Elephant bones don't rely on dairy

There’s been lots of debate lately about whether dairy is all it’s cracked up to be. As I discussed in one of my recent posts (Thinking about doing a cleanse?), cleanses are all the rage right now. And you’d be hard-pressed to find one that includes dairy. There’s a whole host of reasons why. A few of the biggest ones:

• Around 75 percent of the world’s population is unable to properly digest dairy (it’s called lactose intolerance and apparently many more of us suffer from it than we realize!)
• Dairy can contribute to health problems including allergies, sinus issues, constipation and ear infections.

As is the case with anything related to food these days, these claims are challenged as much as they are supported. But think about this: humans are the only mammals that consume the milk of another animal. Hmmmmm…. (and ewwwwww if you think too too hard!)

So why do we consume it?

Ask most people and they'll give you a one-word answer: calcium. No calcium = weak bones. And that is true. Calcium is also essential for your bloodstream, because it helps keeps your pH steady and therefore illness at bay. But let’s not be misled into thinking dairy is the sole source of calcium. Think about some of the biggest-boned animals in the world – elephants, cows, giraffes. These guys are vegetarians. They eat PLANTS. And their bones seem to hold up just fine. Leafy greens are full of calcium.

Let’s also not make the mistake of thinking that calcium = bones. We often overlook the other essential nutrients our bones depend on. There is a bunch. And thankfully, lots of ways to get them.

• Vitamin D, because without it, calcium isn’t absorbed. (sourced from the sun, lots of different types of fish.)
• Magnesium (sourced from spinach, beans)
• Vitamin K (sourced from many green veggies)
• Protein (sourced from meat (organic, grass-fed a huge bonus!), legumes, nuts)
• Phosphorus (sourced from barley, soybeans, seeds, lentils)
• Potassium (sourced from lots of different types of fruits and veggies)
• And for the purposes of this explanation, let's consider exercise a nutrient as well: our bones depend on a good amount of weight-bearing activities like walking, running, dancing, lifting weights and weight machines.

So as it turns out, the diet required for strong bones is pretty much the same diet that every part of our body is begging for: whole, natural foods, and lots of fruits and veggies. Pretty darn simple when you put it like that, right?

****By the way, I’m not suggesting that dairy is bad for everyone. In fact, I come from a dairy-loving family: bring on the milk, cheese and yogurt as far as we’re concerned. But I am a firm believer that one person’s food is another person’s poison. And with 75% of the world’s population suffering from some degree of lactose-intolerance, it might be worth it to think about eliminating dairy from your diet for a period of time. Notice any changes. Then slowly introduce it back. Notice any changes. Dairy may have an effect you never realized. And if it does, now you know you can find its benefits elsewhere. (Though I’ll admit I would really miss cheese too.)