Cow' milk has for some time enjoyed celebrity status. From white mustaches worn by Hollywood A-listers to inclusion in popular coffee drinks, it seems to be everywhere. But research confirms what has long been suspected: this drink has no place in society. Breastfeeding delivers all the nutrients human babies need, and adults can suffer more harm than good when they drink dairy. Keep reading to learn more.
Why You Shouldn't Consume Cow Milk
If you think about it, drinking liquids from other animals is odd. Cows produce this beverage to feed calves, not humans. When considered in light of the 300,000 years humans have inhabited this planet, drinking dairy is a relatively new habit. Almost nobody drank it 10,000 years ago, and those who did were early farmers living in western Europe. Humans are the only mammals who continue drinking dairy after weaning, but it scientifically makes no sense. Our bodies are not designed to digest the beverage beyond childhood. It contains lactose, a sugar that requires the enzyme lactase for proper digestion. Many of us lose this enzyme after a young age so that when we do eat or drink dairy, we can suffer some pretty miserable symptoms.
A Few Problems to Be Aware of
Chief among the symptoms of lactose intolerance are diarrhea, painful cramps, and upset stomach. It's worth noting that no adult mammals - except a few lucky humans - carry the lactase enzyme. Dairy beverages are only intended for the young. The fact that we continue to drink this beverage may explain why we have autoimmune disorders that don't plague other mammals. Liquids from animals contain toxins, including:
- Hormones
- Nitrates
- Antibiotics
- Pus cells
- Feces
- Cholesterol and fat
Imbalance In the Body
Ingesting these contaminants creates a significant imbalance in the body that can lead to long-term illness and disease. But the worst culprit may be protein, too much of which can overload the system. Cow milk contains around three times the protein as its human counterpart and can lead to problems like calcium leaching from the bones.
But This Drink Contains Calcium...Right?
When we consume protein-rich foods and drinks derived from animals, our internal pH levels become more acidic. The human body, always striving for balance, responds with calcium because it's proven to neutralize this acid. The problem is we hold this nutrient in our bones, meaning it must be drawn out to counter the effects of acidity. Over time, a serious calcium deficit can ensue. You might be thinking at this very moment your own body is in need of re-balance. The good news is you can strengthen your digestive system and improve immunity with our Daily Preventive Maintenance Cleanse and Rebuild. Made with ingredients like alfalfa leaf and barberry root, this formula is proven to support detoxification in a way that cleanses the entire system.
Do You Want Excess Mucus?
If so, have a glass of dairy. It's known as being pro-inflammatory and, as such, encourages the body to produce mucus. Dairy can, in fact, promote chronic inflammation and is for this reason associated with higher risks of arthritis, allergies, and respiratory conditions. As we said earlier, our bodies are intended to drink dairy for only a very short time. The immune system recognizes its contents as foreign and responds in ways that aren't necessarily beneficial.
All Dairy Is Not Bad
Products like clarified butter, kefir, and yogurt are acid-neutral and therefore considered healthy. As for beverages to replace the cow dairy you normally drink, a diverse menu will satisfy almost any craving taste. Non-dairy alternatives include milk made from almonds, cashews, coconut, rice, soy, and hemp. Many times, when people switch to these beverages, symptoms of chronic health disorders disappear altogether.
A Different Way to Enjoy Common Beverages
If you normally mix your dairy drink with coffee, smoothies, or breakfast shakes, you can still do so. The key is in choosing one of the options listed above to avoid excessive quantities of protein and harmful hormones and antibiotics. The same is true of protein powders. Speaking of which, Endurance34 is a vegan formula created for anyone who's active - whether you're a busy parent, exercise enthusiast, or deadline-driven professional. It fuels the body with plant proteins, adaptogens, and phytonutrients to keep you going throughout the day. And thanks to specially-chosen herbs, this formula can also revitalize and repair internal systems.
Be Weary of Labels
It's tempting to think that dairy drinks labeled as 2%, 1%, and fat-free are healthier, but they're not. The fact is they still come from cows and still contain a long list of unhealthy ingredients. The same is true even of those beverages advertised as lactose-free. What you really want are non-dairy options, and we'll refer you one last time to the choices we listed a moment ago. Because these are not animal-derived, you don't have to worry about side effects like mucus production, inflammation, and calcium loss after drinking them.
Alternative Calcium Sources
As a society, we've grown so accustomed to associating dairy with calcium that we forget this nutrient also exists in other food sources. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are excellent sources of calcium; even if you go dairy-free, this nutrient remains important in protecting bone strength and ensuring healthy communication between the brain and nerves. You can further incorporate calcium into your diet with more cabbage, okra, and broccoli. If possible, eat these vegetables raw so they don't lose their nutrients during the cooking process. You might also consider taking supplements formulated with such ingredients as stinging nettle, horsetail, and alfalfa. These medicinal herbs offer benefits that go beyond the provision of calcium; alfalfa, for instance, can also heal arthritis and promote urinary health. It is one of many healthful ingredients found in our Ultra Relief formula, designed to relieve muscle and joint pain. Ultimately, you need only remember that dairy is not intended as a drink for humans. You can enjoy a rich, creamy beverage by choosing one not derived from animals. And for additional ways to get the calcium you need or to order the beneficial products described here, contact Common Sense Herbs today.