Is dairy bad for you? In short, yes it is!
But did you also know that milk and dairy are the leading triggers of skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis? Yikes!
Here is why: the proteins and substances in dairy are highly mucus-forming and inflammatory. In short, mucus is an inflammatory byproduct of our body’s waste-management systems. When we eat foods that our bodies don’t agree with, they begin to make mucus to protect us by keeping toxins from staying in our lymphatic system – the body’s sewage system – for too long.
The problem is, when there is too much mucus present (as is the case with dairy intake), it can no longer be easily purged from the body. We then have a compounding mass of mucus blocking our lymphatic system from circulating and working properly, which is one of the many reasons we experience those pesky skin breakouts.
If we continue to bombard the body with mucus-producing foods, the body will do its best to adapt to its acidic biome, which can express itself as chronic inflammation issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, auto-immune disorders, and even cancer.
Why is Eating Dairy Bad for You?
The answer is simple: dairy and milk consumption is not meant to be a part of the human diet. It seems that humans are confused about what diet they are meant to eat – and we still can’t reach a common consensus. We are the only species on earth drinking another species’ milk that is meant for its infants. Think about it this way: you are consuming the basic elements of what a baby calf needs to grow into a mature cow or a bull.
These proteins and essential nutrients are meant to help the calf grow hundreds of pounds in a matter of months and provide it with the right instructions for developing a protective biome and immunity. It is quite different in its chemical composition than human breast milk.
Our bodies require our own mothers’ milk, but only when we are born and before we start consuming solid foods. In time, we lose the enzymes that can break down the proteins even in our own species’ milk.
Every being’s milk is meant for its own kind, as it provides its young with the “foundational substance” to grow into a healthy adult.
Therefore, most of us who are labeled as “lactose intolerant” are actually just more sensitive to the foreign proteins in milk and dairy. But generally speaking, most individuals cannot tolerate dairy completely due to its inflammatory nature. Undoubtedly, lactose intolerance is just a marketing term used to sugarcoat the truth – that it is a side-effect of our bodies rejecting milk intake.
What is worse is that most commercial dairy foods have been pasteurized as well as homogenized; both of these processes involve high heat, which changes the chemistry of the milk further, deeming it truly toxic.
Not only is the milk foreign to human consumption, but due to modern farming practices, it is also full of hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, and the cow’s mucus.
Pasteurization and Homogenization of Dairy
Likewise, today, most commercial milk that is sold is pasteurized. Pasteurization is a method of heating milk (and other liquids) to high temperatures to kill bacteria and other “unfavorable” substances. But is this actually good for us? No, not even close! Pasteurization changes the molecular composition of milk, which breaks down beneficial enzymes to aid in its digestion and creates an even greater imbalance in our bodies as our system is trying to deal with the denatured concoction.
Homogenization is another process invented by humans that is used to make butter last longer on grocery store shelves. This process makes the fats more difficult to digest and is very harmful, as fat that is subject to high heat levels becomes toxic.
And although raw milk does negate the pasteurization process, which makes it slightly easier on the body, it is still cow’s milk meant for its calf and is not advisable for human consumption in any form – be it fermented dairy, whole milk, skim milk, organic milk, or low-fat dairy.
Due to its nature and the manner it is commercially produced, milk and dairy products are now considered highly processed foods and should not be consumed as a staple part of any diet, let alone be included in dietary guidelines. It is also interesting to note that in many traditional cultures – including primitive South American tribes and in Eastern Asia – milk products are not even a staple food but rather a rare indulgence.
The History of the Dairy Industry
Much of what we know about dairy today – that it is healthy, does wonders for bone health, and is full of good fats that help our bodies grow – is actually part of marketing campaign efforts that came about as a result of the lobbying efforts of the American dairy industry.
Since the 1950s, the dairy industry (as well as the cattle industry) saw that money could be made by exploiting animals and decided to convince Americans that dairy is the most essential part of their diet. From family-friendly advertising to “Got Milk?” campaigns that used celebrities to laud the benefits of milk, the industry enjoyed some of the largest market profits in American history.
The growth of the dairy farming sector to accommodate the growing demand for milk due to the prolific marketing led to not only decades of animal abuse, but also a long-term decline in health in many Western societies. Similar to the cigarette industry that promoted smoking back in the day and even tried to convince individuals that it was good for them, the dairy industry is no different.
The Effects of Commercial Dairy Farming on Wellness
Most dairy cows are kept at high density all their lives and are never allowed to satisfy their natural urge to be mothers. Rather, they are constantly artificially inseminated to give birth to keep the milk flowing for human consumption.
Female cows will produce 10+ pounds of milk every day, which is taken from them after every single milking, causing their body to pump out more and more in an attempt not only to meet the demand but also compensate for the loss of nutrients she is experiencing as a result of this regimented routine.
In addition, dairy cows are fed a diet that is very different from what is natural for them to consume in nature. They eat mostly grain and cottonseed meal (food for cattle), which is not only lacking in nutritional value but also is given to them in large amounts as well as loaded with hormones and antibiotics – all of which contribute to their health problems and early death.
At one point in time, farmers would fatten up their cows before slaughtering them by feeding them fresh green grass; now, farmers feed their cows processed grains so they have more meat on their bones when it comes time to send them off to be killed. This may be more economical for the farmer, but is certainly not in the best interest of human health – or animal health, for that matter.
Just as processed grains can lead to leaky gut and digestive issues, so too can dairy. It is made up primarily of casein (a protein), which is very difficult for our bodies to digest because it is a foreign substance from another species.
Unlike humans, cows produce an enzyme called alpha-chymase in their stomachs, which allows them to break down casein and utilize it for growth and nourishment. However, we do not have this enzyme in our system, resulting in undigested casein turning into a fatty acid known as casomorphin, which is similar to morphine in its chemical composition.
Furthermore, the rise in dairy demand is responsible for the overuse and abuse of growth hormones fed to cows to increase their milk production. When consumed through milk, these hormones have been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, asthma, and allergies (especially dairy allergies).
Farming is also a big business, which is why you will notice many dairy farms near factory farms. They are located next door to make it easy for cattle waste to be piped directly into dairy farms or into massive manure lagoons that contaminate groundwater with nitrates, a potent carcinogen. But since these industries are considered the ‘economic engines’ of their countries, regulators usually turn a blind eye to all of the industry’s harmful practices.
But, all is not lost- consumers have the power to change this! With our knowledge, we can demand regulation and choose alternatives that will deem exploitation, toxicity, and cruelty a dark chapter of humanity’s past.
5 Reasons Dairy Causes Skin Problems
There is a lot of evidence today to support that dairy can be quite problematic. In fact, it is one of the top foods that cause the onset of asthma, and is linked to allergies, ear infections, and other chronic respiratory conditions.
Even more disturbing is that dairy is one of the leading causes of seasonal allergies, since sinuses are overwhelmed with mucus and cannot process incoming irritants properly! As we know, seasonal allergies leave people with symptoms such as sinus headaches, itchy eyes, and runny noses.
Yet most doctors, who have very little nutritional training, will not make the connection to dairy, because they are still highly unaware of the role of diet and nutrition on health. And with this lens of unawareness, they will not be able to even conceptualize how the chemical composition of foods interacts with the body.
That is why it is paramount that you learn everything you can about food and your body, so that the fuel you use to support your life is of the utmost quality and is as nourishing and life-giving as possible.
So, how is dairy bad for you? Here are 5 reasons why dairy is unhealthy and how your skin is affected adversely by the consumption of milk and dairy products!
#1 Milk and dairy products are highly mucus-forming and clog the lymphatic system, resulting in inflammation and skin breakouts in the form of rashes, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
#2 Dairy is full of saturated fat. Most people are not aware that dairy is one of the highest sources of fat in Americans’ diets. Inflammatory fats like margarine, shortening, and vegetable oils are found in most dairy products. They can be directly linked to premature aging and skin cell damage.
#3 Dairy is high in sugar (lactose), which is a double whammy for your skin, causing breakouts, weight gain, and loss of elasticity due to insulin sensitivity.
#4 Milk is highly acidic, and instead of benefiting us with the purported calcium and vitamin D (nutrients that are contained in specific ratios for its own species, which cannot be utilized by our bodies), it actually depletes calcium from our bones.
In fact, many milk drinkers over the years have suffered bone fractures and have developed osteoporosis, since the body uses bone calcium to neutralize and alkalize inflammatory acids.
Since inflammation causes calcium to be leached from bones and connective tissues, many milk drinkers develop spider veins and varicose veins. Inflammation also leads the body to produce cholesterol, which protects tissues from further damage. Pockets of cholesterol near the skin epidermis also cause cellulite to accumulate.
#5 Cheese is a highly concentrated dairy that is even more difficult for our bodies to process and is very damaging to our gut. In fact, there is a direct correlation between gut health and skin health, as they are both the largest elimination organs in our body and work symbiotically to lift the heavy load of toxin accumulation through waste expulsion.
Other Health Issues That are Linked to Dairy Consumption
In addition to the mucus production is a chain reaction that is set off in the liver by dairy. This is because these foreign proteins trigger an immune response and after consumption, they enter the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, they will most likely travel through to the liver and then will be filtered out via bile back into the small intestine where it is flushed down into the colon for elimination. It is at this point in our bodies that we can develop problems with intestinal flora imbalances.
Dairy is likewise one of the highest sources of phosphorous – a main component of urine, which is extremely inflammatory when concentrated in the bloodstream. Phosphorus causes calcium loss from our bones and water retention (edema) in our bodies resulting in pain, inflammation, or swelling associated with many common health complaints.
The consumption of dairy is also linked to many other health conditions including chronic bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, osteoporosis, and cancer. Doctors are finding that an increasing number of children who suffer from Celiac disease now have food allergies to dairy.
Regular dairy and milk intake is also linked to ovarian cysts, breast tumors, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and causes the second most common food allergy in North America.
And what is more shocking is that dairy is a mucus-forming food requiring up to three gallons of water for digestion alone!
As it turns out, cheese is one of the leading foods allergenic to humans and is a major cause of heart disease, because it has been linked to atherosclerosis along with a higher risk of obesity, osteoporosis, and cancer. It has also been found that cheese contains small amounts of opiates which can be addictive or trigger cravings – even more reason to eliminate dairy from your diet!
Lastly, dairy is high in the amino acid tryptophan, a sleep-inducing compound. This is why many people feel drowsy after eating a meal that is rich in dairy. However, this is not only due to the compound but also because the body is trying to neutralize and break down all of the hard-to-digest proteins and eliminate them.
What is a Health-Conscious Person to Do?
The solution is quite simple: eliminate dairy from your diet, not only for clear skin, but for your overall health and wellness! Instead, if you enjoy cereal, cheeses, and other foods that include dairy, you can substitute conventional milk for plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk (my personal choice!), almond milk, and hemp milk.
Plant foods and milks are not only easier to digest, but are an all-around better nutritional choice when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.
However, one important piece of advice: do stay away from soy milk, as non-fermented soy is known to be high in phytoestrogens, which could disrupt hormone levels and production in the body. Also, oat milk contains a lectin called gluten which is inflammatory to the gut, so it is better to stay away from this milk alternative as well.
These days, there are many plant-based kinds of cheese available on the market as well that can satisfy all tastes and preparation needs. You can also make your own cheese spreads fairly easily by blending soaked almonds, spices, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Starting to build new healthy food habits will keep you off of milk and dairy in no time! With many different varieties of plant-based milks, dairy alternatives, and cheeses, you can start to enjoy the process of experimenting with their textures and tastes and integrating them slowly into your daily diet. Within a month, you will most likely come to embrace the alternatives and will question why you didn’t make the switch in the first place.
Have fun with the journey and enjoy the many health and skin benefits of a mucus-free diet!
Final Thoughts
As with any other substance that the body cannot adequately process, absorb, and eliminate, dairy is highly acidic and inflammatory, a precondition that weakens all body systems, including the skin. By removing dairy from your diet only for a week, you will notice your digestion and sinuses improve significantly! After just a month, you will feel like a different person and your quality of life will improve manifold.
Start your dairy elimination diet today, and watch as your skin and health issues heal from the inside out!
To learn more about how your body works, the essentials of skin detoxification, and ways that you can heal your skin problems permanently, check out the following of my skin detoxification resources:
5 Natural Tips for Quick and Effective Skin Detox
Best Herbs for Detox: The Power of Weeds, Herbal Medicine, and More