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As children, we were often told that milk is great for our health, so much so that we were asked to consume large quantities. That’s because it is a good source of calcium and contributes to healthy bones. No wonder then we assume that milk is beneficial for our health, and will impact us positively. But did you know drinking too much milk can cause more damage than good? Yes, there are side effects of milk too.
According to a study conducted in 2014, it was found that women who drink three or more glasses of milk every day almost doubled their risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s not all—it also increased their risk of cancer by 44%. The study’s lead author, Karl Michaelsson, a Swedish professor of surgical sciences, went on to say, “The study findings have, for myself, been strong enough to cut down on my milk consumption.”
It’s time to delve deep into the side-effects of over consuming milk, but before that let’s understand how much milk is good for us.
Research suggests that people over the age of nine should drink three cups of milk every day. That’s because milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, phosphorus. vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, protein, potassium, zinc, choline, magnesium, and selenium.
But there are some people who must stay away from milk completely, these include those who are lactose-intolerant. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme in the body called lactase, which breaks down lactose found in milk and is essential for its complete digestion.
In fact, those who suffer from lactose-intolerance suffer from abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea.
As per the American National Institutes of Health, 65% of adults have some form of lactose intolerance. Nausea is one of the biggest symptoms, and in extreme cases, vomiting can happen after consuming any form of dairy that contains lactose, including milk, ice-cream and cheese.
This is a symptom that is not just seen in those who are lactose-intolerant, but even other people. Drinking too much milk can cause digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. If your body is not able to break down lactose properly, it travels through the digestive system and is broken down by gut bacteria. Because of this reason, gassiness and other digestive issues can happen.
It is believed that the milk that is available today contains growth and milk-production-regulating hormones. This is known to worsen acne by disrupting insulin regulation through something called insulin-like growth factor-1. Unlike popular perception, skim milk can make your acne worse, which is why it is better to go for full-fat cow milk, which is generally not injected with hormones.
There’s very little research on this, but some go on to say that too much milk can cause certain types of cancers like prostate or breast cancer. Most of these studies are epidemiological, which means that they look at trends in consumption and illness in people over time.
So ladies, do not go overboard with milk, because it might cause more harm than good!
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An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More
