There is a lot of debate as to whether or not dairy is good for fertility and overall health. My research has led me to the conclusion that dairy is not a necessary food, and avoiding dairy is best for optimal fertility and optimal health.
For a mammal to produce milk the mother needs to have high levels of estrogen in her body to support the milk production. This means all dairy products will have estrogen in them, even if the mom is not given added hormones to increase her milk production. Additionally, the casein protein present in cow dairy products is a common food sensitivity/allergy creating inflammation when consumed.
There are many fertility issues that relate to estrogen dominance, and some of these include: polycysic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, adenomyosis, and luteal phase defect. In men, testosterone levels can be suppressed by too much estrogen, which may impair sperm production.
Where to get your calcium? Leafy greens and legumes provide a rich source of calcium. One cup of kale provides over 100mg of calcium! Additionally, it is very simple to take a calcium supplement to ensure you are not deficient. Research connects dairy to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis. The Canadian government pulled dairy off of their recommended food guide.
Remember, dairy includes milk, cheese, butter, kefir, and yogurt.
I highly recommend making homemade hemp milk. This is the easiest milk substitute to make, and high in plant based protein and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Here is the recipe:
– ¾ cups organic raw hemp hearts
– 6 cups filtered water
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 30 drops liquid stevia (optional)
Blend for 1 minute. NO filtering required. The fiber is pulverized, and the product is a silky, delicious, and nutritious plant based milk. It’s amazing!
