Hey everyone! As my interest in nutrition rises, I'm all about making informed choices, especially when it comes to specific products. Lately, I've been rethinking my relationship with dairy. And honestly? It's just not that interesting to me anymore. Here's why.
1. Animal Welfare: A Responsibility We Can't Ignore
For me, the ethical considerations are huge. Modern dairy farming often involves practices that raise serious animal welfare concerns. Did you know that bovine mastitis, a painful inflammation of the mammary gland, affects roughly 1 in 6 dairy cows in the US? [14] That's a lot of suffering, and it's tough to ignore.
2. Metabolic Acidosis: A Digestive Disconnect
While rare, some individuals experience severe metabolic acidosis from cow's milk proteins, with symptoms resolving upon dairy elimination. [10] While this is a rare condition, it highlights the fact that our bodies don't always process dairy perfectly.
3. Not So Digestible: The Human Factor
The claim that humans can't digest cow's milk is a bit of an overstatement, but it's true that many of us struggle. About three-quarters of the global population experience a decline in lactase production, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, as we age. [3] That's why so many people experience bloating, gas, and discomfort after consuming dairy.
4. Low-Fat Isn't Always the Answer
For years, we've been told that low-fat dairy is the healthier option. But removing fat doesn't magically make dairy better. In fact, it can concentrate the protein. Whole milk is better tolerated than lower-fat versions because the fat content slows gastric emptying, reducing the amount of lactose reaching the small intestine per unit of time. [3]
5. Protein and Cancer: A Complex Relationship
Speaking of protein, there's a lot of talk about it potentially fuelling cancer cell growth. While the science is complex, some research suggests a link between high dietary protein levels and increased cancer risk. [13] Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been identified as a potential mechanistic link between dairy consumption and certain cancers. [44][47]
6. Milk is Diluted Cow Pus? Let's Clear This Up
Okay, this sounds extreme, right? The claim that milk is "diluted cow pus" is misleading. Somatic cells, primarily white blood cells, are naturally present in milk. [14][17] Elevated levels can indicate mastitis, but regulations are in place to ensure milk quality. The United States allows a maximum of 750,000 somatic cells per millilitre in Grade A milk. [49]
7. Sustainability: A Big Question Mark
Finally, the environmental impact of dairy is a major concern. Global livestock agriculture, including dairy, accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. [15] While the dairy industry has made improvements, plant-based alternatives generally have a much smaller footprint. Plant-based milks on average generate roughly one-third or less of the greenhouse gas emissions of cow's milk. [32]
So, what's the takeaway?
For me, the combination of ethical concerns, digestive issues, and environmental impact makes dairy less and less appealing. I'm not saying everyone should ditch dairy, but it's worth considering your own values and making informed choices.
What about you? What are your thoughts on dairy consumption? Let me know in the comments below!
#dairy #nutrition #sustainability #metabolicacidosis #notdigestible #highinfat #animalwelfare
Sources and References
1. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/07/oecd-fao-agricultural-outlook-2025-2034_3eb15914/full-report/dairy-and-dairy-products_1dd2e5a6.html
2. https://www.usdairy.com/sustainability/environmental-sustainability
3. https://extension.psu.edu/lactose-in-cow-milk-and-digestion-in-humans/
4. https://www.nmpf.org/milk-drinking-is-having-a-moment/
5. https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/how-dairy-milk-has-improved-its-environmental-and-climate-impact
6. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02068-1
7. https://austinpublishinggroup.com/nutrition-food-sciences/fulltext/ajnfs-v7-id1120.php
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11171741/
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10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12547616/
11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8653944/
12. https://dairynutrition.ca/en/nutrients-milk-products/rethinking-dairy-fat-and-cardiovascular-disease-evidence-expert-review
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216648/
14. https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/how-much-pus-is-there-in-milk/
15. https://www.fairr.org/news-events/insights/material-sustainability-risks-dairy-farming
16. https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2024/03/protein-and-cancer
17. https://www.foodfacts.org/articles/your-milk-isnt-full-of-pus
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37. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/dairy
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39. https://dairycouncilofca.org/learning-resources/research-insights/detail/the-healthy-eating-table-june-2025
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43. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5490517/
44. https://jebms.org/full-text/35
45. https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/whats-the-whole-story-whats-the-difference-in-whole-vs-low-fat-milk
46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29221627/
47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31089868/
48. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-vs-skim-milk
49. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/btscc_2019infosheet.pdf
50. http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2022/june/fluid-milk-consumption-continues-downward-trend-proving-difficult-to-reverse
51. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12105291/
52. https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Milk_and_Dairy_Food_Safety/Milk_Standards.html
53. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8437911/
54. https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/nutrition-plant-milks
55. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7996767/
56. https://www2.organic-center.org/what-does-research-say
57. https://sustainablelivingassociation.org/simple-ways-to-eat-more-sustainably-in-2025/
58. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/muscle-loss-and-protein-needs-in-older-adults
59. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6792142/
60. https://www.katelymannutrition.com/blog/environmental-impact-of-food
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