By Darakhshan Roohi

Did you know that cows do not give milk all their lives? They can only produce milk after giving birth, meaning every dairy cow has to be pregnant many times, generally at least once a year. Farmers impregnate the cow, take its milk, and butcher its child (unless its female and can be used for dairy production). Cruelly, that’s how you are getting the milk you use in your cereal every day!

But, aside from any ethical and moralistic dilemmas the production of dairy may inspire, its consumption may also not be as good for your health as you think. 

Dietary milk is not a necessity after early childhood. And, in our modern world, we have limited physical activity to perform so do not require the growth giving properties of milk. In our limitedly active lifestyle of the present day, dairy can be a wrong element to have in your diet. Here are a few reasons why you should switch to non-dairy milk today.

Lactose Intolerance

Almost 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. This means that the body struggles to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy. Our bodies are not designed to consume and process so much pure animal-sourced, dairy milk. No wonder the world is rapidly moving towards such high numbers of lactose intolerant.

Cancer-Causing?

Some hormones found in milk and its high-fat content may cause breast cancer, and overindulgence is thought to increase the risk of mortality of breast cancer patients by almost 50%. Yet, some research shows that dairy can help in the fight against certain cancers. One thing is for sure, too much dairy is not good. 

Calcium Concerns

Do you know that onions have calcium? A wide range of vegetables from avocados to spinach to bok choy are also loaded with this essential mineral. Best of all, this calcium comes without the fancy lactose intolerance that milk will give your intestines!

Some research has shown that in many countries where dairy is not consumed regularly, people are less likely to have osteoporosis issues in older age. Countries where milk is an everyday food item, seem to have a higher percentage of osteoporosis patients. While this may also be connected to other lifestyle and dietary habits, dairy seems to be a common factor. Dem bones may be better off with plant-based calcium!

Inflaming The Situation?

It is understood that saturated fats can cause inflammation in the body, leading to painful conditions such as arthritis. As dairy contains high levels of saturated fats, they may be adding to the pain of inflammation in our bodies. 

Regularly consuming milk can also cause inflammation in your stomach. It increases the body’s acidic levels, resulting in issues such as acid reflux, heartburn or stomach pains.

Nutrients Without The Bad Stuff

Rather than pumping your stomach with unnecessary chemicals and hormones, stay healthy by switching to non-dairy milk, and dairy substitutes can still give you the right kind of nutrients. Products such as soy milk and almond milk both have extensive reservoirs of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, potassium, and zinc. 

These elements help regulate your physiological ecosystem and regulate your moods. If you have low spirits or energy deficiencies, then alternative milk options might give you a much-needed boost. 

Fight Cholesterol And Heart Disease

The cholesterol levels in dairy products are off the charts. High cholesterol is proven to cause heart disease, the world’s biggest killer. Thankfully, the nutritional value of some alternatives such as oat and pea milk is light and easily digestible, without harmful cholesterol. 

The omega3 and high level of protein in these products are also a fantastic source of energy.

Environmental Concerns

It’s not just our health that is at risk from dairy consumption, but also our home planet. The production of milk is a major cause of greenhouse gasses emissions, and our current climate change worries. 

A dairy farm produces methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide in copious amounts. Animal dung is a huge producer of greenhouse gasses.

I am not saying you should cut dairy out entirely, for some people that is not an option. But as listed, there are many problems with dairy products.  Milk is complicating your physiological makeup and could be making you sick in many ways. The excess hormones, unreasonably high minerals, and other harmful nutrients from animals can transfer into milk. Maybe you should consider reducing your intake and start using more alternatives in your diet?

Why not try non-dairy milk today and see if you have any improvements in your health and vitality? Swap the dairy in your Starbucks macchiato for soy or try a coconut milk hot chocolate as your weekend treat. Add vegan cheese to your favourite dishes while cooking or try some almond milk on your cornflakes. Small changes can have big results for your health and the planet.