5 Benefits That May Encourage You To Adopt A Dairy-Free Diet
Image Credit: Unsplash

A dairy-free lifestyle may appear appealing to environmentalists, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. We've all heard from our elders that "drinking milk makes us stronger," but is this actually true? Because of their lifestyle, many people have developed an aversion to milk and associated products these days, paving the way for dairy-free solutions on the market. In this post, we'll look at the different advantages of going dairy-free, as well as the differences between lactose-free meals and alternatives.

A common confusion out there currently is that does dairy-free and lactose-free mean the same? The answer is a resounding NO. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in dairy products, and the term "lactose-free" signifies that the lactose component was removed during the manufacturing process. Dairy-free refers to "anything that does not contain dairy."

1. Aids Weight Loss

Adopting a dairy-free diet will help you lose weight because most dairy products contain a lot of saturated fat and sugar, such as cheese, flavoured yoghurt, and even ice cream. The high sugar and saturated fat content can raise the risk of obesity and inflammation in the body. Within a week of beginning the dairy-free diet, you will notice a difference in your body.

2. Improves Digestive Health

Dairy is sometimes vilified because it causes stomach problems such as constipation, gas, upset stomach, and bloating. When a person switches to a dairy-free diet, they can experience a "happy stomach," since these symptoms improve when dairy products are eliminated.

3. Improves Skin

Several studies have shown that eating dairy products might cause acne-prone skin. It could be because of the growth hormones included in cow milk. However, if a person discontinues the use of milk and associated products, their skin will appear fresh and radiant, free of acne and pimples.

4. Balanced pH Levels

Dairy is an acid-forming food that disrupts our gut's normal pH equilibrium. Increased acidity can make its way up to our oesophagus, causing acid reflux. Furthermore, consuming mil products for an extended period of time can result in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which can be devastating to the body. When a person discontinues the consumption of dairy products, the pH level of the body is restored, reducing the risk of such disorders.

5. Fewer Allergic Reactions

Dairy products frequently cause allergic reactions such as itching mouth/lips and even vomiting, which can be uncomfortable. To avoid such allergies, it is usually advisable to avoid dairy and instead consume plant-based milk and related products.

Dairy-Free Diet Alternatives

One can choose plant-based milk, which comes in a variety of flavours including soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and cashew milk. The advantages of a dairy-free diet are numerous, but how long you can go without dairy depends on individual circumstances. There is no way to know whether or not a dairy-free diet will work for you. You might be surprised to learn that eliminating dairy from your diet can increase your risk of osteoporosis and thyroid malfunction. Thus, before embarking on any diet, always consult with your nutritionist and dietitian.