Dairy: GOOD or BAD? (It's Complicated)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 20, 2023
“My doc advised me to cut out dairy. Is it really that bad for you?”
– Mark
Hi Mark,
This is a tricky question to answer. Because it’s not nearly as straightforward as you might imagine.
On the surface, dairy is the PERFECT food. It has an excellent mixture of fats, proteins, and sugars.
Foods higher in fat and protein help you feel fuller for longer, so you eat less. Plus, they slow the digestion of sugars, which stabilizes blood sugar. In fact, dairy has even been linked to a LOWER risk of type 2 diabetes!
But some things can get in the way of it being the perfect food for everyone.
The first hurdle is that many folks have problems digesting dairy foods. This is called lactose intolerance, and studies show that around 65 percent of adults have a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy.
For most folks, that means they can manage a little dairy but not too much. Milk allergies are another thing altogether. But they’re also relatively rare.
Then there’s the matter of pasteurization. It’s considered a necessary evil for the safety of the large-scale, factory-farm-style production of dairy foods. However, it alters dairy products in ways that aren’t necessarily good for your health.
But that’s just the start of the issues with huge factory farms. The cattle are pumped full of various drugs and hormones to increase milk production and keep the stressed and overcrowded dairy cows from getting sick all the time.
Some of those “treatments” end up in the milk and, ultimately, in US. And the health consequences are unknown.
There’s speculation that the milk’s added hormones and natural growth factors could increase cancer risk, but more research is needed.
So, if you have a cow in your backyard that you can milk (and you aren’t lactose intolerant), dairy foods are delicious and nutritious. But when you add in all the manufacturing that stands between you and your glass of milk, things get cloudier.
For most folks, if you’re going to occasionally have cheese or milk, I don’t see a problem. But I wouldn’t make it a daily habit. As with most things in life, moderation is the key.
If you can buy your dairy from a local farmer, that’s your best bet. And always choose organic or pasture-raised dairy foods to avoid hormone and drug residues.
P.S. You can live a longer, healthier life by ensuring you get enough of THIS specific nutrient in your diet. I like to call it the “lazy man’s secret to super-aging.” CLICK HERE to discover what it is.
Source:
“Prevention or Delay of Type 2 Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.” Diabetes Care 1 January 2022; 45 (Supplement_1): S39–S45
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...