Nut and grain milks deliver solutions for dairy-related maladies

Nut and grain milks deliver solutions for dairy-related maladies

Many non-dairy milks are now available in formulas that are fortified with calcium and vitamins, so you can still reap the benefits of good nutrition.

by Emil Faithe — 

They say milk does a body good. But the truth is, not every body does “good” with cows’ milk.

Let’s face it. We were all weaned on cows’ milk, it’s the main ingredient of some of America’s most beloved treats — ice cream, cakes, pastries, even cheese — and it is the star attraction of millions of cereal bowls every morning.

But there is one catch. It comes from cows, and the immune proteins in cows’ milk are often the culprit behind a number of human maladies. Here are just a few:

Lactose intolerance — Dairy-free products can offer an instant “cure” to this common, nagging condition. Say goodbye to those enzyme pills.

ADHD/ADD — It is become an epidemic. Children and adults alike are plagued by problems with concentration, sleep, mood disorders, anxiety and more. Removing cows’ milk and sugar from the diet is one the most important things you can do to improve this condition.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — Almost everyone either has this condition or knows someone who does. For many, cows’ milk is an unwanted and nagging visitor to the digestive tract, triggering allergic reactions that can create the symptoms we generically call IBS. The answer? Remove the trigger.

Immune problems — Many chronic conditions are the results of immune imbalances: lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, even diabetes. cows’ milk is a foreign immune protein and is often a catalyst for many immune problems. You know what to do.

No cows’ milk? What’s a mother to do? Go cow-free. That’s right. Milks from nuts and grains are available everywhere these days — and yes, they actually taste pretty darn good, once you get used to them.

Soy milk, oat milk, rice milk, almond milk and others all are healthy alternatives to dairy. They’re available from a number of reputable companies and come in lots of varieties.

Soy milk products are available from Silk and other manufacturers. Worried about the fat content of nut milks? Westsoy and others offer low-fat versions on your grocer’s shelf. Imagine offers a very tasty rice milk, even one that’s vanilla enriched. Almond Breeze is a smooth-tasting almond milk from Blue Diamond that’ll please your taste buds. And there are many other palate-pleasing choices.

Got taste? Okay. This is the pressing question on the minds of all dairy fans. Yes, these products taste different from the glandular secretions from cows. But think about this. When you were 2 years old and tasted cows’ milk for the very first time, you probably thought it tasted pretty strange. But you got used to it.

The same is true here — it is only a matter of time. Once you switch to a non-dairy milk that suits your palate, you will probably never go back.

Oh, here is a tasty bonus. If you love chocolate cows’ milk, you’ll love the chocolate infused non-dairy formulas. Some of these chocolate flavored non-dairy products taste even better than the original dairy versions. Remember though, great taste often comes at the expense of high sugar content. So watch your sugar intake, especially if ADHD/ADD is a concern.

What about calcium? Many non-dairy milks are now available in formulas that are fortified with calcium and vitamins, so you can still reap the benefits of good nutrition. And since these products come from naturally healthy sources anyway — rice, almonds, oats, soy — you’re sure to keep your internal machinery in tip-top shape.

And let us not forget those green vegetables. Your green veggies are naturally high in calcium, and they contain the fiber content your body needs. If you require higher calcium amounts than are available in your healthy balanced diet, choose a high-quality calcium supplement, preferably in the citrate form.

It’s true that, serving for serving, non-dairy milk costs a bit more than cows’ milk, but are you not worth it? Besides, prices seem to be sliding downward as more of us begin to partake. Another advantage is the substantially longer shelf life of non-dairy products. Most of these milks have a shelf life of as long as a year or more until opened, and then seven to 10 days or more after being opened. Many brands don’t require refrigeration until opened, another plus.

A word of caution. Some people have allergies to nuts and grains, so make sure you read all labels carefully. Soy milk and other soy products can be generically modified, but can be great for osteoporosis, hormone issues and even certain cancer prevention, but as many as 30 to 40 percent of the population are allergic to soy. Before you imbibe, make sure you’re not allergic to soy or other ingredients and that the product has not been genetically altered.

With America’s growing passion to stay healthy naturally, non-dairy is here to stay. So, why not give a cow a break and go the non-dairy way? You might just start feeling better … all over.

Dr. Emil Faithe is a holistic practitioner, medical intuitive and co-founder of Lifeguide Wellness Center. He is the author of Natural Q’s; A Guide To Healthy Living, maintains a private practice in natural health and life guidance, and performs space clearings. [email protected].

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 23, Number 1, February/March 2005.