Photo Credit: SilviaJansen / iStockPhoto.com
4. Dairy Products
While milk and dairy products contain protein and calcium, some varieties are loaded with unhealthy saturated fats and cholesterol. The homogenization and sterilization destroys some of the important enzymes in the milk. Experts now realize that calcium from plant based sources is more readily absorbed than previously believed. This means that if you have been relying on milk and dairy products to ensure that you get enough calcium in your diet, you may be able to rely more heavily on naturally fat-free whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables.
In addition to being concerned that dairy animals are often inhumanely treated, it is important to be aware that milk and dairy products that come from non-organically raised animals are likely to contain hormones, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals.
Serious, sometimes deadly, infections including vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE), methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and clostridium difficile (C Diff) are rampant due to the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance in people has increased not only because of over use of medications to treat infections in humans, but because antibiotics are routinely added to animal feeds. When you eat or drink dairy products from animals that have been consuming antibiotics, you are exposed to those drugs. If you need treatment for an infection, it may be harder for an antibiotic to work well for you.
One of the most detrimental aspects of consuming dairy foods is that the animals are given hormones to increase milk production. While a few jurisdictions require that products from animals that have received hormones are labeled as such, most do not. Hormone disruption is a major contributor to the development of many ills, including menstrual difficulties, premature puberty and cancer. Choose organic dairy products or dairy free alternatives in order to optimize your level of health.
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients our bodies need. We need these nutrients to fight off infections, grow, and help organs function properly.
