It feels good to cut the cheese … and dairy products in general. Seriously though dairy is a culprit in a lot of allergies and illness in ourselves and our children.
Here are some reasons why:
Milk contains a protein called casein which breaks down into an opiate. An opiate has a drug like effect and some researchers believe the opiate in cow’s milk is intended to soothe the baby calf while nursing.
There is 300% more casein in cow’s milk than human milk. This excess can’t be good for us. Do you think it can be a weight thing? How much does a cow weigh, versus a small child? Is it any wonder children diagnosed with autism have remarkable improvements with a casein free diet?
Did you know that it takes ten pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese. That’s a lot. Cheese contains more casein and casomorphins (opiates) than other dairy products and that may be why we feel addicted to it.
Casein is used to make glue. It is extremely mucousy and it would only make sense that casein could be the culprit in breathing problems such as asthma, ear & sinus infections, colds and pneumonia. Does it seem like your child is always sick? Casein might be a good reason why.
Dairy doesn’t prevent osteoporosis and it actually may bring it on. North Americans consume massive amounts of dairy products and have the highest incidence of osteoporosis. Dairy creates acidity, and acidity causes the body to leech calcium from healthy bones to restore the PH balance.
Dairy can cause pimples. Dairy is full of hormones (naturally occurring and, in some cases, synthetic). Too many hormones = Pimples.
Some dairy is pumped full of hormones and antibiotics. Even if you buy organic you still get the naturally occurring hormones from the cow. After all, most milk comes from lactating pregnant cows. I have been pregnant, and I have lactated, but never at the same time. Can’t you just imagine that hormone chaos?
In a nutshell, digesting cow’s milk makes the body acidic and causes it to leech calcium from bones; cow’s milk contains an opiate designed for a baby cow, is used to make glue, contains lactose which many of us can’t digest, is full of hormones (like we need any more), and I won’t even get started on the “other” contents in some dairy due to the cow’s mastitis from always having to be milked.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics cow’s milk is not recommended for children under 1 year old. Infants fed whole cow’s milk don’t get enough vitamin E, iron, and essential fatty acids. They also get too much protein, sodium, and potassium. These levels may be too high for the infant’s system to handle. Also, whole cow’s milk protein and fat are more difficult for an infant to digest and absorb. I believe this is one reason why babies and children have eczema, reflux, cramping, constipation and irritability.
I understand that people are passionate about their food choices. My intention is only to provide you with information in the case that your children have any of the symptoms mentioned above. Your child can feel better easily and thankfully with all of the dairy free options out there it is now easier than ever!