Health Benefits Of Going Dairy-Free

Dairy is a natural product produced by mammals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes. These products also contain yogurt, cheese, butter, and eggs. They offer many health benefits because they are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, as well as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin. The essential nutrients dairy provides helps the human body function properly and maintain homeostasis. Even though dairy contains nutrients needed to keep the body healthy, it can cause health problems and make some individuals sick. Some avoid dairy because of this reason and have to replace dairy in another way. Several health benefits to going dairy free include weight loss, and reduced bloating and inflammation. When an individual stops eating and drinking dairy products, their skin may improve too.

Reduced Bloating

Bloating occurs when there is a buildup of excess gas in the stomach and intestines. The signs of bloating include abdominal pain, flatulence, burping, and abdominal gurgles. Several factors cause the digestive system to become bloated, including lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Eating disorders, mental health issues, and weight gain can also bring on abdominal bloating. When there is an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract or gut motility is altered, bloating can also occur.

Even though dairy products are promoted as healthy, they are difficult to digest. Milk contains sugar and becomes hard to digest as we age because our bodies no longer produce the enzyme needed. Individuals who are lactose intolerant, meaning their body does not process lactose (found in dairy) because it has stopped producing enough lactase, will be quite a bit more prone to bloating after consuming dairy. Besides bloating, consuming milk, eggs, cheese or yogurt can bring on gas, cramping, and diarrhea. Bloating will subside once the individual in question stops eating dairy since their digestive system will no longer have to break down lactose.

Reduced Inflammation

Dairy products are related to inflammation in the body that interferes with the healing process. Inflammation occurs when chemicals in the body stimulate the production of white blood cells. These white blood cells are released when foreign substances invade the body. When these chemicals are produced, they make blood flow into the area of injury or infection, causing the area to become red and swollen. Dairy increases inflammation when an individual is sensitive to the sugar it contains, which causes lactose intolerance.

Eliminating dairy reduced inflammation and eased stress on the immune system when individuals stopped drinking milk. There are alternatives to drinking milk and eating cheese and butter. Individuals can eat soy-based ice creams or milk, try almond milk, or drink beverages made of oats. None of these have the same effects as typical dairy, though they do contain sufficient nutrients.