Are you old enough to be weaned?
According to the dairy industries of the world, milk and milk products are an essential source of protein, iron and calcium – so beneficial, you really have to wonder how we could ever live without them and maintain a ‘healthy diet’. Milk may be a ‘good source of protein’, but there after, you have to be wonder. Reality is that the minerals in milk such as magnesium, chromium, selenium and manganese are contained in higher concentrations in fruits and vegetables. As an example, magnesium works in conjunction with calcium, so relying on milk and milk products for your calcium intake can potentially lead to a magnesium imbalance or even a deficiency. Seeds, nuts and fresh vegetables such as carrots, kale and cauliflower will provide both magnesium and calcium in a nutritional balance more in keeping with our bodies needs. If you think about it, throughout the animal kingdom, milk is provided only while the offspring are very young. As they grown and develop, so does their diet, moving on to more ‘solid’ foods with a greater nutritional balance in keeping with their needs. We humans have opted to take the humble cows, buffalos and goats of this world and continue to consume their milk long after it is needed nutritionally. While it may afford a section of our agricultural industry a good income, milk is designed by nature to be consumed calves and not adult humans. Surely we can see that this is not ‘natural’ and in the interests of health, that we need to change our ways?
Many of the nursing mothers of the world have chosen to provide their newborns with cows’ milk instead of their own. While this may be necessary for a few mothers for medical reasons, it is definitely not the case for all. As already mentioned; cows’ milk is designed for calves, not babies - and is different in many respects including the protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron and essential fatty acid content. It has been shown that early feeding of our babies with cows’ milk can increase the possibility of developing an allergy to cows milk (something the author can speak of from personal experience). Experts recommend that cows’ milk should not be given to a child until they are at least four months old. Studies have shown that this will significantly reduce a child’s chances of being effected by insulin-dependant diabetes.
Milk allergies are increasingly common amongst all sections of our society, from the very young to the not so young. Sometimes this is as a result of lactose intolerance caused when adults loose their ability to digest the lactose (milk sugar). Another allergy (which is not yet fully understood) is that of Dairy Products – with the symptoms of excessive mucus production, blocked nose and even asthma (very different from the abdominal pains, gas and diarrhea caused by milk allergies), although the people suffer from this allergy often consume dairy products regularly or over consume them.
And, as with all ‘rules’ there are the exceptions. People, who are allergic to cows’ milk, may well be able to tolerate yoghurt, sheep or even goat milk.
If you think you are allergic to milk avoid it completely for two weeks and see if there is a change in your overall health. If you feel you cannot avoid it completely, substitute it with soy or rice milk instead. Once you have determined your allergy status, adjust your diet accordingly.
If you are drinking milk for its protein content, eating two servings of beans, lentils, tofu or one small serving of meat, fish or an egg every day should supply you with your body’s daily requirements. It must be remembered that most of use consume levels of protein in excess or our bodies requirements, so even if you choose not to give up on your milk intake, then at least consider your total animal protein intake and reduce the quantity and/or frequency of which you consume them to three times per week.
If you are considering changing your diet, it is always best to consult with a health care professional as advised when offered will always be generic and may not be suited to your particular case – if in doubt, always check first!!