Health Concerns About Dairy Products
in Vacaville

When we were young, we're obliged to drink milk because the calcium content in this dairy product helps in making our bones strong as we grow up. However, the nutritional reputation of milk and dairy in general has sparked some debates between experts.

Chiropractors in Vacaville know that dairy can be good or bad depending on the diet or how it affects a person based on their current condition. When you're dieting for optimal health, dairy isn't necessary at all, but some people find that it's the best way to acquire calcium, protein, and vitamin D. In short, it's one way of keeping your bones, heart, and muscles healthy and functioning properly.

Dairy products for calcium and protein in Vacaville

Dairy products like cheese, milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese are rich sources of calcium, which undoubtedly helps a person maintain their bone density and reduce any risks of fractures. Adults aging 50 and above require 1,000mg of calcium per day due to the degradation of the mass and density of their bones. Milk also contains vitamin D, which is what your body requires to maintain bone mass.

Older adults also require protein to fight off sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength that comes with old age. Dairy can help them provide such needs. Older adults would need 0.8g per kilogram of their body weight.

The direct health impact of dairy-based on the existing science is still mixed. There are those who think that dairy is beneficial, while there are also those who warn people about the overconsumption of dairy. Either way, it's still up to the health condition of the person taking it.

Common health concerns of dairy products

Milk and dairy products are major sources of saturated fat. This means that it can cause health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Apart from that, dairy is linked to an increased risk of prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers.

Here is more detailed information into the dairy-related health issues:

• Bone health - According to research, dairy products have little benefit for bone health. Most studies fail to support the link between dairy consumption and broken bones, or fractures. There is also a study that tracked the diets, exercise, and stress fracture rates of adolescent girls taking dairy products didn't prevent stress fractures from happening.
• Cancer - Taking dairy products on a regular basis can contribute to the development of prostate cancer. Other than that, dairy can increase the risk of breast, lung, and ovarian cancer in people who are lactose intolerant.
• Saturated fat and heart disease - Milk and other dairy products are top sources of saturated fat, which causes the clogging of arteries. There's also cholesterol contained in milk which makes it even more dangerous for people who are overweight or suffering from obesity. If you're on a diet that's rich in cholesterol, fat, and saturated fat, then it increases your risk of a heart disease. Of all the dairy products out there, cheese remains the most dangerous because the usual type consists of 70% fat already. So, imagine combining it with other fat-laced products.
• Lactose intolerance - Infants and children produce enzymes that break down lactose. But as we age, these enzymes lose its capacity. Lactose intolerance is very common, and it affects the majority of the American population. The symptoms include diarrhea, gas, and an upset stomach, which could make the sufferer uncomfortable upon experiencing it.

Be careful about weight gain

Since dairy products contain saturated fat, it means that it could increase your bad cholesterols (LDL). It could induce chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In general, dairy products contain a lot of calories because of their fat and protein content. Since they are the main food source for a growing calf, it's natural for milk to contain calories and nutrients that will help facilitate their development. This is the reason why its fattening effects on humans aren't far from it.

For now, it's best to stick to vegan or non-dairy alternatives that can still satisfy your dairy cravings. Make sure to check out in your local supermarket for these options. As an example, Dr. Alex Tam of Vacaville recommends the Kite Hill Almond Cream Cheese Style Spread as a great alternative for dairy lovers out there. You can also get in touch with him if you want to know more about other healthy products and alternatives that he recommends as well.