A dairy-free lifestyle may seem interesting for environmentalists, but it is something that may not be suitable for everyone out there.
We all have grown up hearing from our elders that ‘drinking milk makes us stronger’, but is it really true?
These days many people have developed an intolerance for milk and related products due to their lifestyle, which has paved way for dairy-free options across the market.
In this article, we’ll discover the various benefits of going dairy-free, its difference from lactose-free foods and its alternatives.
Read more to find out about it.
Does dairy-free & lactose-free mean the same?
The answer is NO! Lactose is a natural sugar that’s found in dairy products and the term ‘lactose-free’ indicates that the lactose component has been removed during the production process. While the term dairy-free means ‘anything that doesn’t have dairy in it’.
1. Aids weight loss
Adopting a dairy-free diet can increase the chances of weight loss as most of the dairy products contain high amounts of saturated fat and sugar, for example – cheese, flavoured yoghurt and even ice cream. The high amount of sugar & saturated fat can increase the risk of obesity and inflammation in the body. Once you start taking the dairy-free diet, you can see the difference in your body in a week.
2. Happy stomach
Dairy is often called bad as people have various stomach issues like constipation, gas, upset stomach and bloating, etc. Once a person adopts a dairy-free diet, they can have a ‘happy stomach’ as these conditions improve once you stop having dairy products.
3. Clear skin
Several studies have proven that consumption of dairy products can lead to acne-prone skin. It might be due to the growth hormones present in animal milk. But, once a person stops having milk and related products, their skin will start looking fresh and radiant without a spot of acne or pimples.
4. Reduction in allergic reactions
Many times, people get allergies from dairy products like itchy mouth/lips and even vomiting, which can become painful. In order to avoid such allergies, it is always best to go dairy-free and adopt plant-based milk and related products in their diet.
5. Balanced pH levels
Dairy is an acid-forming product that interferes with our gut’s natural pH balance. Increased levels of acidity can make their way up to our oesophagus which causes acid reflux. Also, when mil products are consumed for a longer duration, it can lead to Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease(GERD), which can become fatal for the body. When a person stops having dairy products, the pH level of the body is balanced which helps in removing the risk of such diseases.
Dairy-free alternatives
One can opt for plant-based milk which itself has several options to choose from. From soy milk, coconut milk to almond milk & cashew milk, etc., one can find several varieties of plant-based milk.
Conclusion
The benefits of a dairy-free diet are immense, but how long can you cut dairy from your diet, it all depends from person to person. There is no way possible to find out whether a dairy-free diet can work for you or not. You might be surprised to know that cutting off dairy completely from your diet can increase the chances of osteoporosis and thyroid dysfunction. Thus, when opting for a diet, always talk to your nutritionist and dietician before opting for any such diet.
