TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK MILK?
Listen to the interview with dr. Mihaela Bilic (podcast by Damian Draghici) and:
1. Express your opinion related to your own life experience, but also find a research article that either supports or combats the idea expressed in the interview.
Mention the article and explain its scientific arguments.
Link to the reel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2805850996243143
From what I have studied on the subject, I have come to the conclusion that milk has a high calcium content, but at the same time, there is more evidence that shows that the animal proteins in it increase the acidity in the body and the body extracts calcium from the bones to neutralize this effect. I also find it interesting that if we look at all animals in the animal kingdom as well as humans, milk is "used" to feed the newborn who needs protein for his body to develop properly. If we look closely at the values, cow's milk is 3 times more protein than mother's milk - the calf is fed for about 2-3 months until it starts eating solid food. Personally, I think that animal milk is much too "strong" to be used by our body. In addition, lipase, the enzyme that the nutritionist mentioned, decreases with age. After the weaning period, the activity of the lactase enzyme decreases significantly in most of the population, leading to a reduced ability to digest lactose.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there is also a case called lactase persistence and it is influenced by genetic factors and varies depending on the geographical region and ethnic group. For example, in European populations, certain genetic polymorphisms have been associated with lactase persistence, allowing these individuals to digest lactose even in adulthood.
Personally, I believe in the principle of a balanced diet, so I would not recommend giving up milk completely for everyone, but reducing it and trying to replace it with other alternatives. These arguments are from the book "The China Study" - arguments also developed in the documentary "Forks over knives". https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/
In the interview with Dr. Mihaela Bilic, she emphasizes a rather controversial point of view, namely that lactose intolerance is a myth and that milk is beneficial for people. Personally, I believe this opinion is supported by solid scientific evidence, especially considering that many people do not experience symptoms of lactose intolerance and can consume milk without negative effects. There are studies that demonstrate milk is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as calcium, proteins, and vitamins D and B12, which are vital for bone health and immune system function.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, there is research suggesting that, although some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, lactose intolerance is not a reason to completely eliminate milk from the diet. In fact, many people can tolerate small amounts of lactose or consume fermented dairy products such as yogurt, which are more easily digested. A scientific article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that lactose intolerance is more of an issue of incomplete digestion of lactose and not an indicator of milk’s harmfulness.
In conclusion, I agree with Dr. Bilic that milk is an important part of a balanced diet, and the myth of lactose intolerance is, in many cases, exaggerated.
https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)40254-7/abstract
"Milk consumption, symptom response, and lactose digestion in milk intolerance” – this article discusses how lactose is digested by the body and that many people with lactose intolerance can consume milk in moderate amounts without experiencing significant symptoms.
My opinion regarding the interview of the nutritionist, I'm fully in the same opinion and I certainly approve of what she expresses in the video.
ReplyDeleteFollowing the research related to the benefits of eating milk, I found this study very interesting :
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/milk-reduces-risk-of-bowel-cancer
The preventative power of milk :
The latest study by Oxford University and Cancer Research UK has further helped scientists understand the significance of diet and disease development. One of the largest studies of its kind, the study has hailed a humble glass of dairy milk for its cancer-reducing potential.
The research suggests that the consumption of one glass of milk a day could significantly lower a person’s likelihood of developing bowel cancer.
Taking a two-pronged approach to the study, researchers first examined the genetic data from over 542,000 women, focussing on DNA variants associated with the ability to digest lactose in adulthood.
Then, the study collected detailed dietary information from the participants, including their average daily milk intake, to better estimate the relationship between dairy milk consumption and bowel cancer risk.
Milk is of course a rich source of calcium, which has been previously linked to a reduced risk of bowel cancer due to its ability to bind to potentially harmful substances in the gut and promote the death of abnormal cells.
It also should be noted that milk products are commonly fortified with vitamin D, a substance with anti-cancer properties that may help regulate cell growth and division. Lactose can also promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Regardless of the cause, the correlation between bowel cancer risk and milk consumption could have a significant impact on public health, offering people an affordable and achievable approach to cancer prevention.
According to the results, participants who consumed an additional 244g of milk per day (approximately one glass and 300mg of calcium) were found to have a 17 per cent lower risk of developing bowel cancer. It’s important to note the reduction in risk also applies to semi-skimmed and skimmed milk consumption.
In my experience, incorporating milk into my diet has been beneficial. Milk provides essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D, which support bone and muscle health, weight management, and overall well-being. Regular consumption of milk can prevent bone conditions such as osteoporosis and assist in weight management by promoting fullness and helping maintain lean muscle mass. Additionally, milk may reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cognitive decline, and promote better sleep due to its nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, and tryptophan. However, individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy should consider lactose-free and plant-based alternatives like oat, soy, or almond milk.
ReplyDeleteSupporting this perspective, a comprehensive review titled “Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence” evaluated the impact of dairy consumption on various health outcomes. The study found that milk and dairy intake is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity, improved body composition in adults, and a neutral or reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, particularly stroke. Furthermore, dairy consumption was linked to increased bone mineral density and a lower risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, bladder, gastric, and breast cancers. The review concluded that milk and dairy products contribute to meeting nutrient recommendations and may protect against prevalent chronic diseases, with very few adverse effects reported.
In conclusion, based on both personal experience and scientific evidence, including milk in one’s diet can offer numerous health benefits. Nonetheless, it’s essential to consider individual health conditions and dietary restrictions when deciding on milk consumption.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/milk-benefits-8773145
https://www.eatingwell.com/colorectal-cancer-milk-study-8775172?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The ability of humans to synthesize lactase throughout their lives is a fascinating example of genetic diversity. Normally, most people produce high levels of lactase during childhood, and this production gradually decreases as they age, a phenomenon known as lactose intolerance. However, there is a segment of the population that is able to maintain lactase production throughout life, due to a genetic variation that allows for the continued production of this enzyme.
ReplyDeleteThis ability is more common in Europeans, while in other ethnic groups, it is much rarer. In fact, there is strong evidence suggesting that lactose tolerance was favored by natural selection in regions where the consumption of milk and dairy products was essential for survival.
It is also interesting to note that despite genetic differences, some people who experience a decrease in lactase production can still consume small amounts of dairy without experiencing negative reactions. This is a clear example of how the human body can be adaptable based on individual or population needs.
Of course, for those who cannot digest lactose, there are solutions such as lactose-free dairy products or lactase supplements to help manage symptoms. In conclusion, this variation in lactase production is an aspect of human evolution that reflects our genetic adaptability and diversity.
https://www.nutripharm.ro/2019/11/intoleranta-la-lactoza/
In the interview with Dr. Mihaela Bilic on Damian Drăghici’s podcast, she claims that lactose intolerance is largely a misconception, suggesting that people continue to produce lactase throughout life and that any symptoms are mostly psychological. Personally, I don’t agree with this view. From my own experience, every time I drink milk, I feel bloated and uncomfortable. Because of that, I’ve stopped drinking regular milk altogether and switched to lactose-free options, which make a noticeable difference for me.
ReplyDeleteA study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology challenges the idea that lactose intolerance is “just in people’s heads.” Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and found that people with lactose malabsorption showed significant symptoms—such as bloating, cramps, and gas—after consuming lactose compared to a placebo. The study confirmed that these symptoms were not purely psychological but linked to a measurable enzyme deficiency and fermentation of lactose in the colon, which leads to gas production and discomfort . So, while some might mistakenly believe they’re intolerant, the condition is real for many, including myself.
https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(10)00337-X/fulltext?