Don’t People Need Milk?

Yes, babies and infants need milk. They need mother’s milk, and both their immune system and general health will benefit from drinking it. But, they need HUMAN milk, not the milk of cows. The fact is, people are the only “animals” that drink the milk of another species. No other adult animal drinks milk. Human mother’s milk for an infant is beneficial and natural. Otherwise, milk is simply not necessary. Neither children nor adults need milk!

Isn’t Milk Full of Good Things?

Milk and dairy products are high in fat and cholesterol, unless altered to lower fat. Because the dairy industry reveals fat content as a percentage of weight, the labeling of products is misleading. Although “2% milk” appears to be low in fat, in actuality, when shown as a percentage of total calories, that milk is 31 percent fat. Of course, most realize butter is 100 percent fat, but what about other dairy products? Regular yogurt is 49 percent fat, as is whole milk. Most cheese is 60-70 percent fat.

Adequate calcium can be easily obtained without relying on either dairy products or animal sources.

What Health Problems May Be Related to Dairy Product Consumption?

Dairy products do contribute protein to the diet, but too much daily protein contributes to osteoporosis. Countries, such as the United States, with high protein consumption, have the highest incidence of osteoporosis in the world! In areas where people consume few meat and dairy foods, as well as in vegetarian diets, osteoporosis rates are low.

If osteoporosis is due to loss of calcium in the bones, why isn’t the calcium in milk beneficial? Only a lowering of protein consumption will stop the calcium loss. Increased calcium intake, either through food or supplements, will not halt the leaching of calcium from the bones. The body doesn’t need the calcium from milk, and the fat and protein content far outweighs any possible benefit.

According to Dr. Frank A. Kosmu, drinking milk may cause many problems, including insulin-dependent diabetes in children. He also suggests milk is deficient in iron, and adds that blood loss through a baby’s intestines from ingesting cows’ milk may further compromise iron levels, leading to iron-deficiency anemia. Milk is also a contributing factor to digestive problems and allergies, he states. At a news conference in 1999, Dr. Kosmu announced that milk is not a good source of calcium, and added that cows’ milk often contains undesirable antibiotics.

Milk may also be contaminated with cows’ blood, pus, pesticides and hormones.

Numerous research projects have shown dairy products to be the number-one food allergen. A Canadian study, directed by Dr. Milos Krajny, secretary of the Ontario Allergy Society, found a direct relationship between dairy product consumption and such allergy-related symptoms as ear infections, asthma, migraines, post-nasal drip and intestinal distress. Upon stopping the use of all dairy foods, 70 percent of the study’s subjects improved dramatically, most completely relieved of all symptoms.

The galactose in milk is a prime suspect in cataract formation, as well as ovarian cancer. Many, if not most, people lack the enzyme, lactase, necessary to digest the lactose in milk, and may suffer digestive disturbances as a result.

For more than 42 years, Dr. William Ellis, a retired osteopathic physician and surgeon in Arlington, Texas, has studied and researched the effects of dairy products on both infants and adults. He concludes that milk contributes to chronic fatigue, constipation, arthritis, allergies, muscle cramps, heart and circulatory problems, obesity, headaches, including migraines, and constipation and other digestive ailments.

Some studies, including those by Yarmouth, Maine, gynecologist Dr. Christiane Northrup, conclude that milk and other dairy products stress the digestive, immune and respiratory systems of the body by causing the production of great amounts of mucus. The elimination of dairy can result in the lessening of symptoms and frequency of colds, sinus infections and other respiratory system-related illnesses.

Alabama pediatrician, Dr. J. Dan Baggett, reports a reduction in the number of appendectomy cases among his patients, following the elimination of dairy products from their diet. He also tells of the drastic decline in strep infections when milk is eliminated from the diet.

Other ailments that may be related to milk and dairy product consumption include acne, autoimmune diseases, skin rashes, lung and other cancers, multiple sclerosis and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Numerous other studies and research projects have proven the benefits of reducing the consumption of dairy products. Eliminating them completely affords even greater health rewards.

What Foods Contain Calcium?

So, if dairy products are eliminated from the diet, how is the necessary calcium obtained? Easily. Many foods contain adequate amounts of calcium. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes are high on the list.

Absorbable calcium is readily available in collards, butternut squash, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard and other green vegetables. Spinach is not a good source of calcium, as its high levels of the mineral are not well absorbed by the body.

Beans are teeming with calcium. Good sources include black turtle beans, navy beans, pinto beans, soybeans and white beans.

Chickpeas are calcium-rich, as is tofu. Figs, oranges and raisins contain good amounts of calcium, and barley and oats are a good source, too. Most fruit contains calcium. All nuts have good amounts of calcium, and sesame seeds are the most calcium-rich food on earth!

Many foods are calcium-fortified, including some brands of orange juice, and even breads and cereals.

If dairy-like products are still desired, many delicious alternatives are available. Soymilk, rice milk and almond milk are good beverages, and non-dairy ice creams are popular. Fruit sorbets might also be satisfying. As a substitute for butter, oils such as canola, flax seed or olive are tasty on toast and vegetables, or when used in cooking and baking. Soy cheeses are available, but some contain casein, a milk protein.

Will I Get Enough Calcium?

It is not difficult to get enough calcium for optimum health. Eating a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, will ensure an adequate calcium intake. Calcium supplements should not be necessary, when the diet contains enough variety. In fact, all the vitamins and minerals the body needs can be obtained through good nutrition.