Relevant information about the five most popular restrictive diets: Gluten-free, Lactose-intolerant, Pescetarianism, Vegan and Vegetarian.
Whether you are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy products, or simply making a lifestyle choice, going without dairy can be difficult at first. There are a ton of benefits to eliminating dairy from your diet, however, both from a health and physical standpoint. It is important to know the difference between a dairy allergy and dairy intolerance, because intolerance usually just results in cramping or abdominal pain, while an allergic reaction can be much more serious. If you are doing it for ethical or health reasons, there are many different reasons to go with a dairy-free diet.
Contrary to popular belief, milk does not make your bones stronger or reduce fractures. According to some studies, dairy may actually increase your risk of suffering a fracture by 50%. Therefore, with less dairy in your diet, you actually improve the strength and health of your bones. In countries with the lowest rates of calcium and dairy consumption, the rate of osteoporosis is significantly lower. Vitamin D is a much more important factor than calcium when it comes to preventing fractures. While dairy is a source of Vitamin D, you can find other food that are much better for you and provide even more nutrients. The biggest benefit of going with a dairy-free diet in terms of a physical standpoint is the improved health and strength of your bones, which goes against the myth that milk actually makes your bones stronger. Instead of relying on dairy, get plenty of exercise and use supplements with 2,000 IU of vitamin D.
Calcium, and in turn all dairy products, actually increase the risk of cancer for both men and women. Research has shown that higher intakes of dairy products may increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer by almost 50%, while it also increases the risk of cancer in women as well. Dairy consumption also increases the level of insulin-like growth factor-1 in the body, which is a known cancer promoter. Approximately ¾ of the entire world is unable to properly digest dairy products, whether they know it or not. This is called lactose intolerance, and while it isn’t life-threatening, it can cause abdominal pain, cramping, headaches, and other health problems. Dairy is also linked to heart disease because it is full of saturated fat, and a glass of milk contains a lot of calories, which increases the chance of weight gain. Dairy also aggravates IBS (irritable bowl syndrome), which is a common problem among people over 30. Dairy has been shown to contribute to other health problems like anemia (in children), chronic constipation, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, and sinus problems. Instead of consuming dairy, try to eliminate it all for a couple of weeks and see how your body reacts. This includes ice cream, yogurt, cheese, and milk. You may notice health improvements in your weight, energy, headaches, and sinuses. Get your calcium from food, such as leafy vegetables, and if you need to eat dairy, try to eat raw, organic dairy products.
