Let’s be honest: milk has had us all in a chokehold since childhood.
From the milk and cheesy pizza to cereal commercials showing that splash of whole milk hitting the bowl just right, we’ve been told that dairy is the ultimate health food. But as adults trying to tune into what our bodies need (and don’t), more of us are starting to ask: is dairy good for us?
Spoiler: maybe not.
Let’s talk about why dairy isn’t the health hero it’s made out to be.
- We’re the Only Mammals That Drink Another Mammal’s Milk
We know, it sounds kind of weird when you think about it. Calves drink cow’s milk to grow into 1,000+ pound animals. That milk is biologically made to fatten up a baby cow, which takes about 12 months, not grow human bodies which take 18 years.
Once we’re weaned off breast milk as infants, our bodies are not designed to process lactose (the sugar in milk) or the fat. In fact, about 65% of the global population is lactose intolerant with Asians and Africans 90%. That means most of us are forcing our bodies to break down something they no longer have the enzymes for, leading to bloating, gas, cramps, or just that weird heavy feeling after a latte. So, if you’ve been dealing with tummy issues and haven’t made the connection yet… surprise!
- Dairy Can Be Super Inflammatory
Dairy is a known trigger for inflammation, especially for those with sensitive immune systems, autoimmune conditions, or skin issues like acne or eczema. If your body’s constantly fighting to break something down, it can trigger low-grade inflammation that shows up in all sorts of sneaky ways. It can cause increased mucus production, joint pain, and even digestive problems.
- It can mess with your skin
Multiple studies have linked dairy (especially skim milk) with acne. Dairy can contain added hormones and antibiotics, which may mess with your own hormonal balance and affect insulin and IGF-1 levels. IGF-1 is the growth hormone that calls to the cells to emphatically reproduce. That hormonal acne around your jawline? It might be time to blame the brie.
- It Can Disrupt Your Gut Health
Your gut microbiome thrives on fiber-rich, plant-based foods. Dairy? Not so much. In fact, dairy may negatively impact the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which can throw off everything from digestion to mood to your immune system.
Also, if you have conditions like IBS-inflammation of the intestines or SIBO the small intestine bacterial overgrowth, dairy including milk, cheese and yogurt might be the subtle culprit making symptoms worse.
There Are Better Ways to Get Calcium (and Everything Else)
One of the biggest dairy myths propagated is that you need milk for strong bones. The truth? Calcium is found in tons of plant-based sources like leafy greens, almonds, tofu, chia seeds, sea plants (like that used in our Boon Broth) and fortified plant milks.
And if you’re looking for trace minerals, plant protein, AND collagen support, you can skip the milk aisle and go straight to:
Boon Broth: The Plant-Based Way to Nourish Your Body
This isn’t your average broth. Boon Broth is a delicious, golden, plant-based blend packed with:
✓ plant protein ✓ 72 trace minerals ✓ calcium ✓ no animal products
It supports your bones, joints, collagen, and skin, without any of the inflammatory baggage dairy brings along. In fact, it has an anti-inflammatory proprietary blend of yellow chlorella, MSM and curcumin. Sip it in a mug, stir it into soups, or use it as a base for your go-to meals. It’s a comforting, nourishing staple that fits seamlessly into your dairy-free life.
Ditching dairy for a better source of calcium doesn’t mean giving up comfort. It means giving your body the chance to feel clear, light, and supported. Whether you’re going fully plant-based or just experimenting with a few swaps, your gut (and your skin) will thank you.
Try Boon Broth and see how easy and delicious dairy-free calcium nourishment can be.
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