Is dairy a health food or is it toxic to the human body? Conventional wisdom says it is the former, while mounting research claims it is the latter. To answer this question, let's review the research. To begin with, the majority of the populace is lactose intolerant. It’s true — between the ages of 2 and 3, over 60 percent of the populace loses its ability to produce lactase, which digests lactose. Lactose is a sugar which is not only hard to digest, but it is high in calories. The amount of sugar in lactose contributes to higher insulin levels (which leads to inflammation), as well as weight gain. Secondly, cow’s milk and cheese are proven to be highly addictive. This is because they contain the milk protein casein, which is a natural drug-like chemical found in milk. It has addictive properties, which is helpful for baby cows. But humans? Not so much. Casein is a concerning ingredient, for studies have linked it to cancer, food addictions, diabetes, and more. It is worth noting that the dairy industry is responsible for massive environmental degradation. According to the World Wildlife Fund, approximately 270 million dairy cows are used in the United States for milk production. Furthermore, the processing of cow’s milk and manure contributes to higher levels of CO2 from greenhouse gas emissions. Needless to say, it is also cruel to keep any being impregnated year-round against her will. As a final point, consider that approximately 10,000 years ago, no one consumed cow’s milk to get calcium, vitamin D, or protein. Instead, they relied on plants for these key nutrients. ![cow-2.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZPcLZY6yeWXvjzVv38ucG6CH6zP4BMP7XUJSrwsJJfgM/cow-2.jpg) For many reasons (and several more), you should consider ditching dairy products. If you still need convincing, consider the following 5 health effects that arise when you consume too much dairy:

1) Your Cancer Risk Increases

According to a number of studies, dairy is leading cause and contributor in prostate, breast, testicular, and colon cancers. Considering hundreds of thousands of people die from these types of cancer each year, it could be in the public’s best interest to ditch dairy altogether. Consuming a plant-based diet has been found to be one of the best to prevent cancer and other forms of disease. Click here for free, plant-based recipes.

2) Dairy Ages the Body

As Dr. McDougal explains, dairy is one of the hardest-to-digest foods on the planet. Furthermore, its relationship to cancer and disease is well-established. Because dairy is acidic, is mucus-forming, and backs up the lymphatic system, it is believed to accelerate the aging process. To increase your longevity, it is recommended you consume an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, legumes, and miscellaneous foods, such as seaweed and blue-green algae. Drink plenty of water each day, spend at least 15-20 minutes in the sun soaking up vitamin D, and reduce stress levels as much as possible. These steps, in addition to giving up dairy, will minimize the signs of aging.

3) Poor Skin & Gut Health

Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Whatever the body can’t filter through the kidneys, it will push through the skin. In fact, pimples and rashes are a clear sign both the liver and digestive system are compromised. Consuming dairy may lead to acne, redness, splotchy, or just lackluster skin. Why? Because dairy is acidic and mucus-forming. The lymphatic system has a tough time removing it from the body, which is why red spots may show up after consuming it. After giving up dairy for two weeks, most people notice an improvement in the condition of their skin.

4) Digestive Problems That Don’t Go Away

Because dairy inflames the gut lining, it can also lead to chronic digestive problems. In fact, dairy is one of the worst to cause and irritate leaky gut syndrome. When the gut is compromised, autoimmune diseases may develop over time. As OneGreenPlanet reports, many people who ditch dairy find that conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, heal naturally shortly afterward. They also find out that they feel much better without consuming the animal byproduct. ![cow-2.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZPcLZY6yeWXvjzVv38ucG6CH6zP4BMP7XUJSrwsJJfgM/cow-2.jpg)

5) Increases Risk for Osteoporosis

Contrary to popular belief, dairy is not a good food for building strong and healthy bones. A 2005 review published in Pediatrics showed that milk consumption does not improve bone integrity in children. And, in the more recent Harvard Nurses’ Health Study which followed 72,000 women for 18 years, it was concluded that are no protective effects of increased milk consumption on fracture risk. Milk is highly acidic, despite containing high amounts of calcium. When acidosis becomes a chronic condition in the body, calcium is leached from the bones, leading to osteoporosis and also an increased likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. The best option is to rely on plant-based foods for calcium. Chard, kale, almonds, and figs are all rich in calcium. Furthermore, they reduce inflammation in the body and contribute to longevity, due to their array of nutrients. The evidence is clear — milk does not do a body good. What are your thoughts? Please comment your thoughts below and share this news! Source: One Green Planet