Dairy Dilemma
Over the past 100 years the American diet has changed. Animal products, including dairy, have become a huge part of the diet, which is why you might be surprised to see milk and cheese on the “Have Occasionally” list. This is in part due to cheese's high fat content and dairy's pro-inflammatory properties. Inflammation impacts the kidneys and arteries in particular. Studies show inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, have improved in those who eat small amounts of meat and dairy.
While dairy is an excellent source of calcium, there is a misconception that dairy is the only source. Calcium can be found in a variety of other foods listed at the end of this article. However, it can be difficult to get adequate calcium from these foods alone which is why dairy is needed in the diet.
As already discussed, organic and preferably “raw” milk and cheese, are the most healthful sources of dairy. Non-organic dairy comes from cows that are treated with hormones and chemicals to produce their milk in a greater abundance. These hormones and chemicals can have a negative effect on our health long term. All-natural feed for cows consists of grass, straw, silage, hay and root vegetables. These foods produce raw milk that is far more beneficial for the human body and products of raw milk, including cheese, subsequently taste better. Many people feel that because raw milk is unpasteurized it's unsafe to drink.This is wrong. Pasteurizing milk actually removes valuable enzymes that the body needs for digestion.
Some dairy is thought to play an integral part in weight loss. The National Dairy Council reports that the mix of nutrients found in dairy foods, especially calcium, may help the body break down and burn fat. Milk is also a good source of phosphorus and magnesium, which help the body absorb and use calcium more effectively. Milk is often fortified with Vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium.
There are however, many components of milk that have a negative impact on our health. Milk contains a large quantity of natural sugars in the form of lactose, to which many people have a natural intolerance. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Milk and dairy as a whole is also high in cholesterol, which can cause heart attack, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, and many other conditions and diseases.
Alternative Sources of Calcium:
Green leafy vegetables
Salmon
Sardines
Shellfish
Almonds
Brazil nuts
Dried beans