Growing up, many of us were probably told that dairy is an essential part of our diet. After all, we need to drink our milk to get strong bones and teeth, don’t we? Well, as it turns out, we don’t actually need to consume dairy to be healthy. While dairy does contain some essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, they can also be found in many other foods – like fish and vegetables.
Reducing your dairy intake can also bring advantages to your health, helping to clear certain ailments you may have had for years.
If you’re still not convinced, here are 4 benefits that may make you want to consider cutting down on dairy.
1. Clearer skin
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn acne despite trying a myriad of skincare products and treatments, a dairy-free diet may be what you need. Many dermatologists recommend cutting down on dairy as the first step to fighting skin conditions like acne. And lots of people who’ve done so say that it works.
Acne is caused by inflammation, such as from bacteria in the pores of your skin. However, the food you consume can also play a part. Dairy, which is high in saturated fats, are thought to promote inflammation, so it’s no surprise that it can worsen skin conditions. It’s also said that the hormones present in dairy products could be a cause as well. Try cutting it out of your diet for a period, and you might find that your skin will become clearer than ever!
2. Improved digestion
If you’re reading this, there’s a fair chance that you’re lactose intolerant. According to the National Institutes of Health, 65% of the world’s population have some degree of lactose intolerance after infancy. If you’re part of that percentage, you may experience bloating, cramps, gas or diarrhoea after consuming dairy.
But what exactly is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t contain enough of the enzyme lactase to digest lactose, which is the primary sugar found in dairy.
Even if you aren’t lactose intolerant, lactose can have a significant impact on your gut. Many people find that they experience less stomach bloating and cramps when they cut dairy.
3. Weight loss
As mentioned above, dairy may be wreaking havoc on your gut health – and poor gut health is associate with weight gain. Unsweetened dairy products also contain lactose, a natural sugar. What’s worse, many dairy products are loaded with added sugar. Think milk chocolates, ice-cream and sweetened yoghurt. If you’re trying to lose weight, staying clear of sugar altogether can be a huge advantage.
4. Increased energy
If you tend to feel sluggish and fatigued after eating dairy, you may have an allergy to the casein protein found in dairy products. When this happens, your body generates an immune response by producing antibodies to the protein and releases histamine into your blood. This causes you to feel fatigued afterwards.
Cutting out dairy products, including those with small traces in them such as processed meats and candies, can reduce this sluggish feeling. As a result, you can expect to feel more energised.
Conclusion
Of course, you can still enjoy a dairy treat once in a while – just be sure to do it in moderation! But if you’re determined to cut dairy out of your diet, there are a ton of non-dairy alternatives to your favourite ice-cream and chocolates that you can try instead.
If you’re not sure of whether dairy is affecting your health due to lactose intolerance or an allergy, don’t be afraid to seek medical advice! Your doctor can get to the root of your issues and advise you on whether cutting down on dairy can improve your health – from your skin to your gut.
With the MyCLNQ mobile app, you can get access to telemedicine in Singapore with ease. Arrange for an online medical consultation in the comfort of your own home and speak to experienced doctors and specialists without having to deal with long waiting times!