Dairy products are highly consumed by non-vegans. In fact, there’s a growing concern with the fact that most Americans are consuming too many dairy products per day. Despite having essential nutrients, many dairy products also are high in fat and cholesterol, which can lead to serious health issues if consumed in high amounts. Additionally, there are some other ailments and issues that all individuals should consider when consuming dairy products on a daily basis.
The following is a list of reasons why one should limit their dairy intake:
Allergies: perhaps, the most obvious reason to reduce or limit one’s dairy intake is if he or she has an allergy or tolerance issue with dairy. Over the years, the number of lactose intolerant Americans has been growing.
Metabolic Syndrome: a recent study from Britain found that a low (or none at all) intake of dairy products can help to prevent metabolic syndrome which constitutes the following conditions: diabetes, hypertension, obesity issues with lipids levels[1]. Over 4,500 women were studied and those who didn’t have any dairy products were half as likely to experience any conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.
Overweight and Obesity: A recent study discovered that children who consumed more than three servings of dairy products (milk) in a day were 35% more likely to become overweight even if they were drinking low-fat milk[2]. Some milks have a great deal of fat per serving, which can cause high levels of fat consumption in one’s diet.
Digestive Issues: dairy products, milk in particular, are linked to causing IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). In fact, lactose intolerance is said to cause 25% of all IBS cases. Additionally, some individuals may experience a sensitivity to the whey or casein protein found in milk[3].
Prostate Cancer: This has been a highly debated topic. However, a recent study discovered that men who have high levels of dairy intake are twice as likely to experience prostate cancer than men with low levels of dairy intake[4]. Other research has also linked high levels of calcium (over 600mg) from dairy products to a 32 percent higher risk of prostate cancer[5].
Dairy Processing: Over the last few years, modern dairy processing methods and pasteurizing methods have come under heavy scrutiny. In fact, there have been several controversial reports linking major dairy farms with unhealthy and unsafe procession methods, which translates into unhealthy dairy products that can lead to additional health issues[6]. These processes include extra chemicals that can be harmful to humans in high dosages.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): dairy products are filled with extra hormones due to the farmers pumping these hormones into the cows. These additional hormones can cause an increase in the levels of IGF-1 within a human body. In women, an increase of this hormone can lead to Insulin PCOS and Endometriosis[7].
[1] Avoiding milk is associated with a reduced risk of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome: findings from the British Women’s Heart and Health Study.” By Lawlor DA, Ebrahim S, Timpson N, Davey Smith G.; Diabetic Medicine, 2005;22:808-11.
[2] “Milk, Dairy Fat, Dietary Calcium, and Weight Gain.” By Catherine S. Berkey, ScD; Helaine R. H. Rockett, MS, RD; Walter C. Willett, MD, DrPH; Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH; Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2005;159:543-550.
[3] http://www-cgi.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00106.html
[4] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/81/5/1147.abstract
[5] http://www.godairyfree.org/health-info/other-medical-studies/prostate-cancer-qare-you-seeking-a-diet-for-preventionq
[6] http://www.fitsofhealth.com/weight-loss/the-negative-effects-of-dairy-10-reasons-why-you-may-want-to-eliminate-dairy-products-from-your-diet/
[7] http://www.pcosdietsupport.com/diet-tips/pcos-diet-dairy/
