In this article, we will dig into the reasons why health experts say we should rethink our relationship with dairy and choose other food options instead. We will also explore the various ways that dairy can affect our bodies and some of the side effects that could arise. Let’s jump right in.
In many countries, eating dairy products has been a natural part of life for hundreds of years. In the past few decades, however, there has been a growing trend that questions the health effects of eating dairy daily.
In this article, we will dig into the reasons why health experts say we should rethink our relationship with dairy and choose other food options instead. We will also explore the various ways that dairy can affect our bodies and some of the side effects that could arise. Let’s jump right in.
For many people, milk and its dairy derivatives have long been staples in their diets. But underneath dairy's creamy appeal comes an intriguing narrative of potential risks and health issues that should not be disregarded. Although dairy allergy and lactose intolerance are well-known contributing causes, other issues have also come to light.
As the main dietary source of saturated fat in the United States, dairy products are linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and potentially Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, a great deal of studies have linked dairy consumption to an increased risk of prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers.
Having said that, let's get into more detail about the potential issues that can arise when you eat dairy products and what we can do to stop them.
As previously stated, there are several strong reasons to reconsider dairy consumption. To have a better grasp of these concerns, let's dissect the details around the decision to forgo dairy.
Lactose intolerance, a common disease that affects a large part of the world's population, is one of the best reasons to stay away from dairy. Up to 65% of people in the world are thought to be lactose intolerant in some way. People from Asian, African, and Native American groups are even more likely to be lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance happens when the body doesn't have enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is a sugar that is found in milk and other dairy products. Because of this, people who are lactose intolerant have a number of gut problems after eating dairy, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
However, most people don’t think about the long-term implications of being lactose intolerant. It is important to understand that lactose intolerance can cause chronic discomfort and digestive problems, which can have a major negative impact on a person's quality of life. In addition to the acute symptoms of gas, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping in the stomach, continuous dairy product avoidance may have more serious effects.
Another strong reason to think twice about eating dairy is that many dairy products contain a lot of saturated fat. A great deal of research has shown that eating a lot of saturated fat can make you more likely to get heart disease down the road. Saturated fat can usually be found in large amounts in dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and butter.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is often called "bad" cholesterol, can rise in your blood if you eat too much saturated fat. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes. High LDL cholesterol is a known risk factor for this condition.
Many health groups, including the American Heart Association, say that people should limit their diet of saturated fats to protect their heart health. If you want to lower your risk of heart disease, choosing dairy-free alternatives can be a very smart and proactive move long-term.
It may come as a surprise, but scientists are still not sure what the link is between eating dairy and bone health. People often say that dairy products are good for your bones because they contain calcium and other nutrients that are important for bone health. However, several studies have called into question the idea that dairy products are actually good for your bones. One important review, which was published in the British Medical Journal, found that most studies did not find a strong link between eating dairy and a lower chance of fractures or fractured bones.
These results call into question the idea that eating dairy is necessary for keeping bones healthy. Instead, they stress how important it is to eat a healthy diet full of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D, all of which are easy to get from plants or supplements through IV Therapy.
There is growing evidence that eating dairy products may raise your chance of developing several types of cancer. According to various studies, eating dairy products is associated with an increased risk of prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers. Growth factors and hormones found in milk specifically may be the cause of this connection, as they can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
Furthermore, there is a correlation between the risk of colon cancer and the saturated fat level in dairy products. Although further investigation is required to completely clarify these associations, the possible carcinogenic hazards linked to dairy products highlight the significance of exploring substitute dietary options to minimize exposure to possible carcinogens.
Studies have indicated that dairy products may actually lead to weight gain in certain people, defying the popular idea that they help with weight management. Dairy products have a high protein content and can help with feeling full, but they are also high in calories, saturated fats, and hormones. When dairy is consumed in excess, these ingredients may contribute to an excessive calorie intake that results in weight gain.
Furthermore, dairy products contain insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1), which may encourage the storage of fat rather than its breakdown. IGF-1 has been connected in studies to obesity and a higher risk of developing several types of cancer.
Through individualized approaches like IV therapy and holistic nutrition counseling, our healthcare professionals—including Dr. Mel —can assist you in exploring alternative dietary options and offer guidance on maintaining a balanced, dairy-free diet that supports your weight management goals while ensuring adequate nutrient intake.
For more information about sustaining a nutrient-rich, dairy-free diet at Mitogenesis in Scottsdale, Arizona, get in touch with us right now by giving us a call.
