Swearing off an entire food group doesn’t make any sense – that’s why elimination diets never work.
Sure, maybe you’ve been on one for a week and it’s been going well. Let’s check in on how you’re feeling next month.
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Dairy often gets eliminated. A wide variety of people are lactose intolerant – but far more than that specific group cut it out. And for those that are lactose intolerant, there are a ton of low lactose cheeses, yogurts, and more available.
Why? There are a variety of reasons. Some might believe the fats in it are dangerous to their heart. Research has found that they are not.
But whatever the reason, dairy is often quick to go. And your bones will pay the price.
You might not think about it now, but all that lost calcium will influence the strength and resilience of your bones in the future, increasing the risk for fractures and conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis.
The risk for these conditions increases with age, but it doesn’t just show up out of nowhere. Like many conditions that appear later in life, they take years to show up.
I’m not saying you need to head to the store and load up with milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, if you’ve cut dairy from your diet because you think it’s bad for you, maybe you should reconsider. It plays a valuable role in bone health.
Dairy is the best source of dietary calcium you get. Nothing else really comes close. Calcium is essential to bone density, strength, and overall health.
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And it’s not just your bones that need calcium. Your heart and other organs use it. They get it from your bones, which is why it’s so important those levels are replenished. If not, bones become weak and porous.
Dairy is also a great source of protein, which is a macronutrient that’s extremely important to healthy aging. It promotes muscle strength to help encourage independence.
If you can, look to include one or two servings of dairy into your diet. It will do the body good!
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
