The Milk Myth

It is a flawed belief that protein and calcium from cows milk us essential for our good health at any stage of our lives.  In truth, many studies have shown the consumption of milk is actually detrimental to our health.

The myth that we need milk for calcium has been disproved many times in many different studies.  In a case study of hip fractures, it was reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology that "Consumption of dairy products, particularly at age 20 years, was associated with increased risk of hip fracture in old age."  In another 12 year long Harvard Nurses Health Study, they concluded that those who relied on calcium from consumption of dairy foods broke more bones than those who stayed away from most dairy.  Vivian Goldschmidt founder of Save Our Bones, also dispels the myth that drinking milk helps reduce bone fractures.  

This is a simple explanation of why milk depletes calcium, the opposite of what the dairy industry claims.  All animal protein acidifies the body's natural PH, which triggers a biological correction.  Calcium, being the source of acid neutralizer, is taken from our bones to correct this PH imbalance.  Did you know that statistics show that countries with lowest consumption of dairy products also have lowest incidence of bone fractures and osteoporosis?  Note that unsweetened fermented or cultured dairy foods like yogurt or sour cream do not have the same negative affect on our body's natural PH.  

Mammal milk is only meant to sustain life until the species is ready for solid food.  Humans are the only mammal that drink milk from another mammal and drink milk all their lives.  Every mammal produces milk specifically designed for that species only.  Dog milk is very different from milk of a rat which is different from monkey milk, etc.  Cow's milk is made for a calf, not a baby human as they are quite different.

Now, let's explore another factor in the cow's milk we drink that has altered in the last 50 years.  The latest high-tech product that is suppose to stimulate cow milk production is bovine growth hormone (BGH).  Monsanto, BHG manufacturer, says it does not affect the meat or milk.  On the contrary, BGH molecules come out in the milk which presents health risks in many forms, one of them being cancer.  Some amounts of BGH are also beginning to be explored as to why our children are maturing at a much younger age then 50 years ago.  It also makes cows udders much larger than natural so a cow can produce more milk, which makes for an extremely painful existence for her.  Dairy products also affect human milk.  Lactating vegetarian mothers have 1/2 levels of pesticides in their milk.  There are many other side affects from drinking cow milk, much too numerous to list here.

There are several good choices in milk substitutes.  Unsweetened almond milk is very similar to cow milk in all it's uses.  Pure coconut milk has 50% more calcium than dairy milk, and non of the negative side effects.  There is also rice or soy milk. (I recommend organic soy milk)

For more information and easy to understand video, watch Dr. Hyman "Dairy: 6 Reasons You Should Avoid it at all Costs".

 

Submitted by Gail