Is It Okay To Eat Cheese And What Types Of Dairy Should You Avoid?

Podcast Summary

• The truth about milk and its potential health risks.: Question the benefits of dairy and explore alternative options for a healthier diet.

  The government's recommendation to drink three glasses of milk a day lacks scientific basis. Despite the dairy industry's promotion of milk as nature's perfect food, it contains reproductive hormones, allergenic proteins, antibiotics, and growth factors that can have negative effects on our health. The dairy industry's influence and lobbying power has contributed to the misinformation surrounding dairy's benefits. It's important to be aware of the potential side effects of consuming dairy, such as weight gain, bloating, acne, allergies, and even cancer. Taking small actions every day to prioritize our health means critically evaluating the role of dairy in our diet and considering alternatives that may offer similar nutritional benefits without the potential drawbacks.

• The influence of financial ties and industry funding on the information we receive about milk.: Consumers should be skeptical of information provided by industries and seek out independent and scientifically sound sources to make informed decisions about their diet and health.

  Financial ties and industry funding can greatly influence the information we receive about certain products, such as milk. The dairy industry has invested significant amounts of money in studies and campaigns that promote milk as a beneficial and healthy beverage. However, it has been revealed that some of these studies were funded by the industry itself, resulting in biased and misleading information. This raises concerns about the reliability of the information we receive, as studies funded by the food industry are more likely to show positive benefits. It is important for consumers to be aware of these influences and seek out independent and scientifically sound information before making decisions about their diet and health.

• Reconsidering the Role of Milk in Bone Strength: Milk is not essential for strong bones and may not even be the best source of calcium. Prioritizing a healthy diet and avoiding harmful habits are more crucial for maintaining bone health.

  Milk is not necessary for strong bones. Despite what we've been taught, there is no concrete evidence that milk strengthens our bones. In fact, countries with the lowest milk consumption have the lowest rates of fractures and osteoporosis. It is concerning that we force children to have milk in school lunches, even though low-fat milk can actually lead to weight gain. Furthermore, milk is not a reliable source of calcium. It's not about the total calcium intake, but rather how much calcium our bodies actually retain. Bad habits like smoking, consuming sugar, and drinking soda leach calcium from our bones. So, instead of relying on milk, it's important to focus on a healthy diet and avoiding these detrimental habits to maintain strong bones.

• Exploring Calcium-Rich Alternatives to Milk: There are various non-dairy sources of calcium that are even more beneficial than milk, and focusing on vitamin D for bone health is more important than solely consuming calcium.

  There are alternative sources of calcium that don't involve consuming milk. Mark Hyman highlights several options, such as sesame seeds, sardines with bones, tofu, yogurt from sheep or goat, collard greens, spinach, cheese, sockeye salmon, almonds, and chia seeds. Surprisingly, some of these sources contain even more calcium than milk. Additionally, Mark emphasizes the importance of vitamin D in supporting bone health, rather than solely focusing on calcium intake. He also mentions that milk consumption may increase the risk of cancer, as suggested by leading nutrition scientists. This challenges the commonly advised three cups of low-fat milk per day, encouraging individuals to explore other calcium-rich alternatives.

• The Link Between Milk and Cancer Growth: Consuming milk can increase the levels of hormones that promote cancer growth and is associated with various health issues, while saturated fat from dairy may have potential benefits for certain individuals.

  Milk contains hormones that may promote cancer. The 60 different hormones found in an average glass of milk can act like miracle grow for cancer cells. Milk is designed to stimulate growth in babies and cows, but it also causes cancer cells to grow. Drinking milk increases levels of IGF one, a known cancer promoter, and is associated with kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, and lower rates of cancer survival. Contrary to popular belief, the fat from dairy may not be the issue for heart disease. Saturated fat from dairy may actually be beneficial for most people, especially those with metabolic issues. Research shows that saturated fat consumption has little to no effect on heart disease, and in fact, dairy fats may reduce cardiovascular risk and the risk of diabetes.

• Reevaluating the Benefits and Consumption of Butter: Enjoying butter in moderation, especially the grass-fed variety, can provide important nutrients and antioxidants. However, it is important to avoid mixing it with carbohydrates and sugar and opt for grass-fed or regenerative dairy options for optimal health benefits.

  Butter may not be as bad for us as we once thought. While it is true that most of the fats in butter are saturated, it also contains important nutrients and antioxidants. It is fine to enjoy butter in moderation, especially if it is the grass-fed variety, which has a better fatty acid composition and more health benefits. However, it is important to be mindful of how we consume butter. Mixing it with carbohydrates and sugar is not a good idea. Additionally, when choosing dairy products, opting for grass-fed or regenerative options is best, as they are free from antibiotics and hormones and have higher levels of phytochemicals. Alternatively, probiotic-rich dairy kefir and ghee can be used as substitutes for those who are allergic to dairy.

• Understanding the Differences in Dairy Products: A1 vs A2 Casein: Choose dairy products from heirloom cows, goats, or sheep that contain A2 casein for improved tolerance and reduced inflammation. Look for ethical certifications and avoid conventional, low-fat, and sweetened options. Opt for grass-fed alternatives.

  Not all dairy products are created equal. Cow's milk, especially from modern cows, contains a protein called A1 casein, which can be inflammatory and contribute to various health issues. On the other hand, dairy products from heirloom cows, such as Jersey or Guernsey cows, contain A2 casein, which is better tolerated and has less inflammatory potential. Additionally, goat and sheep dairy products are even better alternatives as they primarily contain A2 casein and are generally more easily digested. When purchasing dairy, look for certifications that ensure ethical animal production. It is recommended to avoid conventionally raised cow's milk, low-fat or non-fat dairy products, and yogurt with sweeteners or additives. Opt for grass-fed ghee, goat or sheep milk, kefir, and grass-fed butter for a healthier dairy option.

• The Truth About Dairy and its Impact on Our Health: Dairy products, particularly those that are processed or imitation, may not be as healthy as we believe. Opting for natural, high-quality options like sheep or goat cheese is recommended for better overall well-being.

  Dairy products, like sweetened yogurt and processed cheese, may not be as healthy as we think. Mark Hyman, a health expert, emphasizes that the fat in dairy is actually beneficial for our bodies. He advises avoiding cheese-like substances and industrial cheese products, as they are not considered real cheese. If you do choose to consume dairy, he suggests trying sheep or goat cheese instead. Hyman warns that dairy may not be nature's perfect food and could potentially contribute to health issues like cancer. Ultimately, he encourages listening to our bodies and paying attention to how different types of dairy affect us individually. This highlights the importance of being mindful of our dairy intake and considering healthier alternatives.