Is Milk Good or Bad for Your Health?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Milk has been a staple in people's diet for a very long time. There have been huge marketing campaigns aimed at telling the general public about the benefits of having milk in our diets. It's been a kid-friendly option for longer than anyone can remember. And it's one of those staple items that most people have in their refrigerators all the time. But in recent years, the benefits of milk have been called into question. So which is it: Is milk good or bad? If you're confused about whether or not to include milk in your diet, take a look at this quick guide to help you out.
The Good
It's rich in calcium - One of the best things about milk is that it's full of calcium. Calcium is an essential nutrient that's necessary for bone, hair, and nail strength. Though we can get calcium through other foods and even supplements, drinking milk is a really easy way to increase the amount we consume on a daily basis.
It's great for kids - Because of the growing needs of kids, milk is an excellent addition to their menu. Milk helps kids to grow strong teeth and bones. Most pediatricians recommend that kids over the age of one year are able to drink milk, though the specifics are something you would need to discuss with your personal doctor of choice.
The Bad
Dairy can cause weight gain - Many adults that consume a lot of dairy complain that it leads to weight gain. Milk contains both calories and fat -- two things that can lead to weight gain when eaten in excess. Those that find dairy to be a weight gain problem may need to keep consumption to a minimum or choose a low-fat option moving forward.
Dairy can cause inflammation - A lesser known aspect of dairy is that it can actually cause inflammation in the body for some people. This can happen in the lining of the gut, or it can even happen in the mucus membranes causing sinus congestion. If you find that milk causes inflammation, the only option is to reduce your consumption to near nothing.
The best way to determine whether or not milk is good for your body is to test it out and see for yourself. Some people do fine with milk and dairy products while others don't agree with the substance. If it works for you, go for it! If not, try a non-dairy option. Do your research, experiment, and create a diet that gets you closer to better health and your ultimate goals.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.