
Dairy: GOOD or BAD? (It's Complicated)
“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
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...