Let's debunk the Milk Myth

Is there any other species that drinks the milk of other species?

Debunking The Milk Myth: Why Milk Is Bad For You And Your Bones

Did you know that in Medieval England parents would tie rabbits’ feet around their babies’ necks to ward off illness? Doctors would also spit on wounds because saliva was believed to have healing properties.

Indeed, history is replete with unfounded health beliefs, and to everyone’s detriment, the milk myth is among the most tenacious.

Milk is much more than just a drink; it’s a cultural phenomenon that can be traced back thousands of years. And still today, the milk myth resonates loud and clear: in 2001, the average American child consumed 104 quarts of cow’s milk.

Milk depletes the calcium from your bones

The milk myth has spread around the world based on the flawed belief that this protein and calcium-rich drink is essential to support good overall health and bone health in particular at any age. It is easy to understand that the confusion about milk’s imaginary benefits stems from the fact that it contains calcium – around 300 mg per cup.

But many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. And the most surprising link is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurized), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. What an irony this is!

Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is – you guessed it… in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilized to neutralize the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.

Knowing this, you’ll understand why statistics show that countries with the lowest consumption of dairy products also have the lowest fracture incidence in their population (there’s more on this later).

But the sad truth is that most mainstream health practitioners ignore these proven facts. I know it firsthand because when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, my doctor recommended that I drink lots of milk in addition to taking Fosamax.

Fortunately, I did neither, because I knew that…

Cow’s milk is custom-designed for calves

Thanks to our creative ingenuity and perhaps related to our ancient survival needs, we adopted the dubious habit of drinking another species’ milk. Nobody can dispute that cow’s milk is an excellent food source for calves. Weighing around 100 pounds at birth, a calf typically gains approximately eight times its weight by the time it is weaned. But unlike humans, once calves are weaned, they never drink milk again. And the same applies to every mammalian species on this planet.

Also, each mammalian species has its own “designer” milk, and cow’s milk is no exception. For example, cow’s milk contains on average three times the amount of protein than human milk which creates metabolic disturbances in humans that have detrimental bone health consequences.

It’s important to bear in mind that mother’s milk is excellent nourishment for human babies, but its composition is very different from cow’s milk.

Scientific studies show that milk increases fracture risk

Many scientific studies contradict the conventional wisdom that milk and dairy consumption help reduce osteoporotic fractures. Surprisingly, studies demonstrating that milk and dairy products actually fail to protect bones from fractures outnumber studies that prove otherwise. Even drinking milk from a young age does not protect against future fracture risk but actually increases it. Shattering the “savings account” calcium theory, Cumming and Klineberg report their study findings as follows:

“Consumption of dairy products, particularly at age 20 years, was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in old age. (“Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Hip Fractures in the Elderly”. American Journal of Epidemiology. Vol. 139, No. 5, 1994).

And the 12 year long Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that those who consumed the most calcium from dairy foods broke more bones than those who rarely drank milk. This is a broad study based on 77,761 women aged 34 through 59 years of age.

In the authors’ own words:

“These data do not support the hypothesis that higher consumption of milk or other food sources of calcium by adult women protects against hip or forearm fractures.” (Source: Feskanich D, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA. Milk, dietary calcium, and bone fractures in women: a 12-year prospective study. American Journal of Public Health. 1997).

Shocking statistics ignored by mainstream medicine

In the Health Flex Strong Bones Program one of the topics I discuss is the complete disregard of scientific evidence that discredits milk and dairy products as the best source of calcium.

One exception is Amy Lanou Ph.D., nutrition director for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington, D.C., who states that:

“The countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis are the ones where people drink the most milk and have the most calcium in their diets. The connection between calcium consumption and bone health is actually very weak, and the connection between dairy consumption and bone health is almost nonexistent.”

Surprised? You shouldn’t be, because as I mentioned earlier in this article…

Milk is an acidifying animal protein

Like any other animal derived protein-rich food, milk has a positive potential renal acid load (PRAL) which triggers a protective biological reaction to neutralize all the damaging acidic protein before it reaches the kidneys.

The body is designed for survival, so it sacrifices bone density to protect the kidneys and urinary tract because the latter are essential to survival. And the most readily available source of acid neutralizer is in the bones. So even though milk contains calcium, it ends up sapping your bones of that crucial mineral. But that’s not all because…

Today’s milk is a processed food

Until the end of the 19th century in Europe and the beginning of the 20th century in the US, milk was consumed unpasteurized or raw. Later on, homogenization became the industry’s standard. These processes further alter milk’s chemistry and actually increase its detrimental acidifying effects.

Raw milk advocates claim that if cow’s milk is left “as is” it is a healthy and wholesome drink. It is true that raw milk is less acidifying than processed milk and that pasteurization and homogenization may cause a long list of digestive and other health problems, but I still don’t recommend drinking any kind of cow’s milk.

Nowadays, milking cows are given antibiotics and most are also injected with a genetically engineered form of bovine growth hormone (Monsanto's rBGH). A man-made or synthetic hormone used to artificially increase milk production, rBGH also increases blood levels of the insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in those who drink it. And higher levels of IGF-1 are linked to several cancers.

This should not be ignored, especially in view of recent information by Samuel Epstein, MD, Professor of Environmental Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. In an article titled “Monsanto’s Hormonal Milk Poses Serious Risks of Breast Cancer, Besides Other Cancers” (https://www.preventcancer.com/press/releases/july8_98.htm, June 21, 1998) Dr. Epstein concludes that:

“Drinking rBGH milk would thus be expected to significantly increase IGF-1 blood levels and consequently to increase risks of developing breast cancer and promoting its invasiveness.”

Even though organic milk is from cows that are not given antibiotics or rBHG, if you truly care about your bone health and your overall health, you should…

Avoid drinking cow’s milk

As I explain in the Health Flex Strong Bones Program and contrary to mainstream recommendations, drinking milk and eating lots of dairy products are not the answer to reversing osteoporosis. And while in the Our Bones Program no food is completely off limits, I strongly recommend that you explore the different milk substitute options that I will list for you here.

But first, I’d like to clarify that unsweetened fermented or cultured dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and sour cream are acid neutral. Yogurt in particular is chock-full of beneficial qualities. As is the case with milk, organic yogurt does not have rBGH, but even several of the most well-known yogurt brands have stopped using the bovine growth hormone (rBGH). You should call your favorite yogurt company to confirm. One more clarification: when I say unsweetened I mean without sugar or any artificial sweetener. However, you can add honey or stevia, a zero calorie plant-derived sweetener that is delicious and alkalizing as well. I like to carry around stevia packets in my backpack (stevia extract in liquid form works well) so that I’m always able to sweeten food or drinks when I’m on the go.

The best milk substitutes

My favorite milk substitute is unsweetened carrageenan free coconut/almond milk, not only because it is alkalizing (as almonds are), but also because it’s delicious and tastes very similar to milk. I even cook with it!

If Coconut milk is hard to get, you can also try rice or almond milk.There is also some controversy about unfermented soy products, so try to use it in moderation.

Celebrity Chef Pete Evans Embroiled In Controversy Because He Gives Good Osteoporosis Advice

When a celebrity dares to speak out against the Establishment, more often than not, the Establishment strikes back.

This is exactly what happened to famous Australian chef Pete Evans, who has ruffled the feathers of doctors and scientists for daring to suggest a drug-free, nutritional approach for osteoporosis.

Chef Pete also endorses fluoride-free water and a Paleo-style diet, further inciting criticism from the Medical Establishment and the Mainstream Media.

I, for one, commend his attitude, and I’d like to share with you today the details of his latest confrontation with the Establishment.

So What Happened?

Pete Evans may well be asking himself the same question!

In fact, he posted this on his Facebook page:

“I can’t help but find it so bizarre as to why some people find my food choices so offensive.”

Here’s what happened. A fan wrote this query as part of a Q&A conversation on Chef Pete’s Facebook page:

“I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. My doctor insists that medication is the only way, can Paleo help?”

(This should sound familiar to many Strong Bones participants – with very few exceptions, drugs are touted as “the only way” by the Medical Establishment.)

Chef Pete replied as follows:

“I would strongly suggest removing dairy and eating the paleo way as calcium from dairy can remove the calcium from your bones.”

When the fan expressed surprise, Chef Pete said further,

“…read one of my comments below on calcium – most doctors do not know this information.”1

In making such a recommendation, Chef Pete unwittingly stepped onto the Medical Establishment’s “turf,” creating a firestorm of criticism and contempt for the chef.

Endocrinologist and professor Peter Ebeling, who also happens to be a medical director of Osteoporosis Australia, inadvertently underscored Chef Pete’s point about medical ignorance with his response:

“The keystone to preventing osteoporosis is adequate calcium intake and this is achieved by three (daily) serves of calcium-rich foods like dairy. Dairy is the most easily available source and has the highest calcium content in it.”2

And Dr. Brad Robinson of Brisbane had this to say to Chef Pete:

“You are a chef, NOT a doctor. …You do not have access to information that us uneducated doctors do not. Your astounding advice about osteoporosis would be amusing if it wasn’t so potentially damaging…Can we make a deal? You don’t give medical advice and I won’t tell you how to best shuck oysters. Agreed?”2

Let’s take a closer look at these scathing comments

First, let’s consider the endocrinologist’s assessment that the “keystone to preventing osteoporosis” is three servings of dairy a day…if this is the case, why does anyone get osteoporosis in dairy-consuming regions of the world?

…it is a confirmed fact that countries that consume large amounts of cows’ milk have high rates of the calcification form of heart disease and of diagnosed osteoporosis in the hip areas. Countries consuming virtually no dairy products, such as Japan, have lower levels of osteoporosis than the US, and the lowest rates of heart disease and cancer in the world.”

What Else Haven’t They Told You?

What else have you been told about bone health by your doctor or other “experts” that is flat out wrong? What other “facts” (like drinking milk does a body good) are keeping you from optimal health?

Myths like these are a big reason I created the Health Flex Strong Bones program. To give you the straight scoop on how to deal with osteoporosis the natural way.

I can help you take control of your future.

References:

1 Huffadine, Leith. “‘Most doctors do not know this information’: Celebrity chef ‘Paleo’ Pete Evans advises osteoporosis sufferer to stop eating dairy products.” Daily Mail Australia. August 27, 2016. Web. September 20, 2016. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3761736/Chef-Paleo-Pete-Evans-advises-osteoporosis-sufferer-stop-eating-dairy-products.html

2 Bruce-Smith, Alex. “Pete Evans Dragged to Paleolithic Era and Back for Latest ‘Medical’ Advice.” Pedestrian Daily. August 28, 2016. Web. September 20, 2016. https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/health-and-fitness/pete-evans-dragged-to-paleolithic-era–back-for-la/cbb36515-d97e-49d9-90ee-3ac9ce097aed.htm

3 “Australian Dairy Industry In Focus 2015.” Dairy Australia Limited. ABN 60 105 227 987. PDF. https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Industry-information/About-Dairy-Australia/~/media/Documents/Stats%20and%20markets/Australian%20Dairy%20Industry%20In%20Focus/Australian%20Dairy%20Industry%20In%20Focus%202015.pdf

4 Tran, Cindy and Smith, Leesa. “ ‘He knows nothing from a specialist point of view’: Health minister slams controversial Paleo chef Pete Evans for opposing teeth-saving fluoridation of water supplies.” Daily Mail Australia. April 19, 2015. Web. September 20, 2016. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3045355/NSW-health-minister-slams-celebrity-chef-Pete-Evans-know-opposing-fluoride-water.html

5 “A Special Message To The People Of Australia.” Australian Action to End Water Fluoridation. https://australianfluorideaction.com/

Prominent food researcher Dr. Thomas Cowan has been involved in thinking about the medicinal aspects of cow’s milk virtually his entire career. 

His studies on the subject started in earnest when he read the book The Milk of Human Kindness Is Not Pasteurized, by maverick physician, William Campbell Douglass, MD.Cowan became convinced that a large part of the disease in this country is related to the way we handle, or rather mishandle, milk and milk products. 

A1 Vs. A2 Cows: What’s the Difference?

The type of proteins in milk, and the proportion of various proteins, varies depending on the breed of cow and the type of animal (sheep, goat, cow, etc.).

One of the major proteins in cow’s milk is casein, the predominant variety of which is called beta-casein. In older breeds of cows, such as Jersey, Asian and African cows (called A2 cows), the beta-casein contains an amino acid called proline.

In newer breeds of cows like Holstein (A1 cows), however, the proline has mutated into an amino acid called histidine.

This is important because beta-casein also contains an amino acid called BCM-7, which is a powerful opiate linked to negative health effects. Well, the proline that exists in A2 cows has a strong bond to BCM-7, which helps keep it out of the cows’ milk. The histidine in the newer A1 cows, however, has a weak hold on BCM-7, which allows it to get into the milk, and also into the people who drink the milk.

So the theory goes that by drinking milk from A1 cows, which are the predominant cows used for dairy products in the United States, you’re exposed to BCM-7, which has been linked to:

• Neurological impairment, including autistic and schizophrenic changes
• Type 1 diabetes
• An impaired immune response
• Autoimmune disease
• Heart disease

This issue has recently been evaluated by both Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). FSANZ had this to say:

“FSANZ has considered the very limited scientific evidence available on comparative health effects of the two milks and discussed the issue internally and at Board level. FSANZ has noted that further research is in progress and concluded that, while there are some interesting hypotheses being examined, it could not proceed with regulatory action on the basis of the available evidence.”

EFSA, meanwhile, which released a review of the issue in February 2009, stated:

“Based on this review, EFSA concluded that a cause and effect relationship is not established between the dietary intake of BCM7, related peptides or their possible protein precursors and non-communicable diseases. Consequently, a formal EFSA risk assessment is not recommended."

Thomas Hiatt,CWC,CNC,IN,DPTCEO

Health Flex A Wellness Company