The Myth of Milk

All of my beautiful blogga peeps, I have missed you. Been busy with spring cleaning. Between work and family, I have been spending wonderful time in my garden, prepping to plant my seedlings, getting the patios ready for some summer parties. First party will be this sunday for Mother's Day. I am so lucky to still have my mom (and dad) with me and close enough so that we can spend time together.
Today's blog is about the dilemma of dairy. My mom, like many moms, made sure that we drank lots of milk when we were kids.She even insisted that I drink milk during my pregnancies because "the babies need calcium". I wish I knew then what I know now. Her intentions were good. Besides, this is what was taught to her. The benefits of milk are still touted today with all of the "Got Milk" ads.
I decided about 3 years ago to go completely dairy free. It has changed my life. I took my kids off milk as a beverage when they were very young, but they still had cheese (lots of fresh mozzarella cheese) and products made with milk. 3 years ago we did a complete elimination at home.
I currently take all of my patients off dairy also. That's my position. They can choose to do otherwise. After much research and thought, I truly believe that we should be off dairy after the age of 2.
Here are my thoughts. Milk is produced from a cow or a goat. That milk is intended for calves. Humans are the only animals to drink milk from another animal. We are also the only animal to drink milk past the age of two. Once other animals are weaned off the breast they drink water and eat food. If humans were meant to drink milk, well then, why aren't we drinking human breast milk which contains all of the nutrients and immunoglobulins meant for humans???
Secondly, milk has a very high allergenic potential...and.. Many many people are completely intolerant to milk. I can tell you that after the removal of dairy from people's diets I have seen severe eczema, irritable bowel, migraine headaches, asthma, painful menses, and chronic sinus just disappear. I have a few Lupus patients and MS patients that have gotten dramatically better off dairy.
Milk is high in sugar, and acts as an inflammatory agent in the diet.
The biggest obstacle with telling patients that they need to eliminate dairy is their concern for Calcium supplementation. NEWS ALERT: milk doesn't have a lot of calcium. You can get more calcium from Calcium fortified orange juice (organic, of course), canned sardines, and the dark leafy grens are just loaded with Calcium.
You can always take calcium as a supplement too. Rejuvenation Science makes a Skeletal Calcium product that I really like, and Physiologics makes Calsorb which is also good. You can find links to those site on my website. www.NYModernMedicine.com.
I tell people to explore the various milk substitutes that are readily available in most markets now. Almond milk, Hemp milk, Rice milk, Hazelnut milk are all very refreshing and tasty, and usually come in flavors. Watch out for the sugar content in the flavored ones. I recommend Silk Soy Creamer or Trader Joes Soy Creamer if you need a replacement for half and half. I normally don't recommend the soy milks for a variety of reasons, but a lot of people like the creamer for coffee.
People are also just afraid to get rid of dairy...as if they might be making a poor choice. They are especially afraid to eliminate it from their children's diet as if they might be robbing their kids of some important vitamins and minerals. Believe me when I tell you that your body will thank you after you get rid of it....and you wont miss it one bit.
Before I sign off, I want everyone to remember that anything and everything that a cow consumes or is injected with will show up in its milk.
I know a lot of the moms out there might dispute what I've written. Google it. DO your research. Know what it is that you are feeding to your children. Do not trust the FDA to determine what is healthy and SAFE for your children to eat.
To all the beautiful moms out there, have a joyous Mother's Day.
Enjoy your families. Take lots of pics. Cherish the memories that you have.
Till next time. Baci cari
Tina