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Dairy has sparked alot of controversy. Some claim that dairy is healthy if it is pasteurized, low-fat and eaten in moderation (www.mypyramid.gov), some say that plenty of raw, full fat dairy is a health food (www.westonaprice.org), while others insist that the only good dairy is no dairy at all (www.pcrm.org).

The United States consumes more dairy compared to other countries world wide. We have been told all these years that milk is great source of Calcium, a mineral essential for bone health yet studies have shown that countries with high milk consumption have high osteoporosis rates. Countries with low rates of milk consumption have low rates of osteoporosis. Africa for instance, where not much or any milk is consumed has just a plant-based diet and no weak bones. They get their calcium from plants.

Let’s look at how milk is processed in the U.S. Most dairy in the U.S. comes from factory farms, where the cows are fed products not natural to a cow’s diet such as grain, corn, and soy (GMO feed). The milk from grain-fed cows are high in Omega-6 fatty acids, which most Americans over consume. Cows are grazing animals that naturally feed on grass. Their milk contains vitamin D, which in turn balances out the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Milk sold in the store is fortified with vitamin D2 , a form the body does not utilize. Raw dairy, which has not been pasteurized, but grass fed contain naturally occurring vitamin D3. Legally in this country, milk must be pasteurized to reduce the exposure of pathogens from the cow that could make you sick.

Non-organic milk can also contain harmful, synthetic contaminates like antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides. So if you drink milk, organic is obviously a better choice. Please note that even organic dairy contains naturally occurring growth hormones. Raw milk is the best choice and should come from a farmer you know and trust. This is the only was to drink milk if you are interested in protecting your health.

We are all different. Certain blood types may do well with dairy but others like mine type O, not so well.From my personal experience, my symptoms decreased when I stopped eating dairy products. While I was never a fan of milk growing up, it was hard to give up cheese, yogurt and ice cream. The excessive mucus, allergies, sinus infections, congestion and skin rashes went away. So it was worth it!