We seem to be the only species of mammals that drink milk after infancy, and definitely the only species that drinks another species’ milk. Cow’s milk is not designed for human consumption. Calves are about 100 pounds at birth and almost 8 to 10 times heavier by the time they are weaned. So why is it that humans feel the need to continue drinking milk after they are weaned from breast milk? Human milk is very different in composition from cow’s milk or goat’s milk or any other mammal’s milk.

Cow’s milk contains on average about three times the amount of protein than human milk does, which creates metabolic disturbances in humans that have detrimental bone health consequences, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. How is this possible when a glass of milk is touted to have 300 mg of calcium? That’s supposed to be beneficial for our bones and growth, right? Shockingly, the answer is a resounding no, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Over time, a flawed belief that humans are required to consume three glasses of milk daily to sustain bone health and strength created the milk myth. And now, the supposed “truths” about milk we were all taught to believe are being debunked by studies ranging from those published in reputable scientific journals, such as the Journal of Nutrition and The American Journal of Epidemiology.

Pasteurization and homogenization of milk denatures the proteins which can make it harder for people’s bodies to digest. In addition, the pasteurization process destroys a majority of enzymes and vitamins and minerals. These crucial enzymes aid in the digestion process. About 75% of the world’s population is actually lactose intolerant. Though that is an astounding percentage, it only further proves the point that humans are not intended to consume cow’s milk.

Milk and dairy products are pro-inflammatory and mucus producing. Milk increases the risks of respiratory conditions and allergies. It has been linked to the development of arthritis due to joints becoming inflamed. Remember, our bodies are not designed to naturally tolerate animal derived protein, and seeing it as foreign invaders jolts the immune system to overreact in order to protect.

Another research study published from the Harvard School for Public Health showed that in countries with less than 300 mg of calcium intake daily, osteoporosis rates were quite low. (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium-full-story/ ). America has one of the highest consumption of dairy, yet one of the highest rates of osteoporosis. Excess calcium needs to excreted and the kidneys bear the load, which in turn contributes to the formation of kidney stones, which have a calcium composition.

Cows are given antibiotics and injected with rBGH, a genetically engi9neered Bovine Growth Hormone, which is a synthetic hormone that was created to artificially increase milk production. A frightening side effect of rBGH is an increase in IGF-1 (insulin growth factor), which has been linked to many cancers. Cows are routinely given steroids and other hormones to plump them up. These potent synthetic hormones disturb the delicate human hormonal balance, leading to a lot of medical problems. Toxic pesticides from food that cows ingest also make their way into the milk, which humans unknowingly consume. Many cows live in confined and inhumane conditions, not being allowed to freely roam and graze the natural green grass they are intended to eat. Though organic milk may be free of antibiotics and rBGH, all the other negative attributes of milk are still present.

So, what is in that glass of milk really? A glass of milk also contains acidic animal protein that leeches calcium from the bones, pus cells, feces components, bovine growth hormone, antibiotics, and a whole lot of unnecessary fat, cholesterol and calories — all of which create a terrible imbalance in the body. Disease and cancer thrive in acidity. By eliminating dairy and other animal protein such as meats from the diet, an alkaline environment is created. Alkalinity perpetuates a “zen” atmosphere in the body. And this should be everyone’s ultimate goal to attain optimal health and age gracefully, but healthily.