There has been a lot of talk lately about eliminating dairy from our diets. That is quite a change from what many of us heard growing up. So, why is that?
The problem is our society is overall not that healthy. We have an epidemic of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and more. So as a nation we are questioning everything and re-evaluating what we think is a “good” diet.
No surprise, we are now questioning the role of dairy products.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 65-75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is most common in Native American, Asian, African, and South American populations. Yet, it is also an issue with many people of northern European decent, but they just don’t know it. Study after study are concluding that our adult bodies are really not designed to digest cow’s milk.
So, how do you know if you are lactose intolerant? It is really a matter of how you feel. Common symptoms include gas, abdominal pain, heart burn, cramping and diarrhea. Sometimes though, you don’t even know until you take dairy out of your diet for a while and then see how you feel when you introduce it back in.
So, how do you know if you are lactose intolerant? It is really a matter of how you feel. Common symptoms include gas, abdominal pain, heart burn, cramping and diarrhea. Sometimes though, you don’t even know until you take dairy out of your diet for a while and then see how you feel when you introduce it back in.
Can’t see yourself without Dairy? Here are some dairy choices that you might want to consider:
1. Greek yogurt — high in protein and low in calories and sugar. Make sure it is unsweetened and free of artificial sweeteners of fillers. it should basically have two ingredients – milk and live cultures. You can add the sweetener and fruit yourself. 
2. Kefir — yogurt in a liquid format. Like with yogurt, look for the words, “contains live active cultures”.
3. Dairy free milk substitutes include unsweetened almond and coconut milk.
2. Kefir — yogurt in a liquid format. Like with yogurt, look for the words, “contains live active cultures”.
3. Dairy free milk substitutes include unsweetened almond and coconut milk.
And if you are concerned about not getting enough calcium? You can get natural calcium from figs, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, broccoli, cabbage, kelp, dark leafy greens and seafood.
Should you give up dairy? That is really up to you. But, if you are struggling with health issues or you frequently experience the symptoms listed above, it might be worth exploring. Check out our newest program: It’s Time To Feel Great Again.