People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. This can result in diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.

SHARE:

The post Is Constipation Not A Lactose Intolerance Symptom?! appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Regular cow’s milk is a staple in many people’s diets. People consume it with their cereal, coffee, tea, smoothies, and pre-workout drinks. Although cow’s milk is a popular choice, some people can’t or choose not to drink it because of dietary restrictions, intolerances, or personal preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-dairy substitutes for cow’s milk, and this article aims to highlight the best ones. 

Did you know that lactose intolerance affects about 25-40% of adults worldwide? Tens of millions of Americans are lactose intolerant, which can cause cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Surveys found that lactose intolerance is more common in American Indians, Ashkenazi Jews, Latinos, and African Americans. In fact, lactose intolerance affects 80% or more of some of those groups!

From a nutritional standpoint, many non-dairy alternatives can be very beneficial. Nut and seed milks are often rich in heart-healthy fats, but you have to make sure to read the nutrition labels. Unfortunately, plant-based milks can contain added sugars, natural flavors, and lots of preservatives. Do your best to buy unsweetened varieties, as opposed to flavored or sweetened ones. You can even make your own non-dairy milks and avoid preservatives! You just need a blender, a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, and a jar for the liquid.

Oat Milk

In its simplest form, oat milk comes from a blended mixture of oats and water. Manufacturers add gums, oils, salt, and more preservatives for a more desirable texture and flavor. Oat milk is naturally sweet and is very similar to cow’s milk, and can be used in the same way as cow’s milk. It goes great in coffee, cereal, or smoothies! Oat milk contains beta-glucan, which binds to cholesterol as it passes through the body. This can help lower LDL cholesterol, the type that’s associated with a higher risk of heart disease. 

Cashew Milk

Made from cashews and water, or cashew butter and water, cashew milk is a thicker non-dairy milk that goes great in smoothies or coffee. Cashew milk contains fewer than one-third of the calories of cow’s milk, half the fat, and way less carbohydrates. Because it has a low protein content, it may not be the best non-dairy milk substitute for people who want to increase protein intake. With only 25-50 calories per cup, though, unsweetened cashew milk is a great beverage for people who are watching their waistlines.

Almond Milk

Perhaps the most notable of plant-based milks, almond milk has a light texture and sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Just like oat milk, you can directly substitute almond milk for cow’s milk in myriad recipes. Although it contains more calories than cashew milk, almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie non-dairy milks available. Additionally, almond milk is a great source of vitamin E, a group of antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress. 

Macadamia Nut Milk

Macadamia nut milk has a richer, smoother, and creamier consistency than most non-dairy milks, and tastes great in recipes or on its own. It is more calorically dense than other plant-based milks, so it may not be a great option for calorie counters. Because macadamia nut milk is low in carbohydrates, it may be a great option for people with diabetes, or those who want to watch their carb intake. Macadamia nuts are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for reducing blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Quinoa Milk

Quinoa is an edible seed, although it’s commonly thought of as a grain because of how people use it. It is highly nutritious, gluten-free, and rich in quality protein. Although quinoa has risen to popularity as a superfood, quinoa milk is a newcomer to the non-dairy milk market. Quinoa milk exhibits a slightly nutty flavor that is a little sweet, making it great for cereal and porridge. It contains a similar number of carbs to cow’s milk, but fewer than half the calories. The nutritional profile is very well-balanced when compared to other non-dairy milks. 

Coconut Milk

Sold in cartons and cans alike, coconut milk is made from water and the white coconut meat. Coconut milk has a creamy texture and a sweet, subtle coconut flavor, especially if you buy the unsweetened varieties. Coconut milk has the lowest protein and carb content of the non-dairy milks, so it may not be great if you want to increase protein intake. However, it is a great option for keto enthusiasts because it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are healthy fats that may increase feelings of fullness, helping to reduce appetite and improve blood cholesterol levels.

SHARE:

The post The Best Non-Dairy Substitutes For Milk appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When the body builds up excess gas in the digestive tract, it only releases it from two places: your bottom or your mouth. The gas that causes farting and burping tends to build up during the digestive process by swallowing air when you eat or drink. This type of gas can build up faster if you drink through a straw, smoke, or eat foods that are difficult to digest. Excess can also stem from constipation, excess stress, or a medical condition that affects the digestive system. 

The gas that creates farting or burping is completely natural, and everyone does it. Most people tend to fart five to 23 times per day. Some people are uncomfortable or embarrassed to fart, especially if it happens more often. People may judge smelly farts, so people try to hold in farts until they are in a place they deem safe. Although research on farting is limited, preliminary studies suggest that holding gas in may not be good for you. In fact, it’s much better to just let them pass.

What Does The Data Say?

If you make methane faster than you’re passing gas, you’ll feel more pressure on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The perception of discomfort is higher when you choose not to let a fart go versus when there’s a physical reason you can’t let gas go. The way that the gut signals the brain to let you know you that you need to fart has a lot to do with that. An increase in pressure causes a bloated feeling and the urge to let one rip. If you continue to ignore this feeling, it means that you are aware that you need to pass gas. That awareness makes the pressure more uncomfortable. 

In the 1970s, researchers found that holding in farts may increase the risk of diverticulitis. This condition is characterized by the inflammation or swelling of pouches that form along the digestive tract. Diverticulitis can be a very serious health issue, as it can cause infection if you don’t manage it. Without more recent research, however, there is no clear link between holding in farts and diverticulitis development. 

What Happens When You Hold In A Fart?

Gas moves from your intestines into your rectum when you fart. At that point, it exits the body through your anus, unless you tighten your anal sphincter muscles to clench your buttocks and hold in your fart. You can usually do this for a period of time, but pressure starts to build on that gas in the digestive system as a result. Bloating, stomach pain, and general discomfort are common symptoms that stem from holding in a fart. Bubbling or gurgling can also occur, as these symptoms indicate gas moving around the digestive tract. 

According to research, the body’s blood system reabsorbs some of this gas that you hold in. It may eventually let it out during exhalation, but the majority of this gas remains under pressure until you finally decide to let it out via a fart, burp, or both. The good news is that there is no evidence that you can die from holding in a fart. The pain and discomfort, however, can be quite severe in certain circumstances. 

Everyone Farts

Some people brag about never farting, but the truth is that just about every healthy person farts. The average person produces roughly 705 milliliters (24 ounces) of gas in a 24-hour period. That amount can range from 476 milliliters to 1,490 milliliters, according to one study. Certain digestive disorders make you produce and pass more gas than normal. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, food poisoning, acid reflux, and Celiac disease all share an increase in gas as a common symptom. Farting is a natural part of life, but if you feel that you fart more than usual and experience other digestive symptoms, give your doctor a call to rule out causes of gas.

SHARE:

The post Is Holding In A Fart Bad For Your Health? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

People easily interchange food allergy and food intolerance, but the two are quite different. Food intolerances are very common, affecting roughly 15-20% of the human population. Intolerances differ from allergies and we’ll explain how below. 

What Is A Food Allergy?

An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to an ingredient or substance that it misinterprets as harmful. The body often mistakes a food, typically a protein, as harmful and creates a defense system against it. The antibodies that the body creates battle the foreign protein, causing an allergic reaction. It’s very common to experience allergic reactions to nuts, shellfish, eggs, dairy, and certain fruits or vegetables. 

What Is A Food Intolerance?

Differing from a food allergy, an intolerance is a digestive response as opposed to an immune response. After eating a certain food, for example, the digestive system experiences irritation. This commonly happens when a person cannot properly digest or break down the food. It’s very common to experience an intolerance to lactose, which is found in most dairy products. Food intolerances are also common in people with digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You can find common signs that may indicate a food intolerance below. 

Headache

Headaches can be symptoms of so many different conditions, so it’s easy to overlook a headache as an indication of a food intolerance. Severe food intolerances may even trigger migraines. When the body cannot properly digest or break down a certain food, the body sees it as a threat. It starts to release immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies into the bloodstream. These antibodies can sometimes cause headaches or migraines. 

Bloating Or Gas

The two most common signs of food intolerance are bloating and gas. Gastroenterologists say that these two symptoms most commonly occur after a large, high-fiber meal. When the symptoms become uncomfortable or painful, however, that is cause for concern, especially if they occur every time you eat a certain food. Bloating and gas are two very common symptoms of lactose intolerance. The body cannot fully digest lactose, so bloating and gas result. Consider dairy alternatives in the case of lactose intolerance. 

Diarrhea Or Constipation

These two symptoms often indicate an intolerance, especially to gluten. If the body cannot properly digest or break down gluten, it’s very common for constipation or diarrhea to occur. Gluten intolerance may or may not be an autoimmune reaction. In the case of Celiac disease, the body attacks the villi in the small intestine in response to the presence of gluten. Non-celiac intolerance can mean that the gut cannot properly digest gluten. According to studies, about 50% of gluten intolerant people experience diarrhea and 25% experience constipation. 

Fatigue

Fatigue, sluggishness, or a general tiredness after eating a certain food. Occasionally, people can have a blood sugar crash that causes fogginess or fatigue, but it can indicate a food intolerance. If the body cannot properly process certain foods, the adrenal glands produce cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. It does this to help reduce irritation or inflammation in the gut. The fatigue is a result of the stressed adrenal glands. 

Acne

As stated in the beginning of this article, a food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. People who have food allergies can experience hives, itchiness, rashes, or puffiness after eating the trigger food. The body can still interpret a food as harmful even if you are not allergic to it, though. As a result, a person can experience acne or a similar skin reaction. If a certain protein in a food doesn’t agree with the body, it can produce histamine, and the reaction will occur wherever the body produces it. If it releases histamine in the skin, you may experience acne or even eczema. 

SHARE:

The post 5 Common Signs That May Indicate A Food Intolerance appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Non-dairy milk alternatives are some of the most popular beverages on the market. With increasing dairy sensitivities and a greater interest in plant-based diets, people turn to dairy-free milks. Macadamia nut milk, almond milk, oat milk, hemp seed milk, and more plant-based milks are available at grocery stores, coffee shops, and smoothie shops across the country.

One report claims that sales of non-dairy milks experienced a 60% increase since 2012. Roughly one in five Americans claims that they consume less dairy for health reasons. Out of all the non-dairy milk alternatives, almond milk reigns supreme. A 2020 report found that almond milk sales grossed $1.5 billion. Just because it is the most popular, does that mean it is the healthiest non-dairy milk? Continue reading to find out.

What Is Almond Milk?

Pure almond milk contains two ingredients: almonds and water. To make almond milk, blend almonds and water together, pour this mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, and strain the liquid. You can add sweeteners or flavorings as you please. Store bought almond milks can contain more chemicals, gums, emulsifiers, preservatives, or sweeteners to extend shelf life. Some varieties are also fortified with vitamins and minerals. 

A Nutritional Breakdown Of Almond Milk

The nutritional profile of almond milk will vary depending on the formulation. Vanilla almond milk that contains sugar is unhealthier than unsweetened almond milk. That isn’t to say that unsweetened almond milk is super healthy. Many unsweetened varieties contain gums, thickeners, and preservatives to remain shelf stable. Homemade almond milk, however, is much healthier for you. The difference is that homemade almond milk goes bad in about three days. On average, though, one cup of unsweetened almond milk contains:

• Calories: 39
• Fat: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Carbohydrations: 3.5 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Calcium: 24% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Potassium: 4% of the RDI
• Vitamin E: 110% of the RDI
• Vitamin D: 18% of the RDI

Almond Milk Vs. Dairy Milk

Some people refuse to accept plant-based milks. They are steadfast in their belief that cow’s milk is the best liquid for healthy bones. Despite scientific reports claiming this as false, people are familiar with cow’s milk and less familiar with almond milk. Almond milk is much lower in calories and it is naturally lactose-free. About 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose, meaning they are lactose intolerant. This can lead to digestive issues, mucus accumulation, and inflammation. On the other hand, some people cannot digest almond milk because it contains carrageenan. Others are simply allergic to tree nuts. Cow’s milk is also high in fat and there are many ethical concerns about modern dairy farming practices. The hope is that dairy lovers come around to experiment with plant-based dairy alternatives like almond milk.

How Healthy Is Almond Milk?

As we discussed earlier, not all almond milks are created equal. Sugary, chocolate, or vanilla almond milks will have excess sugar and preservatives. One cup of these varieties can contain up to 12 grams of added sugar, which is about three teaspoons. That’s half of the RDI for adult women, according to the American Heart Association. Almond milk can be healthy, though, especially if you make your own. There are also varieties that only contain almonds, water, and sea salt. One of those brands is MALK, which is excellent!

If you make your own almond milk (click here for the recipe), you’ll be better off. All you need are almonds, a blender, water, vanilla extract (optional), sea salt, raw agave syrup (optional) and a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Making almond milk is a very easy process that takes ten minutes or less. You know what’s going into your beverage and it won’t contain any added gums, thickeners, emulsifiers, or sweeteners that can make it unhealthy. 

Conclusion

Almond milk has the potential to contain unwanted, harmful ingredients to your health. Think of almond milk like reusable bottles: some are cheap and made from plastic, while others have better insulation and are stainless steel. If you want to purchase almond milk in the store, make sure to purchase varieties with simple, recognizable ingredients. Otherwise, it’s better to make your own. And finally, drinking almond milk helps to cut down on your consumption of dairy, which will only benefit your health in the long run.

SHARE:

The post How Healthy Is Almond Milk For You? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Depending on who you listen to, which new emerging health study you see, or which diet you follow, dairy is either good or bad for you. Dairy doesn’t fall under the healthy food umbrella, but many people grew up with the notion that drinking milk was the only way to have strong bones. This theory has been debunked, but people still feel the need to include dairy in their diet, despite what it does to their bodies. 

Millions of Americans are lactose intolerant, but they consume dairy without a care. The fact of the matter is that 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant and even more are sensitive to dairy products. Most people are unaware of the fact that their bodies can’t properly digest lactose, which is a sugar that occurs in cow’s milk. Humans have lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down and digests lactose. The production of the lactase enzyme actually lessens or stops as you age into adulthood. When the body doesn’t product lactase and you eat dairy, it’s easy to experience bloating, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. 

Unfortunately, the side effects of dairy consumption go beyond stomachaches or bloating. Over a long period of time, lactose has the potential to cause the following side effects on the body. 

Unhealthy Skin

What you put in your body influences the appearance and overall health of your skin. It’s the largest organ in the body, so it tries to get rid of whatever your internal organs cannot do on their own. If you cannot digest and eliminate dairy products, the skin will try to get rid of them. This can lead to dry skin, acne, splotchy skin, or areas of redness. Studies have shown that eliminating dairy from your diet helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin. 

An Increased Risk Of Cancer

Depending on the dairy products you consume, you may suffer from long-term consequences. Some studies have linked high dairy consumption to an increased risk of prostate and breast cancers. It should be noted that these studies were conducted by epidemiologists, meaning they looked at trends in dairy consumption in populated areas over time. Other studies found that dairy consumption was linked to higher rates of colon and testicular cancers. 

Digestive Troubles

As we’ve detailed in this article, lactose can cause bloating, gas, and stomach pain, all of which are minor stomach troubles. When you eat a lot of dairy, it’s possible that it will damage or inflame the gut lining, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome. Once the gut lining is damaged, the body has an increased risk of developing chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Some studies found that people who eliminated dairy from their diet had a much easier time digesting food. This is primarily because about 75% of adults around the world are intolerant to lactose. 

Inflammation

Inflammation is the immune system’s natural response to an irritant in the body. This is a healthy response, but it becomes unhealthy when the response lingers, leaving the body in a state of constant alert, or chronically inflamed. Dairy is very acidic and consuming it regularly can make it hard for the body to remain in an alkaline state. The natural acids in milk, for example, can cause calcium deposits to accumulate in joints, increasing the risk of arthritis and inflammation. The body has an easier time absorbing the calcium from plant-based foods, most of which are alkaline and fight inflammation.

Excess Mucus Production

Dairy contains casein, which is a protein that promotes the formation of mucus in the body. People who are more sensitive to dairy commonly experience congestion after consuming dairy products. This is even more detrimental to your health if you are sick. Casein will make it more difficult for the body to expel mucus. 

SHARE:

The post 5 Side Effects Of Eating Too Much Dairy Protein appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are foods that support gut health and there are foods that create gastrointestinal problems. The foods that support gut health contain microbes that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Foods that are unhealthy upset the gut microbiome, tipping the scales in the favor of unhealthy gut bacteria. This article intends to inform you about the foods that ruin your gut health.

Firstly, we must establish that each person reacts differently to different foods. Each person’s gut health also depends on diet, food sensitivities, allergies, and lifestyle choices. Someone with food sensitivities may suffer from gut health issues when he/she eats a food that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

What Is The Significance Of Gut Bacteria?

The human gut contains over 100 trillion bacteria, known as gut flora. Some of these bacterial species that inhabit the gut are friendly, while others are not. Friendly gut bacteria destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and they are necessary for digestion. They also produce vitamin K, short-chain fatty acids, and folate. Harmful gut bacteria increase the risk of insulin resistance, obesity, weight gain, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation, and colorectal cancer. This is why it is important to have more good than bad bacteria present in the gut at all times. Below, you’ll find numerous foods that harm gut bacteria. 

Diet Soda

A lot of people drink diet soda because it is free of calories and sugar. It was originally marketed as a healthier alternative to regular soda, but this is not the case. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, which upset microbes in the gut. A small study in Israel examined the effects of aspartame, sucralose, and saccharine on the gut. Results indicated that they altered gut bacteria and increased glucose intolerance, which increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess has many adverse effects on the body, one major one being that it creates inflammation and an imbalance of gut flora. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth, which leads to acid reflux and poor digestion. Drinking a glass of red wine every now and again isn’t harmful, but pounding sugary margaritas and beers can harm gut-friendly bacteria.

Dairy Products

Roughly 65% of the world’s population has problems digesting lactose, which is the primary sugar in dairy products. Diarrhea, bloating, and gas are the three common symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming dairy products, please consider cutting back on dairy. However, cultured products like kefir contain beneficial probiotics that are much easier on the digestive system; and they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Soy

Besides the fact that soy is one of the most genetically modified foods on the planet, soy is a lectin-rich legume that can be difficult to digest. A common reaction to soy consumption is bloating or abdominal pain. Some people can handle small amounts of fermented soy, like natto or tempeh, because they are easier to digest.

Processed Foods

Chips, cookies, pretzels, toaster pastries, and almost every other packaged food item is loaded with preservatives and additives that harm gut flora. These foods don’t contain gut-friendly fiber, and the refined sugars and carbs only lead to the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria. Skip the snack aisle and focus on freshness for a healthier gut.

Fried Foods

Simply put, fried foods are very difficult for the body to digest. The oils that are used for frying typically contain high amounts of saturated and trans fats, both of which irritate the stomach, causing bloating, gas, or diarrhea. In addition to increasing the risk of liver disease, fried foods also promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Sugar

Sugar is the evil ingredient that people keep coming back for. It is extremely addictive and very harmful to your gut health. Various animal studies found that sugar slows the production of proteins that keep gut flora balanced.

SHARE:

The post These Foods Are Harming Your Gut Bacteria appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

An estimated 65% of people around the world have difficulty digesting lactose. With the rise of plant-based dairy alternatives, however, dairy sales have decreased over the years. These dairy-free options are not only better for the environment, but they are also easier to digest, contain more nutrients, and are associated with reduced food sensitivities.

Why Should You Use Non-Dairy Substitutes?

Some people decide to avoid animal products for humanitarian reasons, while others want to decrease their exposure to hormones, antibiotics, and potential contaminants that are in conventional dairy products. When it comes to non-dairy alternatives, however, the goal is to watch out for added sweeteners and flavorings. Certain brands try to trick the consumer into consuming something “healthy,” when it is not healthy in actuality. For a list of plant-based dairy substitutes, look at the list below.

Milk Alternatives

A glass of cow’s milk is not the best source of calcium. The average glass of milk contains 149 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 8 grams of protein. Unsweetened almond milk, on the other hand, contains 2.5 grams of healthy fat, 39 calories, and one gram of protein. You don’t need to load up on protein, people, so the one gram per serving of almond milk isn’t detrimental to your health. It is the most common non-dairy milk out there, but coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and hemp seed milk are other beneficial options. Try to steer clear of soy milk because soy is one of the most genetically engineered crops on the planet.

Butter Alternatives

When it comes to baking, butter is one of the most common ingredients. As the saying goes, “Everything is better with butter.” You know what is omitted from that saying? Eating a lot of butter has been associated with increased levels of visceral fat, higher cholesterol, and obesity. Mashed avocado, coconut oil, and coconut butter are healthier plant-based alternatives to butter. All three of those alternatives contain healthy fats that benefit heart health. Finally, make sure to avoid vegetable oil-based margarines because they still contain derivatives of dairy, for example, whey.

Ice Cream Alternatives

There are more dairy-free ice creams on the market now than ever before. A lot of the non-dairy ice creams are made from cashews, coconuts, almonds, or entirely nut-free when it comes to fruit sorbets. The only thing to watch for is the flavorings, dyes, and sugar content. The easiest way to avoid regular ice cream is to make your own ice cream at home using frozen fruit, cacao powder, or a small amount of plant milk. Click here to browse the ice cream recipes in our dessert recipe section.

Cheese Alternatives

Cheese is typically what prevents vegetarians from committing to veganism; it’s just that good. It is also incredibly fatty and rich in sodium. Luckily, nuts have the ability to form a creamy texture when blended, which is why many companies are producing vegan cashew cheese, for instance. While there are processed vegan cheeses, they contain a high amount of chemicals that are unhealthy to consume. Make your own cheeses using raw nuts, nutritional yeast, and seasonings. Nutritional yeast is an excellent seasoning for vegans because it offers a nutty, cheesy flavor.

Cream Alternatives

Cream is the higher fat top layer that is separated from fresh milk. It is commonly used for many culinary applications, but there are many non-dairy options that you can use instead of regular half and half. Many non-dairy cream products are made from almond milk or coconut milk, but our favorite is the cream made from peas. It doesn’t have the flavor of coconut and is easily used in cooking or in beverages.

What To Watch Out For

Intolerances

While some people are intolerant to dairy, others are intolerant to nuts and soy, which can be difficult to digest. When purchasing non-dairy alternative products, be sure to inspect the ingredients.

Fillers

Many non-dairy yogurts and cheeses contain additives and fillers, like inulin, to improve the texture. These are not the worst for your health, but they aren’t natural either. Stay on top of your health and strive to purchase the most natural products.

Added Sugars

Unfortunately, a lot of non-dairy products contain added sugars in order to enhance texture and flavor. There are many unsweetened versions of these dairy alternatives, so be sure to choose those options. Even then, read the nutrition label.

Price Difference

You may notice that non-dairy options cost more than dairy products. It never hurts to spend a little extra money on your health, so don’t let a couple dollars stand between you and a healthier body.

SHARE:

The post Dairy Alternatives To Substitute Common Dairy Products appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Dairy products have been under fire lately, due to the controversy about whether or not they are necessary for healthy bones. Many health experts claim that people should avoid dairy products and obtain calcium from other plant-based sources, but this is easier said than done. As it turns out, many people are hooked, addicted even, to dairy products.

Advertising campaigns and government suggested food pyramids have encouraged Americans to make milk an essential component of a healthy diet. When you take into account that the consumption of dairy products has been linked to skin conditions, joint inflammation, and digestive problems, the advice to consume dairy has been quite misleading, to say the least. Harvard scientists have even ridiculed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics for encouraging people to consume up to three cups of milk per day. Additionally, federal laws have mandated that public schools provide children with milk at each meal to avoid losing federal funding.

Is Dairy Natural To Consume?

Humans are the only species that consumes milk into adulthood, and they are the only species to drink the milk of other animals. Cow’s milk is intended for growing calves, and as you have astutely realized, humans are not calves. Research has shown that dairy is not necessary for optimal health, especially when you look at it from an evolutionary perspective. Additionally, 75% of the world’s adult population is lactose intolerant, due to the fact that the body stops producing the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose, as you age into adulthood. Despite knowing this, people consume dairy and even deal with symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Are You Addicted To Dairy?

The definitive food that prevents a vegetarian from becoming a vegan is dairy, not eggs like people think. The aroma of cheese, the way it melts, or the sharp flavor hooks you into becoming an addict, chasing that cheese high forever and always. The reason that people crave cheese is because it contains casein fragments called casomorphins, which is a morphine-like compound. To put it simply, dairy protein contains opiate molecules, triggering the same brain receptors, to which narcotics attach. A cup of milk contains 7.7 grams of protein, 80% of which is casein, but when that same cup that gets converted to cheddar, it multiplies to 56 grams, becoming the most concentrated form of casein. Think of it like this: milk is the cocaine to the crack that is cheese. Companies that sell cheese are aware of this, leveraging the addiction by adding cheese or dairy to enhancers, sauces, dressings, and other condiments.

The Problems With Dairy

Gut Leakage

The proteins in dairy have been linked to inappropriate immune reactions after they are absorbed by inflamed intestinal mucosa, commonly known as gut leakage. People who are sensitive or intolerant to dairy products can develop a variety of inflammatory responses that can impair digestion.

Bacterial Contamination

Did you know that dairy products are some of the most common food products that are recalled by the FDA? The reason for this is due to bacterial contamination with strains of listeria, E. coli, salmonella, staphylococci, and mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Pasteurization is designed to kill most of the bacteria in milk, but this process creates viral fragments that can also compromise human health.

Hormones

Dairy cows are injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone to help maximize milk production. While this makes cows produce more milk, it also increases insulin-like growth factor-1, which has been linked to cancer cell growth in humans.

The long and short of it is that you can get all the calcium you need without ever sipping a glass of milk. If you are worried about satisfying your recommended daily intake of calcium, consider incorporating more of the following foods into your diet.

• Agar seaweed
• Raw Almonds
• Spinach
• Sesame Seeds
• Arugula
• Dried Figs (free of sulfur)
• White Beans
• Mustard Greens
• Collards
• Rhubarb

SHARE:

The post The Body Doesn’t Need Dairy: The Cheesy Truth appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Dear Dairy,

We regret to inform you your services are no longer needed. We noticed that your sales plummeted $1.1 billion from 2017-2018 and there has been a 20% increase in the amount of Americans who consume plant milk. These numbers indicate that more people are realizing the harmful effects of dairy products and switching to healthier, plant-based alternatives.

Best,
Plant Milk Consumers

According to present day statistics, plant milk comprises 15% of the total milk market, and the plant-based dairy alternative market is only continuing to grow. Founded by Plant Based News in 2017, World Plant Milk Day (August 22nd) is a campaign that has support from millions people around the world. The goal is to encourage the switch to plant-based dairy alternatives, and to change the narrative of dairy products “needing” to be in diets to maintain healthy bodies.

Some people are hesitant to make the plant milk switch because they are more expensive that regular milk. Want to know why that is? Roughly 75% of dairy sales are subsidized, making them affordable for everyone. If plant milk was subsidized, they would cost less and people might be more willing to try them.

Health Effects Of Cow’s Milk

First off, you don’t need to consume dairy products to be a healthy person. This propaganda from the dairy industry has caused dairy products to be featured in the food pyramid. When you consider that 65% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, why are dairy products recommended for a healthy body? Research has shown that regular consumption of cow’s milk may be linked to high cholesterol levels, primarily because it is filled with saturated fats, which you typically want to avoid to maintain heart health. It’s not looking like dairy is good for your arteries, people! Additionally, cow’s milk is rich in estrogen and may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Petri dish studies show that estrogen receptive breast cancer cells grow 30% faster when cow’s milk comes in contact with them, and 30% slower when they encounter almond milk.

The Environmental Impact: A Comparison Between Milks

Dairy milk requires much more land and water than rice, soy, oat, or almond milk varieties need. The emissions from a dairy farm, including the processing plants, are more harmful to the environment than what it takes to produce plant milks. When it comes to agricultural water usage, especially in California, many people blame the California drought on almonds. It is true that almonds require a lot of water to grow, but the reality is that California produces 80% of the world’s almonds, using only 10% of the state’s agricultural water. Meat and dairy typically use 50% of California’s agricultural water to produce a very small amount of the world’s dairy and meat.

Not All Plant Milks Are Created Equal

Not all plant milks are beneficial for the body, for the simple reason that added sugars, flavors, and be harmful to the body. It is always best to do your homework about which plant milk brands make the highest quality products, all of which should be free of sugars, gums, or flavor enhancers. Unsweetened organic varieties are the best ones to choose, but make sure that “natural flavors” are not added. Always read the labels, no matter what you are buying!

World Plant Milk Day intends to promote overall wellness and a cleaner environment. The fact is that plant milks can provide more vitamins and minerals than dairy milk, and the body has an easier time absorbing and digesting these nutrients. Join the plant milk revolution, if you haven’t already done so. If you currently drink plant milk, tell us why you prefer it or what your favorite varieties are in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post World Plant Milk Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.