Many people in Irvine, CA, removed dairy from their diet. The reasons vary. For some people, the decision was easy. They either have a dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant. Others may notice they produce less phlegm or have clearer skin when they remove dairy. A small group of people are misinformed and believe dairy is unhealthy. Dairy, like gluten, negatively affects some people, but not all people. Just like going gluten-free, if you aren’t experiencing symptoms when consuming dairy, you may be doing yourself a disservice.
Dairy is not for everyone, but it’s a healthy option for most.
If you are lactose intolerant, eating dairy-based food or drinking regular milk can have results that vary from bloating to explosive diarrhea. It’s worse for those with a dairy allergy. The reaction can be vomiting, wheezing, hives, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. For most people, dairy provides nutrients. It’s a healthy source of protein and has 18 of the 22 essential nutrients. It’s high in phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, B-12, B-6, E, K, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and folate.
It’s all about the type of dairy you select.
The type of dairy consumed makes a difference. Unsweetened full-fat yogurt is healthier than Rocky Road ice cream. Choosing a fat-free option is another mistake many people make. When companies remove the fat from milk or other dairy, like yogurt, it changes the taste and texture quality. Manufacturers have to add ingredients, like sugar, so it’s more palatable. The fat in the dairy also keeps you full longer. The fat in the dairy also keeps you full longer.
There are even differences in healthier forms of dairy.
Dairy from pastured—grass-fed—cows is also healthier. It has more omega-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid. If the dairy is a fermented product, like kefir, yogurt, or cheese, it’s easier to digest and lower in lactic acid, so there’s less chance of digestive issues that occur when consuming milk. It also provides beneficial microbes to help the digestive system. As already noted, full-fat options are better than low or no-fat ones. Your body needs healthy fat for many processes, including absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
- Your ethnicity makes a difference in your tolerance for dairy. Those with East or Central Asian, indigenous North American, or African heritage have a higher potential to develop lactose intolerance.
- For some people, dairy can lead to skin conditions. The body considers it a toxin and removes it through urine, excrement, or skin pores. Rashes, eczema, acne, and other skin conditions may mean you’re sensitive to dairy.
- Some people experience inflammation when they consume dairy. It can affect all parts of the body. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to the heart or show itself as arthritis.
- Each person is different. Their response to dairy is also unique. One way to find out if dairy is the source of your problem is by an elimination diet. Remove it for 5-6 weeks and see if a chronic condition improves.
For more information, contact us today at Next Level Fitness