BGH is linked to persistent infection of the cow’s udders, which leads to pus in the milk and increased use of antibiotics. Recent studies have found a seven-fold increase in the risk of breast cancer in women and a four-fold increase in prostate cancer in men where high levels of the growth factor were found.
Reason #2: Human adult bodies are not meant to digest and absorb milk.
- Lactose Intolerance: It is estimated that only 30% of the world’s adult population can digest the sugar in milk (Lactose).
- Casein Intolerance: Casein (milk protein) is one of the hardest proteins for the human body to digest. Many people are allergic to casein and do not know it.
What are the potential side effects? The most common side effect that I see with my clients is increased mucus production with a higher frequency of sinus/ear infections. The list of problems that have been associated with the consumption of dairy products includes iron deficiency anemia, allergies, diarrhea, heart disease, colic, cramps, gastrointestinal bleeding, sinusitis, skin rashes, acne, arthritis, diabetes, ear infections, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis,.
You may be surprised at this last disease - osteoporosis. In fact, the US has the highest consumption of dairy products in the world and also has the highest incidence of bone fractures and osteoporosis in the world! Calcium is stored in our bones and when blood mineral levels are low, calcium is released from the bones. A poor diet, including processed foods & milk products, excess meat, caffeine, and alcohol, create a low pH or acid environment in the blood. Calcium is stripped from the bones to neutralize acid in the blood. Therefore, Osteoporosis is linked to poor lifestyle and dietary habits, which include consumption of processed dairy products.
If you are hesitant to eliminate all dairy from your household, here are some alternatives:
- Organic: If you use milk for your family, definitely buy organic milk! It does not contain any artificial hormones or antibiotics.
- Fermented: Fermented dairy products, like yogurt, kefir, and unprocessed cheeses, contain good bacteria that aid in digestion.
- Other animal dairy: Goat, sheep, and buffalo dairy products contain low amounts of casein, which is a hard to digest protein found primarily in cow dairy products.
- Raw: Raw milk and dairy products contain good bacteria, unlike Pasteurized milk, so it is absorbed better.
- Non-dairy calcium sources: Aim for a diet with lots of nutrient-rich green leafy vegetables, such as collards, kale and spinach. It is actually easier to absorb the minerals from these sources than dairy products.