Millions of Americans, including many vegetarians, consume
large amounts of milk and dairy products each year. I grew up drinking milk
every day, with almost every meal. Is this a bad thing, you ask? Possibly, in
light of new research that indicates too much of a good thing can, indeed, be
too much. Following are 4 ways milk and dairy can negatively affect your
health.
1. Osteoporosis.
Surprisingly, The Harvard Nurse’s Health Study (which followed 75,000 women for
12 years) showed no protective effect of increased milk consumption on fracture
risk for the women involved. In fact, the study found increased intake of
calcium may actually lead to a higher risk for fractures instead. Several other
recent studies have shown no protective effects of dairy calcium on bone at
all.
2. Cardiovascular
Disease. Many doctors and researchers argue that dairy products (cheese, ice
cream, butter, milk and yogurt) contribute significant amounts of fat and
cholesterol to our diets-too much, in fact. And there is no getting around the
growing rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in America. While some fat
is needed by our bodies every day for normal functioning, diets that are too
high in saturated fat have been linked to several chronic diseases, including
heart disease.
3. Cancer.
Some cancers, including ovarian, breast and prostate cancers, have been linked
to over-consumption of dairy products. According to another Harvard study on
ovarian cancer, the problem lies in the breakdown of dairy products in the body
and the enzymes involved. With breast and prostate cancers, the issue may be
with insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) found now in cow’s milk. IGF-1 has been
found in increased blood levels in people who eat dairy as a large part of
their diet.
4. Diabetes.
Completing our list of the epidemics facing us today, Type 1 diabetes (formerly
known as childhood-onset) has also been linked to the over-consumption of dairy
products. According to one study, a specific protein found in dairy creates an
auto-immune reaction in the body (where the body attacks itself), which
destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Other studies have found
similar links between dairy and Type 1 diabetes not just in Americans, but in
people all over the world.
Milk and diary also create problems for people in the form
of lactose intolerance, and in the bovine growth hormones (rGBH) and
antibiotics given to cows. But that is another post…
So, if the research is accurate, the bottom line is really
to reduce the amount of milk and dairy products you eat, or eliminate them
entirely. Milk and diary, while traditional foods, aren’t truly necessary to
our diets. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, including darky
leafy greens, and beans, which are all rich in calcium. Add in whole grains and
nutrient-dense foods. Food-based calcium supplements, with added vitamin D, and
some calcium-enriched foods can also be helpful. Add in regular exercise,
stress management, and smoking cessation, and you will be well on your way to a
healthier life, dairy consumer or not.