Milk Madness: Is It Good or Bad for Your Health?
By Genevieve Cunningham
We've been told for years and years that milk does a body good. Do you remember those advertisements? Milk was a hot commodity. Everyone knew that milk helped you grow and kept you strong. But over the years, milk's reputation has eroded a little bit. Suddenly, milk was good for you -- but only for some people. And then more time passed, and suddenly milk (and dairy) wasn't good for you at all. It's hard to keep up! So what's the truth? Should we be drinking milk or not? If you're wondering whether milk should be a part of your diet, take a look at the good and bad of keeping milk in your diet.
The Good Side of Milk
Milk really can be good for your body. It contains calcium, which is good for both your bones and your teeth. It contains protein, which is good for your muscles. And it is also one of the only diet-based sources of Vitamin D, which is good for your bones, your mental health, and more. Milk can help balance your diet and keep you healthy and strong. It is still recommended for children, especially young children over one year old. There are definitely good reasons to keep milk in your diet, especially if it's a food that you enjoy.
The Potential Bad Side of Milk
Like any food, milk isn't always the best choice. It's possible to have an allergy to milk, in which case, you would need to avoid it. It's also estimated that as many as 60 to 70 percent of adults may be affected negatively by lactose, which would cause bloating, nausea, and other side effects. And lastly, some people may be mentally affected by the fact that milk is an animal product. If you want to be free of animal products, milk won't be a part of your diet. Do these side effects affect everyone? Definitely not, but they're worth noting if you're questioning the value of milk in your diet.
Should You Drink Milk?
Whether or not you should drink milk is an entirely personal decision. For some people, it's a great choice. For others, it may not agree with their bodies or philosophies. Talk to your doctor and do what's best for your own health. Milk or not, a healthy diet will keep you feeling your best now and long into the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lafayette, La.