Scary Dairy? You decide.
Posted by Jaime on Jan 15, 2013 in Nutrition & Health, Uncategorized | 13 commentsGot Milk, Or Not?
What’s better than a fresh batch of warm cookies and a tall glass of cold milk? If you just boxed jumped on to your kitchen table, ripped off your shirt and yelled MEAT! VEGGIES! WATER! MUSCLE UPS!…Dude, chill out. Nobody’s looking, you can agree that this stuff at least tastes good.
Now put your shirt back on.
Growing up being the rolly polly I was, cookies dunked in milk was my favorite! snack……..dessert……..entree. To be honest, anything dunked in milk. MILK! Loved the stuff as a kid. I used to drink so much, my nana would see me and say “ oh, there’s goes my little calf.”
Did she just call me a cow? A small cow, but a cow none the less. 
Oh well, gulp gulp gulp, dunk dunk dunk, waddle waddle waddle.
If you’re on the primal wagon, dairy is off limits (with the exception of grass-fed/pastured butter). Do you know why?
Everyone, in unison
Oh dear God.
Yes that’s true, cave folk weren’t exactly chasing down saber cats and milking them. Except for Greg Focker’s ancestors. They probably milked cats.
Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson and other brilliant minds can explain the super science behind the dairy exclusion, but here’s a few things to consider for now:
- We are the only species to consume milk after infancy.
- We are the only mammals to drink another mammal’s milk.
- Our bodies haven’t evolved enough to properly digest dairy. One more time, “IF A CAVEMAN DIDN’T EAT IT, WE DON’T EAT IT.”
But isn’t dairy good for me?
No, not really. But later on I’ll discuss some loopholes.
But what about all the health claims?
Oh right, the propaganda, I mean “health claims” created by *Big Dairy and our true blue American government.
* Big Dairy: Conventional dairy factories interested in high production and making money. Not interested in health of the cows, the planet or you.
*Government: Factory of congressmen interested in high production and making money. Not seemingly interested in health of the cows, the planet or you.
You Remember the claims, right?
FALSE!
FALSE!
FALSE!
And….
FALSE!
Really?
Well, you decide.
Fun Fact!
Countries who consume the least amount of dairy have the lowest rated of osteoporosis. Americans consume over 600 lbs of dairy per year (per person), an abundance of calcium from dairy, yet suffer some of the highest rates in the world. Hmm, that’s odd.
Oh, and about those so called health claims above…..
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently asked the UDSA to look into the scientific basis of the claims made in the “milk mustache” ads. Their panel of scientists stated the truth clearly:
• Milk doesn’t benefit sports performance.
• There’s no evidence that dairy is good for your bones or prevents osteoporosis — in fact, the poor quality animal protein it contains may help cause bone loss!
• Dairy is linked to prostate cancer.
• Dairy causes digestive problems for the 75 percent of people with lactose intolerance.
• Dairy aggravates irritable bowel syndrome.
Simply put, the FTC asked the dairy industry, “Got Proof?” — and the answer was NO!
(Dr. Mark Hyman)
So how am I supposed to get calcium?
Calcium is important, but not in the mass quantities that Americans consume. Far superior sources that are bodies are better suited for are:
- Salmon, sardines
- Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard
- Seaweed
- Broccoli
- Some seeds
Not to mention you are probably Vitamin D deficient. That’s the real ticket in preventing cancers, diabetes (I and II), obesity, depression, osteoporosis and a boat load others.
Great sources:
- Cod liver oil
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Eggs from chickens that play in the sun
- Meat from animals that play in the sun
- The best way of course is good old fashioned sunshine!
Hey Twilight, go outside. While you’re at it, walk to the store and buy a quality D3 supplement and some fish oil too.
So is all dairy is totally off limits?
As you can see above, we don’t need dairy to survive and thrive. In fact, there’s a lot of evidence to support dairy being completely disastrous for human consumption. However, I’ll bet most of those negatives associated with dairy are because it came from a very sad cow on a production line being fed GMO soy and corn, not a happy cow living on a real farm eating grass and playing in sunshine. Totally different story. Insert possible dairy loophole as promised above.
Check out Mike Adams’ pictogram from Natural News.
Don’t just skim over, really read it!
In conclusion, finally.
Do I think we’re meant to have dairy and need it to be healthy? No.
Do I think “Big Dairy” is full of B.S. ? Yes.
Do I think there are some benefits in RAW (or grass fed/pastured) dairy? Yes, in moderation. But play around with it and see how you feel. Maybe you can tolerate more than others.
Good places to find RAW ( or grass-fed/pastured) dairy?
Local health food stores. The Safeways, Vons and Alberstons of the world won’t have it. Shop outside the box!
Look for brands like:
- Humbolt Creamery
- Strauss Family Creamery
- Organic Pastures RAW dairy
- Kerrygold (Irish ) – Trader Joes carries their butter and cheese
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Co.
- Local farmer’s marketAnother great source is the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Enough about what I think, what do you think? Have you had any experiences with dairy in your diet and taking it away? Different brands?
Come on, leave me some comments so I know you’re reading.
By the way, this is what I know and will share today. Although it’s unlikely, 50 years from now dairy could save the world! I encourage you to question everything you buy, everything you’re fed and everything you read, even this. Ultimately, do what’s best for you.
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I have had it not had it, had it not had it quite a few times over the last few years. A quart of heavy cream a week used to be a vice. Now for me I’m pretty much convinced that I feel better without. I’ve learned to enjoy coffee with nothing in it. It seems like every time I dabble in it I just don’t feel that great after like a little foggy not a stomach ache just a slow or drained a bit. I know for me the more pure paleo I keep it the better I feel physically and most important mentally. I think you are right that its good to see what works best for you and eat accordingly.
Only you can make milk funny! Great post Jaime!
BUT…but..but, what about Goats (specifically Kefir)?
This post made me laugh so hard! Thanks for the entertainment Jaime…but also for the great info and message.
Jaime, Jaime, Jaime!
Leave the poor dairy farmers alone. We in the agricultural industry know better. We all drank milk as kids and we are fine! This is just another fad! Everything in moderation and exercise like we should and all will be well! Just a few years ago bacon and eggs were bad cuz they were full of fat. Now Doctor Palio says we should eat those items. By the way – you are an excellent writer! Beware of RAW milk it can make you very sick!
Tod, I’m not condemning the “real” dairy farmers of america. Rather, I applaud them and anyone else in agriculture who practices old school/traditional farming (rotates crops, humane animal handling, no pesticides etc) When you’re generation (and definitely those before because you are too young
drank milk as kids, most likely it was milk from a happy cow as I described. Today, it’s just not the same practice and so not the same product. I’m sure you and your buddies see this and are not at all impressed with how things are done today. I believe this is why we are seeing so many associated health problems in humans. As far as being careful with RAW dairy, you’re right. You surely can get sick but check this out…. I learned something sort of interesting. More people get sick and die from conventionally grown products and dairy than from organic food, RAW dairy etc. According to a one study, you are 35,000x more likely to get sick from eating burgers from fast food, pesticide ridden spinach from a bag or an apple from a big box store. Isn’t that crazy?!! The FDA and CDC loves to misinterpret information about small time dairy farmers and RAW products because there is no money in it for them. That’s enough to make me sick 
As far a fad diets out there, I’m with you Tod! Too many fad diets blind us from seeing the truth when we actually discover supported evidence. I guess it all comes down to what we preach mostly, regardless of what you are eating – Eat real food. Know where it comes from. Shake the farmers hand. I think if this was our country’s mantra, we’d see a lot fewer problems. Thanks for reading Tod! See you soon buddy.
That’s one of the many things I like about you Jaime – you don’t go down without a fight. I admire that!!! This is how a BLOG is supposed to work, back and forth. However, you and I will need to sit down and have a drink and discuss this further – you with a beer and me with a big glass of pasteurized milk. One FACT to remember – American farmers (and California farmers especially) produce the safest, most nutritious and least expensive food supply in the world. I hope you and your readers do go to the FDA website and read about the dangers of RAW milk. Organic milk is fine – please just make sure it is pasteurized! Personally I do trust the FDA and know of personal stories where children have consumed RAW milk and end up in the hospital on dialysis. See you on Thursday morning! This is fun!
I believe this internet site has some real wonderful information for everyone
. “Believe those who are seeking the truth doubt those who find it.” by Andre Gide.
Yeah, I’m 100% NOT convinced. I’ve drank 1-3 cups of milk everyday for almost my entire life as have both my brothers, mom and dad. Everyone is healthy, we sleep great, no headaches, no excess muccus, no skin problems. The “facts” and “scientific” data against milk are slim to absolutely NONE. I believe this Paleo fad will last about as long as the Atkins diet, the South Beach Diet, The water diet and every other fad out there that has claimed over the year to have foud the “it” factor. I’m totally fine with people saying they feel better. If you feel better not drinking it then great but trying to put this diet out there as “scientific” is completely ridiculous. It’s a fad plain and simple, lest we all forget that noone on the planet knows the quality of life of cavemen and I believe their life expectancy was like 25 years…yeah, let’s all live like cavemen
It was a very well written and entertaining article though!!
I meant to post the link that I think was rather telling about all the “paleo” claims. The research that links Osteoperosis to “poor animal protien” is at most a “misstatement” and more accurately a completely false statement. THis link is a synopsis of the research that specifically says an increase in all animal protien is thought to be the cause of increased Osteoperosis, of which American consume more protein than the rest of the world… Correct me if I’m wrong but Paleo is all about increasing Protein intake which according to the study you are citing is THE cause of increased Osteoperosis http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/the-truth-about-calcium-and-osteoporosis
Sorry to beat a dead horse but here is the best quote to summarize the false claims of your article that increased milk consumption leads to osteoperosis when indeed it’s actually increased animal protiens (which would include milk but that was not the point of your article) you twisted the research to support “Paleo” but failed to point out that ALL animal protien is the culprit!
Summarising the medical research on osteoporosis, one of the nation’s leading medical authorities on dietary associations with disease, Dr. John McDougall, says:
“I would like to emphasize that the calcium-losing effect of protein on the human body is not an area of controversy in scientific circles. The many studies performed during the past 55 years consistently show that the most important dietary change that we can make if we want to create a positive calcium balance that will keep our bones solid is to decrease the amount of proteins we eat each day. The important change is not to increase the amount of calcium we take in.”
I’m confused by the traction that two of these arguments in particular are getting in the Paleo community: (1) We are are the only species to consume milk after infancy and (2) We are the only mammals to drink another mammal’s milk. Almost every cat I know salivates for cow’s milk, in and after infancy. Am I missing something? Even if these arguments WERE true (we’re the only species/mammals interested in another mammal’s milk), it would be silly to think that we have therefore evolved to eat exactly like all other mammals/species, right? I mean, cows are ruminants…why would humans eat like a cow though he be mammalian?? If I’m overlooking something obvious here, I’d appreciate the correction; if not, any chance of ridding the post of this particular pseudo science that has somehow become commonplace in the Paleo blogosphere?
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and
gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and
screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!