Education Lesson: What's Wrong with Dairy

Whenever I talk to people about dairy, the first thing they say is, "I really don't drink much milk." I have to continually remind people that dairy includes ice cream, cream cheese, CHEESE, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, CHEESE, milk, whey protein, CHEESE, and more. That said, if you are not a vegan, consider that you COULD potentially be ingesting a lot of dairy.

Now, onto what's wrong with dairy...

First off, ALL dairy contains animal protein because dairy comes from animals. This protein is called CASEIN. In the incredible book The China Study by Drs. T. Colin and Thomas Campbell, they explain that casein is a known cancer promoter and is one of the most notable food carcinogens. Casein protein has been shown to turn on tumor growth when ingested. I am not going to go into all the details about CASEIN, but I would definitely take the time to read more about it.

Sadly, dairy is touted to be helpful in preventing osteoporosis when, in fact, it actually contributes to this disease! The highest dairy-consuming countries have the greatest incidence of osteoporosis in the world. The reason is that dairy is highly acid-forming when it enters the body. Though it has calcium added to it, rather than the body being able to use it, it actually leaches the calcium you already have in your bones to try and alkalize your body. To learn more, read this fabulous article by Dr. Neal Barnard about Calcium and Strong bones. You CAN get your calcium needs met easily on a plant-based diet.

In addition, dairy is known to affect skin, causing acne and other skin conditions. My own sons have been freed of their severe acne since becoming plant-based eaters.

Dairy is also addictive. They have tested dairy and its effect on the brain, and it is even more powerful than drugs in many instances. This is why we find it very difficult to give it up. Again, when talking to folks, they say they couldn't give up cheese. The reason is that it contains casomorphins, which are created during the digestion of casein protein. You probably recognize the word "morphin" in casomorphin. That's because it has an opiate effect on the body just like morphine does. So, when you say you couldn't give up cheese, that is the reason why. Great news, though. If I gave it up, so can you!

Last of all, dairy is fattening. If it's low-fat, it usually has added sugar. If it's high-fat, well, it's full of fat! In a nutshell, dairy is not beneficial to those who are trying to lose weight or keep it off.

If all of that (cancer, osteoporosis, acne, addiction, and weight gain) doesn't steer you away from dairy (no pun intended), then consider the treatment of animals as your number-one reason to stop consuming it. Dairy cows are treated the worst of any farm animal and for years on end. They are kept pregnant so they will produce milk -- not by natural means, but by artificial insemination. And, their babies are taken away from them the minute they are born, so they mourn the loss of their child--which causes them GREAT stress. Don't be a part of this mistreatment of animals and kick the dairy habit.

Just know, there are GREAT options out there to replace dairy. There is almond, soy, coconut, cashew, and other plant-based milks that provide you with "milk," ice cream, cream cheese (you HAVE to try Kite Hill almond cream cheese!), sour cream, yogurt, and CHEESE! That's right! Check out Miyoko Schinner's amazing artisan cheeses!

And, BE CAREFUL! Dairy comes disguised by many different names and in many unexpected products (like chips, crackers, protein bars, and more!).