The most common condition associated with the intake of dairy is Lactose Intolerance, which is the lack of enough lactase in the body to properly break down the lactose (sugar) contained in milk. Most of the world’s population has this condition, except for many of the Northern European and Northern Indian populations who’ve been consuming large amounts of dairy for millennia[5]. Most of these people become intolerant to dairy as they get older however… Another condition that can result from consuming dairy products is a serious reaction to casein and whey[5].

Dairy products, including milk, cheese, ice cream, butter and yogurt contribute to significant amounts of cholesterol and fat to the diet[1]. Diets high in fat and saturated fat can increase the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.  Clinical research shows that dairy products have no effect on preventing osteoporosis, in a Harvard Nurses’ Health Study[1]. Increased intake of calcium from dairy products was associated with a higher risk of fracture in an Australian study[2].

Several cancers have been linked to the consumption of dairy products, such as Ovarian cancer[2].  According to a study by Daniel Cramer, M.D., and his colleagues at Havard, when dairy product consumption exceeds the enzymes’ capacity to break down galactose, it can build up in the blood stream and it may affect woman’s ovaries[1].  Breast and prostate cancers have also been linked to the consumption of dairy products[2].

Synthetic hormones such as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) are commonly used in dairy cows to increase the production of milk[3]. Mastitis can result due to an over-production of milk thus antibiotics are used and there have been traces found in samples of milk and other dairy products[3].

Eating dairy can cause the following symptoms: puffy face and eyes, sinus headaches, stuffy head,  watery eyes, itchiness, sneezing, insomnia, phlegm, clogged ears, sore throat, foggy head, indigestion, eczema and skin problems, and weight gain[3].

Does your stomach churn after you eat cheese/yogurt/milk…and do you have bowel issues shortly afterwards? This may be a sign that you’re lactose Intolerant!  The National Institution of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) estimates that 30 to 50 million Americans are Lactose Intolerante[6].  Gas, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and diarrhea are other symptoms that dairy consumption can cause!

There are mainly delicious alternatives to dairy products. Almond milk has gotten more popular over the last few years, as it is dairy-free and delicious..great in smoothies and in your coffee/tea.  You will also find that natural foods stores, Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, Sunflower, and even Costco now carry Almond milk!  I prefer to make almond milk at home with my Vitamix Blender .  Grocery stores also carry dairy-free cheeses that are actually quite tasty and they melt!! Great for pizza !

I will be having a workshop at Higher Health Chiropractic bimonthly, and will be showing those who attend how to make various nut milks and dairy-free cheeses! If you have interest in attending one of our workshops please call the office at (303) 925-0808 and schedule with Bobbie!