Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health and especially needed during adolescence when bone-building peaks, between ages 12 and 15.
Benefits of adequate calcium include:
- Preventing osteoporosis
- Protecting against toxicity by decreasing l ead absorption in the intestines
- Protecting growing babies from lead deposits in expecting mothers
But are dairy products the best source of calcium for the general public?
Despite aggressive marketing by the dairy industry, the verdict is still out as to whether milk really builds healthy bones. The facts remain that many people are intolerant or sensitive to dairy, as milk is one of the major contributors to food allergies and sensitivities. Beyond that, milk is high in sugar (lactose) and often offered in quantities that exceed the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Consumption of cow’s milk has been associated with several chronic issues. In children, dairy has been linked to:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Recurrent ear infections
- Sleep disorders
- Acne
- Trigger development of Type-1 Diabetes
Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to get enough calcium in your diet! Try swapping cow’s milk or dairy products for:
- Organic goat or sheep’s milk products
- Plant-based milk (almond, hemp, flax, etc.)
- Sardines
- Organic tofu
- Sesame seeds
- Leafy greens
- Chia seeds
- White, pinto, or navy beans
- Figs
- Oranges
Reach out to our office if you’d like to learn more about how to promote and maintain bone health without milk or dairy products!
