What Are the Health Benefits of Going Dairy-Free?
People are increasingly opting to go dairy-free or at least cut out most dairy from their diet. It’s much easier to do so these days because even if you have a craving for a dairy product, there are amazing substitutes and replacements available, like dairy-free yogurt and nut milk.
Not everyone needs to go dairy-free, and on the other end of the spectrum, some people have to and have no choice. Then, there are people that are thinking about it but aren’t sure if it’s right for them.
In the technical sense, we don’t necessarily need dairy. We can get all of the nutrients we need from other foods, but for some people, the idea of not having dairy can seem a bit foreign at first.
If you do decide to go completely dairy-free, you would have to be conscious of things like baked goods that may contain dairy, as well as sauces and dips. You would also have to ensure you were getting enough calcium from either other food sources or supplements.
The following are some of the possible benefits you might experience if you did eliminate dairy from your diet.
Reduced Insulin Exposure and Lower Insulin Levels
There is something given to baby cows to help them gain weight, which is similar to insulin. It’s called growth factor, but then as a result, when you have dairy products it can raise your insulin levels.
If you already have a metabolic disorder like polycystic ovary syndrome or diabetes, raising your insulin levels can be especially harmful.
There is also lactose in milk, which is sugar and that raises our insulin levels as well.
If you want to lose weight and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day, you want to avoid excess sugars such as those found in dairy products.
Improved Digestion
There are some estimates indicating around 70% of people in the world are lactose intolerant and even if you produce lactase, which is the enzyme that breaks down dairy products, you may still have digestive problems when you have dairy products.
To properly breakdown the other things in dairy products like sugar and protein, you need to have good digestion.
You may find that if you cut dairy out of your diet, it improves symptoms like bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is something that happens naturally as our body responds to what it views as foreign invaders. It can also become ongoing, and chronic inflammation is associated with serious chronic diseases like autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Dairy products are believed to lead to increased inflammation in the body. That’s why you should add a mastic gum supplement with huge anti-inflammatory properties to your diet.
Clearer Skin
There is some evidence suggesting acne may be caused or at least worsened by dairy. There are different theories as to why this could be the case.
One reason could be the effects of artificial hormones that cows are given. These could impact your own hormone levels and the imbalance could trigger breakouts.
It’s also possible that since dairy products have high amounts of sugar, they could cause changes in insulin levels that then impact the skin.
Some people attribute skin issues to leaky gut as well. With leaky gut, the permeability of your gut lining is compromised. This can cause undigested particles to leak into your bloodstream and act as toxins, which can lead to skin irritation and acne, among other symptoms.
The inflammation factor could be part of the effects of dairy on skin too. Acne is technically an inflammatory condition.
Weight Loss
Some dairy products can be high in fat, but it’s not necessarily the fat itself that’s a problem as far as your weight goes. It’s the sugar which was touched on above.
If you want to lose weight and especially belly fat which can be the most stubborn, you might eliminate all sugar, and that includes from dairy.
Reduced Candida Growth
Candida overgrowth occurs in the gut. It’s the growth of too much unhealthy gut bacteria, and it’s linked to chronic diseases.
Candida overgrowth can cause inflammation too and these are all factors that can cause digestive problems. Problems in the digestive system can have far-reaching impacts and may lead to headaches, brain fog, and fatigue.
If you are thinking about going dairy-free, you can speak to your doctor and see if it’s the right option for you. You can also find no-dairy swaps that won’t leave you feeling deprived but will still give you a health boost.