Dairy Products And The Health Issues Arising Out Of Its Heavy Consumption

By Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan
Total Articles: 6
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Abstract
One of the most nutritious and valuable foods is milk. Milk is enjoyed in natural form and is used to make a variety of products called dairy products. Variety of animals like cows, sheep, goats, camels, buffaloes are the source for milk. But in our country cows and buffaloes are important sources. Casein, which is the basic part of cheese, is an important protein content in cow’s milk. Milk is the most necessary part of the diet of 6 billion people. The main concern these days is increasing lactose intolerance among individuals. This may lead to multiple problems. Due to such conditions people either switch the consumption of milk without opting for the other alternatives and this may lead to multiple deficiencies in the human body. Milk and other dairy products have multiple benefits if mankind uses them wisely and moderately and vice versa. The products of milk are loaded with calcium, vitamins and oligosaccharides having prominent health benefits. In this article we will discuss ...
... dairy products, the health issues after heavy dairy consumption and alternatives for the dairy.    
Introduction
Dairy products are the products of the composition of milk and the microorganisms. These microorganisms grow in the milk. The dairy products are fermented by lactic acid bacteria as they are able to change the lactose to lactic acid. Lactic acid is efficient to raise the acidity, help in coagulation of protein and stop the growth of other organisms which are undesirable. Hence dairy products are formed from the combined contribution of milk, the microorganisms and the process involved. Milk is a complete food and a good source of fat and protein. Milk and other dairy products are the main constituents of diet. Cow milk is designated as best in ayurveda after mother’s milk. Milk is one of the important meal sources in infants.    
Dairy Products Types

Milk
Cream
Butter (ghee)
Cheese
Casein

1. Milk
A milk glass is considered as a full meal, as it is composed of 9 essential nutrients. We all have been familiar with milk benefits since childhood. It is the most valuable food item narrated by our parents and grandparents. Milk strengthens the overall body. It is an ultimate source of energy. Milk helps to fulfill the demands of calcium and assists to make bones and teeth healthy. Milk helps to reduce the risk of obesity and promotes skin glow. It is a valuable source to pacify depression and promotes hydration. It is a rich source to improve Vitamin-D storage in the body. Milk consists of about 80 to 90 percent.  The Remaining 10 percent of milk is composed of important nutrients like fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. In cow milk the composition is 87 percent of water, protein which is 3-4 percent, 4.5 percent fat, 4.5 percent milk sugar i.s. lactose. Milk is one of the best; most used and processed milk products. In liquid milk there are products like pasteurized milk, standardized milk, reconstituted milk, and skimmed milk. Mother’s milk is called colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk of a baby. In Ayurveda it is mentioned as amritam (rejuvenator). Milk is one of the most consumed dairy products. It is loaded with ample properties. The above mentioned products have their own properties. Condensed milk is formed via evaporation, it is concentrated in nature. Liquid milk has products like pasteurized, standardized milk, ultra- high- temperature, and milk that is fortified. Milk is the base of the whole dairy industry. Different products have different fat content. The skim milk is zero in fat and other milk products have different levels of fat.
2. Cream
Cream is a well known dairy product made up of a fat layer. Cream is obtained from the top of unhomogenised milk. It can be made in households as well as in large scale industries. In the industries centrifugation process is done in the large containers to separate the cream from milk. Different types of creams are there as light cream which includes 20 percent fact, a whipping cream which includes 30 percent fat. Other major types are heavy cream with 36 percent fat and double cream having 48 percent fat. Cream in density is lighter than water and on the un-homogenized surface it floats. The concept behind high density of skim milk is because some fat remains while skimming the milk. Protein in cream is 2.7gm which is 5 percent of the whole composition. Cream is rich in fat and a centrifugation process is done to extract the cream from the milk. This is also called skimming. The part of milk that is comparatively rich in milk fat; is extracted by skimming or centrifuging the milk. The products of cream are prepared cream, whipping cream, cream formed under pressure and liquid cream.
3. Ghee
Ghee is clarified butter. Butter is prepared by churning the fat of milk or the cream. Ghee is obtained after removing the water content from the butter. Cow ghee is best anupana (Adjuvant) for many ayurvedic medicines. It is also used in almost all Indian households. The shelf life of ghee is very long. Ayurveda has a concept of Purana ghrita which indicates multiple health benefits.
4. Cheese
Cheese is a well known dairy product. Cheese as we know is available in multiple flavors and formed by milk coagulation. It consists of fat and proteins coagulated from milk. Cheese is formed from fermentation of milk. Fermentation is a simple process in which production of sugar takes place. This sugar is called lactose and acid used in fermentation is called lactic acid. Fermentation occurs when milk is added with acid specifically with lactic acid. Cheese is embedded with 25 gm protein which is 50 percent of the whole composition.
5. Casein
The chief protein in milk is casein. Casein is extracted by skimmed milk after the process of centrifugation. The bacteria used to extract the casein from skimmed milk are lactic acid bacteria. The process is natural and free from synthetic additives.
Benefits of Dairy Products
Dairy products have multiple benefits:

Dairy products contain calcium therefore promote bone strength.
Dairy promotes digestion due to the presence of probiotics.
Strengthen the immune system and in moderate intake promotes good cholesterol.
Dairy products promote the dental health
Balances the hormones and increases the muscle mass due to presence of casein

Side Effects of Dairy Products
Milk can be contaminated by various bacterias. These bacterias may include Streptococcus lactis, Achrmobacter, Bacillus subtilis and Coliform bacteria. The fraud sources produce synthetic milk which may contain harmful chemicals like urea. The feed or injectables given to dairy animals for increasing the production of milk is also harmful. Some people may suffer heavily due to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is one of the important things to consider. The lactose intolerance can be of two types– primary and secondary lactose intolerance. Primary lactose intolerance can be there due to the deficiency of lactase or low lactose. This can be due to some diseases, any pathology or impaired condition of the intestine may lead to low production levels of lactase.   Infection or celiac diseases may cause this problem. This may lead to digestive issues because of poor digestion of dairy. Bloating, diarrhoea, loose stools are the associated symptoms. Dairy products may lead to cancer growth in the body due to the presence of synthetic derivatives. The food of cattle, the disease free environment is very important for the good digestion of milk. The quality and standard of milk depends on the health of cattle and the feed given to him. The fresher the grass and feed, the better will be the milk. It may lead to serious problems. Following are some of the side effects of dairy:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Obesity
Atherosclerosis
Raised levels of bad cholesterol
Fatty liver
Indigestion
Cancer 

Alternatives of Dairy
The term milk is also designated for non-animal white color resembling milk in texture like soy milk, almond milk, milk of rice, coconut milk. There are multiple reasons people are moving from dairy products. The main reasons are good health and to lower down the impact on the planet. Following planet based sources can be the alternatives for the dairy products.
Milk Alternatives

Almond Milk– It is one of the best milk alternatives which is easy to make, low cost and super delicious, easy to make, low cost and super delicious. An almond milk cup contains 39 calories, 2.5 gm fat and 1 gm protein. These days almond milk is a good alternative for dairy. It also promotes soothing effects, nourishes the body channels, a good source of proteins and multivitamins, nourishes the hair, promotes skin glow.
Soy Milk– Soy milk is best for those who are intolerant to dairy products or having lactose intolerance. Composition of 1 cup of soy milk contains protein which is 7 gm, fat which is 4gm and 80 calories.
Coconut Milk– Coconut milk has the texture same as the milk of cow. One cup of coconut milk is composed of 74 calories, 9 gm of proteins and fat approximately 5 gm. Due to the creamy texture of coconut milk it is beneficial for the colon and widely advised in the problem associated with inflamed gut.
Rice Milk– The rice milk can be used as an alternative for dairy products. The composition of 1 cup of rice milk is 113 calories, (1 gm of proteins) 2 gm of fat. Rice milk is also advised in female problems, excessive burning sensation in the body.
Other alternatives of milk which can be used are oat milk, hemp milk, flax milk, cashew milk, and tiger nut milk. 

Butter Alternatives
Alternatives of butter are Coconut oil, Olive oil, Avocado oil, Sesame oil etc. These alternatives of butter are widely used by people who want to avoid dairy due to their own specific concerns.
Cheese Alternatives
Alternatives of cheese are soft cheese, hard cheese and nutritional cheese. Dairy free yogurt can be used. Dairy free yogurt can be manufactured by using yogurt kits. Dairy free ice cream can be used as an alternative for milk ice cream. 
Health Benefits of going Dairy Free

Less or no symptoms of lactose intolerance like bloating, pain, diarrhea or loose stools, gas, stomach issues.
Lesser the danger of hormones and steroids present in the synthetic milk.
Less risk of cancer due to packed milk or injectables.
Ethical concerns of people who are vegan. Plant based dairy is a friendly approach for vegan people.

Conclusion
Milk or other associated dairy products are best as they are loaded with a variety of nutrients but it is important to keep in mind the above mentioned side effects. Plant based sources of protein can be used instead of dairy to keep the body healthy. Development of food, specifically functional food, is dependent on dairy. The personal health concerns or adulteration in dairy food deviates the masses towards planet based sources. People who are vegan also avoid animal based sources. Although there is adulteration in products yet the natural milk is still the favorite and most preferred choice among the person of each age group. It is important we have to prefer the natural sources as well as planet based sources. In case of any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com.

Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD - Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book "Ayurveda – God’s Manual For Healing". He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments with the help of Purest Herbal Supplements, Diet, and Lifestyle, according to the Principles of Ayurveda. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.