Could Giving Up Milk Mean Better Skin and a Happier Tummy?
Back in 2016, Khloé Kardashian cut dairy from her diet and the entire world was jolted by the results. Considering she credited her slimmer figure and clear skin to a small diet change, the skepticism fits. Khloé was at the beginning of the viral “milk is bad,’ movement, but not the end. These were the early days for the no-dairy movement...not everyone was quick to jump on-board.
Common objections to going ‘dairy-free,’ were nearly all concerning other dairy products. Forget the perfectly suitable non-dairy alternatives that were out, everyone wanted the real thing. Now almost five years later, dairy-alternatives are plentiful and more desirable. Oat Milk brands have passionate cult-followings. And brands like Tofutti make amazing cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. Nevertheless, there are still those who swear America continues to run on dairy (but maybe dairy is merely clinging on with merely great marketing at this point.)
Regardless of the nay-sayers and hung-goers; going dairy-free could work for you. There is substantial research discerning animal-dairy impact on human physiology, but it is not always clear if going dairy-free is the right way to go. So, if you are someone who still drinks milk, we are going to share some reasons to reconsider.
Dairy and Skin
85% of the western preteens and teens have acne. It’s so common most don’t realize it is a skin disease. Scientifically, acne is known as Acne vulgaris.
An article published in PubMed.gov pointed to acne as being a symptom of an insulinotropic-rich western diet. Insulinotropic foods being dairy, potatoes, refined sugar, and grains. In the western diet, these foods make up roughly 50% of what we eat to fuel-up. Essentially, dairy feeds acne vulgaris.
But our diet affects our skin beyond stubborn acne. Inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis are the most prevalent enigma in modern-dermatology, says DermaMedics.com. Studies point to diet as the main culprit.
Ordinary processed-foods pack a caloric-punch, filling us up, but lack sufficient micro-and macronutrient nutrients. This overloading of insulinotropic foods pushes our bodies to respond to chronic conditions. A prime example is how dairy and other insulinotropic foods encourage skin-inflammation, “reduced control of infection, higher rates of cancer, and increased risk for allergic and auto-inflammatory disease,” says researcher Ian A Myles.
So it’s no big wonder that Kholé K’s skin cleared up drastically. If you have skin issues, going dairy free is worth trying.
Dairy and the Link To Gut Dysbiosis
Dairy comes with its benefits and its cons, its complex makeup means it is both packed with nutrients we need and don’t need. From a nutritional standpoint, it’s controversial to say it is or isn’t harmful to have dairy in our diet. For example, yogurt and Kiefer (both dairy derivates) can help increase helpful gut microbes and milk could decrease helpful microbes. In the same turn, yogurt and Keifer also decreased Bacteroides Fragilis which causes food poisoning and cholera, while milk did not.
Gut Dysbiosis is when one gut bacteria is over-ran by another bacteria causing an unhealthy balance, it shouldn’t be confused with Leaky Gut Syndrome. The latter being related to the hyper-permeability of the bowels.
Gut Dysbiosis symptoms are related to digestion irritabilities. The condition manifests in “frequent gas and/or bloating, cramping, constipation, mucus in the stool, and diarrhea.” To more peculiar symptoms like rashes, fatigue, depression, and brain fog.
Doctors and researchers are finding a significant link between diet and overall health. What you eat impacts not only your weight but your mood, skin, and ability to fight off infections. Your gut health is a big deal.